HAIDI Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Program 2026 – YOA

Deadline: July 17, 2026

Applications are invited for the HAIDI Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Program 2026. The Hub for Artificial Intelligence and Disability Inclusion (HAIDI) Innovation Track is inviting African innovators, researchers, builders, startups, and organizations to apply for an 18-month catalytic assist programme designed to scale accountable AI options that advance incapacity inclusion throughout the continent.

People with disabilities proceed to face important boundaries in accessing companies, alternatives, and knowledge, typically attributable to techniques that aren’t designed with accessibility in thoughts. AI presents a strong OPPORTUNITY to shut this hole, however solely when it’s developed and deployed responsibly, with direct enter from incapacity communities and grounded in inclusive design ideas.

This observe helps put up-MVP AI improvements which can be already in use and display clear potential to scale impression. Selected ventures will work carefully with incapacity communities throughout Africa to check, refine, and strengthen their options, making certain they’re usable, related, and impactful in actual-world contexts.

Benefits

Ventures chosen for HAIDI Innovation and scaling programme will acquire entry to:

• A non-fairness, milestone-based mostly funding of KES 5,000,000
• Hands-on technical assist and training from incapacity and innovation consultants tailor-made to your answer
• HAIDI’s Live Lab community to check and validate your answer immediately with PWD communities 
• Business mannequin, go to market and investor readiness assist to maneuver your enterprise from traction to scale
• Strategic partnerships and linkages with funders, governments, well being techniques, employers, and training establishments
• Continental visibility via the HAIDI platform and the broader AI4D ecosystem

Eligibility

• Inclusive AI enterprise legally registered in any African nation
• Post-MVP or market-prepared – your answer has been constructed, examined with actual customers, and exhibits proof of traction
• Using AI or machine studying as a core driver of impression for Persons with Disabilities or their caregivers
• Operating in Education, Employment, Mental Health, Caregiving & Independence, or different AI-enabled Assistive Technology
• Committed to co-creation and significant involvement of Persons with Disabilities in your answer

Application

Click here to apply

For extra info, go to HAIDI Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Program.