Launch of Deep Tech in Africa Program
Gaborone, Botswana – September 10, 2025 – The MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship has unveiled its Deep Tech in Africa program, created in collaboration with the Government of Botswana and co-designed with Material Impact. This initiative empowers leading scientists from across Africa to transform their advanced research into scalable enterprises that address pressing issues in health, renewable energy, agriculture, and mining, both on the continent and beyond.
Customized Mentorship for Innovators
Participants in the program will benefit from tailored mentorship provided by MIT faculty, pioneering deep tech entrepreneurs, and Material Impact, a Boston-based venture capital firm with over $750 million in assets under management. Material Impact has a proven history of successfully commercializing deep technologies. These innovations, rooted in science and engineering, possess the transformative potential required to tackle Africa’s most significant challenges while advancing the continent towards a knowledge-based economy.
From Research to Commercialization
The program includes an immersive in-person experience in Gaborone, followed by ongoing virtual interactions. Teams will be instructed on how to transition from research to commercialization, covering essential areas such as crafting compelling narratives for investors, developing operational and funding strategies, and honing their value propositions. Africa is home to a wealth of talented innovators capable of reshaping global industries. However, many breakthroughs stagnate in laboratories due to a lack of commercialization skills, leadership, and supportive networks.
Addressing Challenges with Education and Support
Dina H. Sherif, executive director of the MIT Kuo Sharper Center, emphasized the importance of deep technology in solving urgent global challenges. “By equipping African scientists with the right education, networks, and resources, they can develop innovations that promote prosperity both locally and globally,” she stated.
Partnership for Disruptive Solutions
Adam Sharkawy, co-founder and managing partner of Material Impact, highlighted the necessity for bold, transformative solutions in today’s world. He remarked, “Combining MIT’s global expertise with Material Impact’s pragmatic approach to enterprise development, this program aims to empower African entrepreneurs to convert local breakthroughs into enduring companies that effectuate meaningful change on both a local and global scale.”
Botswana’s Commitment to Innovation
The selection of Botswana as the host for the Deep Tech program reflects the nation’s strong commitment to fostering science-driven entrepreneurship and innovation. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing Africa’s competitiveness in the global market and aligns with Botswana’s goal to establish itself as a leading hub for entrepreneurship and innovation while steering the continent towards a knowledge-based economy.
Eligibility for Applicants
The program welcomes early-stage teams from various African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Egypt, Botswana, and South Africa. Applicants should be driven to transform industries through deep technology, working on scientifically backed ventures with robust intellectual property or advanced research, and ready to explore or initiate the commercialization of their innovations.
Application Information
Interested teams can apply until September 30, 2025. For more details, visit the application portal.
About the MIT Kuo Sharper Center
The MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship, formerly the MIT Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship, is a respected institution focused on fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship in global growth markets. By offering leadership and venture-building education, personalized mentorship, and access to a vibrant global community, the Center equips entrepreneurs with the tools necessary to build and scale impactful ventures that address the most pressing global issues. With over 400 alumni and numerous community members, the Center seeks to reshape perceptions of growth markets—often labeled as “emerging markets” or “global south”—to highlight their potential for abundance and opportunity.
About Material Impact
Material Impact is dedicated to cultivating groundbreaking ideas and developing deep technology companies that utilize materials science to address significant real-world challenges sustainably and effectively. To learn more, please visit their website.
