The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its timbuktoo initiative and the timbuktoo MineTech Hub, is accepting applications for its 10-week pre-incubation and incubation program. Operating across partner UniPods in six African nations, the initiative connects young researchers, engineers, and early-stage entrepreneurs directly with mining sector stakeholders to build, validate, and scale MineTech innovations.
Applicants do not need a finished product or registered business—a clearly defined problem and an initial tech-enabled solution concept are sufficient to get started.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Team Structure: Teams must consist of 2 to 5 members with complementary technical, engineering, or business skills.
- Age Requirement: All team members must be aged 18 to 35.
- Eligible Countries: Applicants must reside and be based in one of six target countries: Botswana, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
- Stage of Idea: Open to early concepts, problem definitions, or working prototypes addressing real-world challenges in mining and mineral exploration.
- Inclusion: Applications from multidisciplinary teams and female innovators are strongly encouraged.
Program Benefits
- Technical Mentorship: Tailored guidance from industry experts, university researchers, and geological specialists.
- Prototype Support: Direct access to UniPod technical labs and MineTech Hub facilities for testing and prototype development.
- Industry Engagement: Opportunities to validate solutions directly with mining companies and technical partners.
- Funding & Venture Support: Business model development, pitch readiness, and potential access to seed funding for prototype scaling.
- Global Ecosystem Access: Connection to investors, researchers, and regional MineTech networks.
What You Need to Submit
- Valid national identification documents for all team members.
- Detailed overview of the proposed MineTech or mineral exploration solution.
- Explanation of the specific mining challenge or UniPod brief your team is addressing.
- Team composition breakdown highlighting key roles, skills, and institutional affiliations.
How to Apply
Submit your team application online through the official platform before October 16, 2026. Apply Now on timbuktoo Portal
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Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and outcomes are not guaranteed.
