BRAIN (Bridging Research and Innovation) is a Pan-African initiative that strengthens DeepTech across the continent by fostering dissemination, acceleration, and connection among scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Its flagship programme, the BRAIN Accelerator, is a one-year hybrid initiative for seed-stage DeepTech startups in Africa—particularly in climate and health—offering tailored mentorship, global exposure, and investment readiness support to help ventures scale to international markets.
Programme Overview
- Startup Phase: Seed
- Duration: 12 months
- Field: DeepTech (with emphasis on climate and health)
- Location: Pan-African
- Format: Hybrid
- Cohorts: 4 planned
- Application Status: Open
Programme Benefits
- Immersive Regional Bootcamp
- In-person training in South Africa
- Collaboration with MIT executive MBA students and global experts
- Intensive mentorship and ecosystem exposure
- Tailored Startup Support
- Customised business and technical mentorship
- Access to international trainers and subject matter experts
- International Immersion Opportunities
- On-demand exposure trips to the US, France, and African markets
- Designed to support strategic growth and expansion
- Global Talent Networks
- Collaboration opportunities with talent from MIT, Ecole Polytechnique, Telecom Paris, and other institutions
- Investor and Funding Support
- Fundraising readiness training
- Pitching sessions, investor engagement, and deal preparation
- Pan-African Innovation Community
- Access to OST’s network of founders, experts, and ecosystem leaders
Eligibility Criteria
Startups applying to the BRAIN Accelerator should meet the following:
- Incorporated in an African country
- Strong Deep Tech innovation rooted in scientific research
- At or near the MVP stage
- Demonstrated pathway toward intellectual property (IP)
- Evidence of early traction or pilot deals
- Initial grants or early-stage funding already secured
- Ambition to scale internationally
Additional Resources
As part of its mission, BRAIN offers resources for the African DeepTech ecosystem, including:
- Pan-African Roundtable White Paper (in collaboration with the MIT Legatum Centre)
- African DeepTech Ecosystem Mapping Study Report
- Interactive Dashboard to explore innovation insights
These tools are designed to foster knowledge-sharing and accelerate DeepTech innovation across the continent.
The BRAIN Accelerator reflects a broader commitment to nurturing Africa’s next wave of DeepTech pioneers. By combining incubation, mentorship, international exposure, and investor readiness, the programme provides a strong foundation for startups addressing pressing challenges in climate and health. With its Pan-African reach and global partnerships, BRAIN is positioned to catalyse a new generation of science-led ventures with international impact.