The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation have unveiled the 10 semifinalist teams advancing in the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing, each receiving $50,000 in unrestricted funding to accelerate their work in transforming Africa’s manufacturing value chains through advanced technology.
The announcement highlights innovations with the potential to create inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across the continent, where artificial intelligence is projected to add nearly $3 trillion to the economy between 2024 and 2033.
The semifinalists will showcase their solutions at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit, taking place on December 4–5, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. They will pitch to a panel of judges and investors who will evaluate projects on their commercial viability, operational economics, technological integration, and market scalability.
Five teams will advance to the final round, culminating in a $1 million Grand Prize announcement at the 2026 Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles. Additional prizes include a $250,000 runner-up award and a $100,000 honor for the most advanced use of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
“By focusing on AI and manufacturing, this award identifies and supports visionary teams transforming industry with advanced technologies, which has a multiplying effect by creating economic opportunity for communities across Africa,”
said Emily Musil, PhD, managing director at the Milken Institute.
The 10 Semifinalists
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BleagLee (Cameroon) – AI-powered waste management and recycling.
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DataProphet (South Africa) – Industrial intelligence and production optimization solutions.
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Digitech Oasis Limited (UK) – Robotics and industrial automation for warehouse modernization.
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Freshpack Technologies (Tanzania) – AI-driven cold storage solutions to reduce food waste.
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GreenBDG Africa (South Africa) – Climate-smart infrastructure and energy optimization.
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INDOS (Egypt) – Industrial digitization for AI-powered, data-driven manufacturing floors.
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Spiro (UAE) – Eco-friendly electric mobility solutions.
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Thola Inc. (USA) – AI-based energy monitoring and ESG performance insights.
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Torchit (India) – Affordable, AI-powered assistive technologies for persons with disabilities.
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Toto Safi Limited (Rwanda) – AI-enabled circular textile manufacturing for reusable hygiene products.
Now in its fourth year, the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program has attracted more than 12,000 innovators from 136 countries, supporting solutions in sectors ranging from agriculture to fintech. The AI and Manufacturing edition continues this mission by spotlighting scalable companies with at least two years of African operations, Series A+ traction, and a proven commitment to job creation and workforce development.
With $2 million in prizes and global visibility on the line, the semifinalist teams represent a new wave of innovators redefining how Africa can harness AI to accelerate industrial transformation and unlock economic opportunity.
