Physical Address
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Deadline: July 31, 2025
The 2026 Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing is an ambitious global competition designed to accelerate the development of AI-driven solutions in manufacturing that increase economic opportunity and productivity across Africa and emerging markets. Jointly launched by the Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation, the prize seeks to incentivize bold innovators, startups, researchers, and organizations developing transformative AI technologies that can solve manufacturing challenges.
This multi-stage 2026 Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing competition invites global applicants to pitch, develop, and implement cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies that drive sustainable and inclusive industrial growth, with a focus on improving the lives of workers, entrepreneurs, and underserved communities.
Benefits
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing offers $2 million in prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize.
- Semi-Finalists: Ten (10) Semi-Finalists will receive $50,000 each.
- Finalists: Five (5) Finalists will receive $30,000 each.
- Final awards: One company will receive $1 million Grand Prize; One company will receive $250,000 Runner-Up Prize; and One company will receive $100,000 Most Advanced Use of 4IR Prize.
SEE ALSO: Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program 2026/2027 (Fully Funded to the United States)
Eligibility Criteria
The Milken-Motsepe Prize is seeking companies:
- 2+ years in operation
- Series A+ in funding
- Operating in Africa’s manufacturing sector
- Advancing workforce and job growth
The following individuals or companies are not eligible to participate:
- Any individual or entity organized or with primary residence in a country embargoed by the USA
- Any individual or entity listed on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, or other sanctions lists administered by any agency or department of the United States government
- Any current or recent employee or immediate family member of an employee of the Milken Institute or the Motsepe Foundation
Application Process and Documents Required
Application Submission & Semi-Finalist Announcement
Teams submit their designs and business models. An independent panel of expert judges will select 10 teams to advance in the competition as semi-finalists. Each semi-finalist team will then receive $50,000.
Pitch Event & Finalist Announcement
Semi-Finalists will pitch their innovations to industry leaders and decision-makers. A panel of judges will select five teams to advance as Finalists and receive $30,000 each.
Grand Prize Submission & Announcement
Finalist companies will submit materials for the grand prize submission (as outlined in the rules). The winning team will receive $1 million, the runner-up will receive a $250,000 Runner-Up prize, and a team will receive $100,000 for the Most Advanced Use of 4IR.
The Grand Prize winner will be awarded and celebrated in May 2026.
