Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Deadline: July 1, 2025
The timbuktoo ManuTech Hub Cohort Two 2025 is now open for applications! Spearheaded by the UNDP timbuktoo initiative and hosted in Senegal, this accelerator program is designed to support early-stage and growth-stage African startups that are transforming the manufacturing and industrial sector through innovation and technology.
The timbuktoo ManuTech Hub Cohort is part of the broader timbuktoo initiative, a Pan-African startup ecosystem by UNDP that aims to empower Africa’s youth and entrepreneurs by bridging the gap between innovation, funding, and industrialization.
Benefits
- ManuTech Hub offers fully sponsored, hands-on training designed around the real needs of African manufacturing startups.
- Seasoned industry mentors guide product refinement, market strategy, and cross‑border expansion.
- Each business can unlock equity‑free funding capital that lets you grow without giving up ownership.
SEE ALSO: Afreximbank Flagship Accelerator Program for Young African Entrepreneurs
Eligibility Criteria
The call is open to technology-focused (manufacturing and manufacturing technology) startup founders across Africa aged between 18 and 35, who are building tech-based startups in ManuTech and manufacturing that meet the following criteria:
- Technology-enabled solution: Your startup must have a technology-enabled solution at its core, utilizing digital tools and platforms to drive innovation and efficiency in the manufacturing sector
- Innovation and uniqueness: Novel approach to solving manufacturing challenges, potential for disruptive impact in the manufacturing sector.
- Technical feasibility: Sound technical basis for the solution, realistic development timeline.
- Scalability: Startups should demonstrate high potential for growth and investment, with a clear business model, proven market traction, openness to mentorship, and the ability to scale rapidly through digital or multi-market distribution.”
Startups in the following areas are highly encouraged to apply, although the application is not limited to this list:
Manufacturing technologies: Startups that are working on manufacturing execution systems, robotics and automation, machine health monitoring, maintenance management systems and industrial internet-of-things.
Manufacturing: Technology enabled and innovative manufacturing in priority sectors i.e. agro-processing, food and beverage, textile and apparel and leather good manufacturing.
Note: Applications are not restricted to the four sectors mentioned above and is open to promising ventures from other industries as well.
