The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation just announced the 10 semi-finalists for the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing, a $2 million total prize.
What’s happening
- Each of the 10 teams is receiving $50,000 in unrestricted funding.
- The goal is to fuel innovations that drive inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across Africa.
- The prize is targeting established, scalable companies with Series A+ traction, a track record of over two years, and a clear commitment to job and workforce development in the manufacturing sector.
- Big Picture: AI is projected to add nearly $3 trillion to Africa’s economy between 2024 and 2033. This prize aims to accelerate that growth.
The Next Step
- The semi-finalists will pitch their innovations at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit, December 4–5, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- They’ll be evaluated on commercial viability, market scalability, and more.
- Five finalists will advance.
- The stakes: A $1 million Grand Prize will be awarded at the 2026 Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, along with a $250,000 runner-up prize.
The 10 Semifinalists
The companies are focused on areas from waste recycling to industrial digitization and climate-smart infrastructure.
| Company | Based In | What They Do |
| BleagLee | Cameroon | Uses AI to identify and transform plastic, agri, and e-waste into high-value recycled polymers and materials. |
| DataProphet | South Africa | Provides industrial intelligence and advisory solutions for machine builders and manufacturers. |
| Digitech Oasis Limited | UK | Develops AI and robotic systems to modernize warehouse and fulfillment operations. |
| Freshpack Technologies | Tanzania | Pioneers AI-powered cold-storage to significantly reduce food waste in Africa’s informal markets. |
| GreenBDG Africa | South Africa | Offers tech-enabled, climate-smart infrastructure and energy optimization for real estate and manufacturing. |
| INDOS | Egypt | Transforms labor-intensive manufacturing floors into AI-powered, data-driven environments to boost quality and productivity. |
| Spiro | UAE | Manufactures eco-friendly electric transportation to provide accessible and affordable mobility solutions. |
| Thola Inc. | US | Provides an AI-powered software platform for real-time energy monitoring, forecasting, and ESG insights for industrial facilities. |
| Torchit | India | Designs and manufactures affordable, AI-powered assistive technologies for people with disabilities, focusing on mobility and literacy. |
| Toto Safi Limited | Rwanda | An AI-enabled, circular textile manufacturing platform for women-led cooperatives producing reusable hygiene products. |
Their own Words:
“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.”
— Emily Musil, PhD, managing director at the Milken Institute
The Final Word: The Milken-Motsepe prize program, now in its fourth year, is continuing to deploy capital and a global network to scale ideas poised to revolutionize manufacturing value chains and create jobs across the continent and beyond.
