The Deep Learning Indaba, an organisation that supports and strengthens Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa, is inviting African startups to submit applications for the African Startup Track, scheduled to take place in Nigeria in August 2026.
Application is open to individuals who are passionate about AI and its impact on the continent, from newcomers and students to established professionals and researchers, startups based or operating in Africa that are meaningfully using AI and machine learning to solve challenges in health, agriculture, finance, education, and other sectors, whether at the minimum viable product (MVP) stage or already scaling.
The Deep Learning Indaba is an annual gathering that brings together hundreds of researchers, innovators, students, and practitioners from across Africa and beyond to share knowledge, strengthen machine learning and AI capacity, and celebrate African excellence in these fields.
Each year, the event is hosted in a different African country and features lectures, practical sessions, research presentations, community events, and collaborative opportunities aimed at building a vibrant and connected AI community across the continent.
As Africa’s premier AI gathering, Indaba is providing a continental stage for innovators leveraging machine learning to solve real-world challenges.
Candidate will have the opportunity to present a Startup Pitch Session to Indaba sponsors and partners for feedback and mentorship, participate in the African Startups Showcase through lightning talks and panel discussions on scaling AI in Africa, receive exhibition space and mentorship opportunities to network with researchers and industry leaders, and gain long-term visibility through an Elevator Pitch Video featured on the Indaba YouTube channel.
Applications are also open to students at undergraduate, master’s, or PhD level interested in machine learning, data science, or AI, researchers working in academia or industry, professionals and entrepreneurs applying AI in their work or startups, educators and mentors strengthening AI capacity in their communities, and community builders leading AI or data science initiatives in their regions.
Candidates are selected from across Africa and beyond and are exposed to global leaders in AI, helping them build networks for future research and innovation while providing opportunities to showcase their own work.
Indaba strives for diversity across countries, backgrounds, gender, and experience levels to ensure that every voice contributes to Africa’s AI story.
The application process requires submission of an online form consisting of five sections, which include Demographics, Financial Support, Background Information, Previous Attendance, and Additional Information. Applications are reviewed by members of the applications committee, and all applicants will be informed of their status once the review process is complete, with notifications sent out in batches.
Application closes on March 20, 2026, interested candidates can apply via https://forms.gle/gq6pwK4eHwLohv9r8.
More information about the 2026 event is available at https://deeplearningindaba.com/2026/.
