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Deep Learning Indaba, with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Indaba Startup Pitch Competition

Awards $15,000 in cloud credits to startups pitching at the 2026 Deep Learning Indaba.

Selected startups go through a pre-event coaching process, then in-person mentorship with industry experts, before pitching for three minutes followed by a rapid Q&A with judges. Winners receive their prize plus an invitation to the ITU's AI for Good summit, and are announced at the main Deep Learning Indaba closing ceremony.

The Indaba Startup Pitch Competition, run with the ITU, backs African startups at the Proof of Concept stage or beyond who are ready to grow their venture. It's open to any technology field, judged on the pitch and business potential rather than a specific vertical.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Prize
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.-

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Guides for this application

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