If you’ve already got an AI solution up and running—and it’s making a real difference—then this opportunity might be the perfect next step for you.
The Lab for Ethics, Policy and Scaling of AI (LEPSAI), part of the African Center for Technology Studies (ACTS), is inviting passionate AI innovators to apply for the AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge.
This isn’t about pitching a new idea—it’s for existing, real-world AI projects that are ready to grow and scale their impact.
A Push for Real-World Impact, Not Just Theories
This initiative focuses on supporting AI solutions already in use that have shown the potential to make a strong social impact.
Your project should be well beyond the idea stage—it needs to be deployed in real-world environments and show clear readiness to expand beyond its current reach.
Unfortunately, early-stage or conceptual projects aren’t eligible at this time.
The challenge is all about taking proven innovations and helping them reach more people in a responsible and sustainable way.
Backed by Global Support for African-Led Solutions
The Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) program, which is supported by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, is at the heart of this challenge.
AI4D is all about building responsible, inclusive, and locally-driven AI ecosystems across Africa.
The goal? Empower African researchers, innovators, and communities to create impactful AI solutions that address the continent’s toughest development challenges—without compromising on safety, ethics, or human rights.
Who Can Apply?
If you’re already working in the AI space and looking to take your innovation to the next level, here’s who’s eligible to apply:
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Individual AI researchers and tech innovators
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Startups and small to mid-sized enterprises (MSMEs/SMEs) working on AI solutions
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Universities and research institutions involved in AI R&D
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Collaborative groups or consortia that bring together multiple players in the AI ecosystem
What’s in It for You?
Selected participants in the challenge will gain access to a host of valuable resources to help them grow and refine their AI innovations:
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Up to $100,000 USD in seed funding, based on your project’s current development level
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Technical support and mentorship through the Scaling of Responsible AI Solutions (SRAIS) network
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Connections and networking opportunities with leading AI experts, industry leaders, researchers, policy makers, and potential investors
Ready to Apply? Here’s How
To throw your hat in the ring, all you need to do is complete the official application template via Submittable.
This includes:
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Your profile – Tell them who you are, your background, and why you’re equipped to lead an AI innovation
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Project concept note – Lay out what your solution does, the challenge it tackles, how you plan to scale it, and what results you’re aiming for
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Initial self-assessment – A quick self-check on how responsibly your AI project is designed and whether it’s truly ready to grow
The deadline to submit your application is September 4, 2025.
Time to Scale Something Great
If your AI project is already making a difference and you’re eager to take it to new heights—ethically, responsibly, and inclusively—then this challenge could be your launchpad.
Let your solution speak for itself, and help shape Africa’s future with AI that truly works for its people.
