The Open Startup Science Road is a 2026 program for ambitious founders in Tech and Deep Tech across Africa. It offers two tracks: Pre-Seed for startups validating their solution and Seed for startups preparing to scale. Participants gain access to tailored training, mentorship, and global exposure.
Open Startup is an initiative that fosters and supports the development of the African entrepreneurship ecosystem. It provides startups with strategic connections, expert guidance, and growth opportunities to help them move to the next stage. The program is supported by a 1% mission-aligned give-back mechanism.
Open Startup Science Road Benefits
- In-Person Training Bootcamp: Intensive, immersive training bootcamps tailored to startups needs.
- Global Exposure: Regional and global exposure to different ecosystems based on startup needs (Africa, US, Europe..)
- Training & Mentorship: Tailored training & personalized mentorship based on startups needs delivered by a pool of regional and global experts.
- Hands-on Support: Continuous, strategic program support including introductions, weekly follow-ups, and technical & talent fellowships.
- Market & Investment Support: Tailored support, investor engagement, corporate connections, commercialization guidance, and fundraising preparation.
- Small Tickets: Selected startups may become eligible for mission-aligned investment tickets of up to $20,000 to support their seed fundraising rounds.
Open Startup Science Road Eligibility Criteria
- Building a technology to solve a demonstrated problem on the continent
- Be incorporated in an African country
- Operate primarily in Africa
- Demonstrate proficiency in English
- Have a committed founding team
- Be available to participate actively in program activities
- Submit a complete application
How to Apply for Open Startup Science Road?
- Apply before January 31st to one of the available tracks.
- For Pre-seed Track: Apply via the provided link.
- For Seed Track: Apply via the provided link.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Open Startup Science Road. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Open Startup Science Road?
The Open Startup Science Road is a 2026 program for ambitious founders in Tech and Deep Tech across Africa. It offers two tracks: Pre-Seed for startups validating their solution and Seed for startups preparing to scale.
Who can apply for the Open Startup Science Road?
Startups building a technology to solve a demonstrated problem on the continent, incorporated in an African country, operating primarily in Africa, with proficiency in English, a committed founding team, and availability to participate actively in program activities.
What are the benefits of the Open Startup Science Road?
Benefits include in-person training bootcamps, global exposure, tailored training and mentorship, hands-on support, market and investment support, and eligibility for mission-aligned investment tickets of up to $20,000.
What is the deadline for the Open Startup Science Road?
The deadline to apply is July 31st, 2026.
How do I apply for the Open Startup Science Road?
You can apply by visiting the official application links provided on the Open Startup website. There are separate links for the Pre-seed Track and the Seed Track.
What is the duration of the Open Startup Science Road programs?
The Pre-seed Track is a 6-month program running from September 2026 to February 2027. The Seed Track is a 1-year program running from November 2026 to November 2027.
What are the focus areas for the Open Startup Science Road?
Open Startup is particularly interested in ventures operating in Climate & Sustainability, AI & Emerging Technologies, Health & Well-being, and other high-impact sectors like FinTech, EdTech, and Logistics.
Is there a cost to participate in the Open Startup Science Road?
Participation is supported by a 1% mission-aligned give-back mechanism via a SWEAT SAFE note, which applies only to startups selected for the second phase of the Seed Program.
What types of startups are eligible for the Pre-seed Track?
Startups with scientific or engineering innovation with a proof of concept or early prototype (typically TRL 3-5), technical validation underway, early market validation, pre-revenue or early revenue stage, and a strong technical founding team.
What types of startups are eligible for the Seed Track?
Startups with validated technology (typically TRL 6+), a clear path to commercialization, demonstrated traction through revenue or funding, proprietary technology or IP strategy, and a strong team preparing for scale.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Scholarships in France 
Scholarships in USA 
Scholarships in South Africa 
Scholarships in Sweden