Here Are The Finalists of The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing

The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation (https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org/) have revealed the 10 semifinalist teams for the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing (https://apo-opa.co/4pL1QFg). Each selected team will receive $50,000 in flexible funding to accelerate projects that foster inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across Africa.

These semifinalists will showcase their solutions at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit, scheduled for December 4–5, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The competition offers a total prize pool of $2 million, in addition to opportunities for mentorship, investor engagement, and international exposure.

The initiative highlights enterprises reshaping Africa’s manufacturing value chains through the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge technologies. AI alone is forecast to contribute nearly $3 trillion to Africa’s economy between 2024 and 2033. The prize targeted established, scalable manufacturing companies with more than two years of active operations in Africa, proven Series A+ investment traction, and a strong focus on advancing workforce opportunities.

“By centering on AI and manufacturing, this prize recognizes pioneering teams driving industrial transformation with advanced technologies—creating a ripple effect of economic opportunities for communities across the continent,” said Emily Musil, PhD, managing director at the Milken Institute. “From the semifinal stage onward, we aim to provide these innovators with a global platform and network that can support their growth and impact.”

The 10 semifinalist teams will present to a panel of expert judges and investors, who will assess their projects based on scalability, technological integration, operational efficiency, and commercial potential in Africa. From this group, five finalists will advance. Following the December showcase, the winners will be announced at the 2026 Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, where a $1 million Grand Prize, a $250,000 runner-up award, and a $100,000 prize for the Most Advanced Use of Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies will be presented. Together, these semifinalists span more than 60 countries across five continents, offering solutions poised to redefine manufacturing, stimulate job creation, and drive global innovation.

The 10 semifinalists for the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize in AI and Manufacturing are:

BleagLee (https://apo-opa.co/46TPaEq)
Team Lead: Juveline Ngum Ngwa
Based in Cameroon, BleagLee leverages AI and custom-built software to identify, collect, and recycle plastic, agricultural, and electronic waste, converting it into valuable products such as recycled polymers, 3D printing filaments, and bio-based carbon materials.

DataProphet (https://apo-opa.co/46z3wsn)
Team Lead: Ridwaan Seedat
Headquartered in South Africa, DataProphet delivers industrial intelligence solutions to help machine builders and manufacturers optimize production efficiency and quality.

Digitech Oasis Limited (https://apo-opa.co/46VjTkk)
Team Lead: Ayan Mohamed
Operating from the United Kingdom, Digitech Oasis is an award-winning AI and robotics firm developing automation platforms and robotic systems to modernize warehouse and fulfillment operations.

Freshpack Technologies (https://apo-opa.co/46ALVAn)
Team Lead: Editha Mshiu
Based in Tanzania, Freshpack Technologies introduces AI-powered cold-storage innovations aimed at cutting food waste in Africa’s informal markets.

GreenBDG Africa (https://apo-opa.co/46ka8fu)
Team Lead: Songo Didiza
South Africa’s Green Building Design Group Africa (GreenBDG Africa) provides climate-smart infrastructure solutions and energy optimization strategies for real estate and manufacturing hubs through technology-driven advisory services.

INDOS (https://apo-opa.co/48xciJZ)
Team Lead: Ahmed Nounou
Egypt’s INDOS is digitizing industrial production floors by applying AI and real-time data analytics to improve quality control and productivity.

Spiro (https://apo-opa.co/4pEAksT)
Team Lead: Kaushik Burman
Headquartered in the UAE, Spiro delivers eco-friendly and cost-effective electric mobility solutions through innovative vehicle manufacturing.

Thola Inc. (https://apo-opa.co/46HHofL)
Team Lead: Nneile Nkholise
Based in the United States, Thola provides AI-driven energy management software offering real-time monitoring, forecasting, and ESG insights to strengthen industrial resilience and insurability.

Torchit (https://apo-opa.co/46lPvj3)
Team Lead: Hunny Bhagchandani
India’s Torchit is a social enterprise creating affordable AI-enabled assistive devices that empower persons with disabilities with mobility, education, and digital independence.

Toto Safi Limited (https://apo-opa.co/3IFrdau)
Team Lead: Faith Waraga
From Rwanda, Toto Safi operates a circular textile platform powered by AI, enabling women-led cooperatives to manufacture reusable hygiene products, including diapers and period underwear, at scale.

Now in its fourth year, the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program continues to unite changemakers from diverse sectors—spanning agriculture, fintech, and beyond—while equipping them with capital, expertise, and networks to advance transformative ideas. Since its inception in 2021, the program has attracted more than 12,000 innovators and entrepreneurs from 136 countries.

For more details on the semifinalists and the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, visit https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org/ or reach out to Sam Roth at [email protected].

ABOUT THE MILKEN INSTITUTE:
The Milken Institute is an independent, nonpartisan think tank committed to accelerating progress toward meaningful lives. By focusing on financial, physical, mental, and environmental well-being, the Institute convenes thought leaders and mobilizes resources to design actionable strategies for addressing today’s most pressing global challenges while anticipating those on the horizon. Learn more at www.MilkenInstitute.org.

ABOUT THE MOTSEPE FOUNDATION:
Founded in 1999 by Dr. Patrice Motsepe and Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, the Motsepe Foundation aims to eradicate poverty and improve the lives of disadvantaged communities in South Africa, across Africa, and globally. In 2013, the founders joined the Giving Pledge initiated by Warren Buffett and Bill & Melinda Gates, committing to donate half their wealth to philanthropy during their lifetimes and beyond. For more information, visit https://www.MotsepeFoundation.org/