Tag Archives: technology

awards, Events, master's, Opportunities, other events, PhD/post doctoral

CALL FOR APPLICATION: AFRICAN STARS (YPP AND ATT) FELLOWSHIPS

Leave a comment

Application Deadline: 31 January 2026

LOCATION: South Africa

The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University in South Africa and Center for Africa’s Resilience to Epidemics (CARE) at the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) in Senegal are pleased to announce the next call for applications for the African STARS Fellowship Programme. This prestigious initiative, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, aims to develop the next generation of African leaders in genomics and diagnostics.

ELIGIBILITY:

Fellowship Tracks

Advanced and Translational Training (ATT) Fellowship – 4 months

Intensive training in advanced genomics for public health, genomic diagnostic design, and/or vaccine manufacturing.

Designed for early-career scientists and professionals seeking specialized technical training.

Includes leadership development in grants and financial management, team management, and strategic leadership.

Young Professional Programme (YPP) Fellowship – 12 months

Focus on biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship, including placements at commercial companies, industry, or at innovation hubs.

Training in critical thinking, problem-solving, writing, grantsmanship, effective communication, and project management.

Designed for young scientists and entrepreneurs aiming to bridge the gap between research and industry.

Born in and/or living in Africa

35 years old or younger

Relevant postgraduate qualification (minimum Master’s degree, PhD advantageous)

ATT Track: Minimum 3 years of research, innovation, or industry experience

YPP Track: Minimum 5 years experience in research management, innovation, or commercialization; prior experience in biotech startups, innovation hubs, or translational research advantageous

Demonstrated excellence in genomics, diagnostics, biotechnology, or vaccine development

Strong leadership potential and commitment to advancing scientific capacity in Africa

Willingness to remain in Africa to contribute to local scientific, business, and public health initiatives

Fluency in English or French (proficiency in both is an advantage)

Women are strongly encouraged to apply

Completed application form:

ATT Track: Apply here

YPP Track: Apply here

Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Download template

At least one letter of recommendation from academic or professional referees

BENEFIT:

Fellowship Benefits:

Fully funded training, including travel, visa support, and accommodation

Monthly stipend to cover living expenses

Mentorship and career development support

Placement opportunities at leading research institutes, biotechnology hubs, and industry partners

Access to an extensive African STARS Alumni Network for continued collaboration and professional growth

APPLY
awards, competition, Events, Opportunities

2026 MICROSOFT IMAGINE CUP COMPETITION (STUDENT STARTUP COMPETITION)

Leave a comment

Application Deadline: January 9, 2026

LOCATION: USA

Imagine Cup is where student founders turn bold ideas into solutions trusted by organizations worldwide. At every step, you’ll have access to Microsoft’s AI technologies, tailored guidance, and connections that help you refine your product and grow as a founder. Focus on a challenge aligned with one of the five Imagine Cup categories, or tackle a different one altogether. Join the next generation of startup founders solving real problems through technology, powered by Microsoft tools, mentorship, and a global community.

ELIGIBILITY:

Two Paths. One Goal: Build What Matters: Imagine Cup offers two tailored paths, Scale and Launch, to meet student founders where they are. Whether you’re gaining traction or just starting to grow, you’ll build with Microsoft AI technologies and advance with expert mentorship, resources, and a global community.

Scale: For student-led startups with traction. If you’ve already secured users, revenue, or capital—whether through any amount of dilutive funding or no more than $5,000,000 USD in combined dilutive or external, non-dilutive funding—the Scale track is for you. You’ll focus on refining product-market fit and preparing to scale your solution into leading organizations. The top 3 Scale teams will secure their spot at the World Championship.

Launch: For early-stage student teams building with potential. If you’re developing an AI-powered solution but not yet ready for Scale, the Launch track helps you take the next step. Whether you’ve built a prototype, tested an MVP, or are validating your market fit, this track gives you the support to grow with clarity and confidence. Eligible teams have not received any amount of dilutive funding or have secured no more than $100,000 USD in external, non-dilutive funding. The winner is announced after the semifinals.

After you register, what’s next?

Unlock up to $5,000 USD in Azure credits to experiment, test, and refine your Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

Build your team. Up to four (4) students are allowed per team, and everyone must register on the Imagine Cup website.

Join the Sprint to Imagine Cup, a learning experience designed to explore what’s possible with Microsoft’s platforms and help you prepare a strong submission.

Follow them on social media to stay up-to-date on tips and competition deadlines:

LinkedIn

Instagram

X

Facebook

YouTube

Looking for inspiration for your startup idea? Learn about past competitors and find resources below!

Self-paced learning on using Microsoft AI for your startup

Student Developer Blog

Microsoft for Startups Blog

Students aged 18+ are eligible to participate. Some restrictions apply, please see the full requirements in the official rules.

You can create any solution you are passionate about, but it must include at least two (2) Microsoft AI services and consider diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Details about the requirements can be found in the official rules.

Each team can have a maximum of four (4) members. All must be students. Create and manage your team.

Submissions should include a pitch deck, recorded pitch, and demo video, all addressing the judging criteria outlined in the official rules.

BENEFIT:

Scale Prizing: $100,000 USD

Private mentorship session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella

Opportunities for deeper partnership with Microsoft for Startups.

Launch Prizing: $50,000 USD

Continued visibility and support from Microsoft

APPLY