Open Startup (OST) is excited to announce the launch of the BRAIN Regional Bootcamp, of its BRAIN Accelerator 2025 Edition - a year-long programme designed to equip African startups for market and investment readiness.

Powered by Africa Grow, Digital Africa, and Sanofi’s Global Health Unit for sustainable impact, the BRAIN Accelerator is run in partnership with MIT-Africa, MIT Executive MBA, AfricInvest, InstaDeep, and Bpifrance. The regional bootcamp is mainly hosted by Stellenbosch University, LaunchLab, CERI, and Fluorobiotech, sponsored by: Octoco, Technopark and Workshack, and locally supported by Wesgro and Innovation City.

A Transformative Experience for African Innovators

Taking place from February 24 to March 1, 2025, in Cape Town and Stellenbosch, South Africa, the BRAIN Regional Bootcamp will convene 10 high-potential African startups pioneering AI and HealthTech innovations. This immersive five-day training program will offer a world-class network of DeepTech experts, investors, and mentors, providing African innovators with hands-on, context-specific training to accelerate the growth of their groundbreaking solutions.

The programme is designed to tackle the unique challenges African startups face while incorporating global best practices. By integrating strategic insights with practical skills, the bootcamp empowers startups to unlock new opportunities across Africa and beyond.

Expert-Led Curriculum and Hands-On Support

Guided by renowned MIT faculty and leading global experts, the bootcamp will cover essential topics including: AI integration in business, commercialisation strategies, Product scaling, Pricing and marketing, Investor pitching.

Participants will also receive one-on-one mentorship from MIT Executive MBA experts and Stellenbosch University MBA experts, along with tailored guidance from global and local industry mentors.

Side Events: Exploring South Africa’s Innovation Landscape

In addition to the core bootcamp activities, two key side events will take place:

  1. Deep Dive into South Africa’s Thriving DeepTech Ecosystem:
    Date: February 25, 2025 | Location: Cape Town Innovation City
    Hosted by Innovation City, this event will feature a panel discussion with top industry leaders showcasing South Africa’s rapidly evolving DeepTech landscape followed by a networking session designed to connect local and international stakeholders.
  2. Scaling HealthTech Innovation in Africa:
    Date: February 27, 2025 | Location: Stellenbosch Technopark
    Hosted by Octoco, Stellenbosch Technopark, & Workshack, this event will convene leading HealthTech experts and investors to discuss scalability challenges and opportunities within Africa’s HealthTech sector followed by a networking session to foster valuable connections within the HealthTech ecosystem.

10 Promising African startups

The 2025 cohort includes the following startups:

  • Valorigo Sarl (Healthcare, DRC)
  • Zencey(Healthcare, Côte d'Ivoire)
  • PSM (Healthcare, Côte d'Ivoire)
  • ATAREC (Energy, Morocco)
  • Chekkit (HealthTech, Nigeria)
  • eSteps Health (HealthTech, Tunisia)
  • Pixii Motors (Mobility, Tunisia)
  • MAGNUS DATA (Manufacturing, Tunisia)
  • Remotion (HealthTech, Tunisia)
  • TanzMED (HealthTech, Tanzania)

Following the programme, the startups will undergo an 8-month tailored support phase, during which they will receive various benefits, including additional training, business and technical mentorship, international exposure to different ecosystems and markets across Africa, the US, and Europe based on their needs. They will also be matched with investors and compete for a $25,000 equity-free, non-dilutive cash prize.