Call for Applications: Mastercard Foundation Momentum Cohort 2 for Tech Startups
African technology entrepreneurs with ambitious ideas and scalable solutions can now apply for the second cohort of the Momentum Incubator.
This is a six-month startup incubation programme run by the AIMS Research and Innovation Centre (AIMS RIC) in Kigali, Rwanda.
The pan-African programme supports founding teams developing technology-driven solutions, including DeepTech and tech-enabled ventures, with the structure, mentorship, and resources needed to transform promising ideas into scalable businesses. The programme is supported through AIMS’ broader partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
Two Tracks Available
Momentum Cohort 2 is accepting applications under two tracks.
Track A – Ideation: This track is for two-member founding teams at the concept or pre-prototype stage. Applicants should have identified a clear problem and target customer but do not need to have generated revenue or built a finished product.
Track B – Early Stage: This is aimed at startups that have moved beyond the MVP stage and can demonstrate a working product, active users, revenue and evidence of growth. Applicants under this track must have generated at least US$5,000 in revenue during the past three months.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to technology-focused founding teams from anywhere in Africa.
However, applicants must meet a key requirement: each team must consist of exactly two co-founders. Solo founders are not eligible.
Selected teams must also be prepared to commit full-time to the programme and relocate to Kigali for the six-month residential incubation period.
What Selected Startups Will Receive
Participants will benefit from a range of venture-building support, including:
- Six months of full-time incubation at AIMS RIC in Kigali.
- A structured venture-building curriculum aimed at investment readiness.
- Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and business advisers.
- Access to a dedicated venture support fund.
- Demo Day opportunities and connections to investors.
- Relocation support as part of the programme package.
The programme is expected to select six teams, allowing successful founders to work within a community of entrepreneurs, researchers and innovation experts while developing solutions targeted at African challenges.
Application Deadline
Applications opened on August 5, 2026, and will close on August 26, 2026.
Following the application stage, shortlisted teams will undergo an evidence check on September 11, while the selection hackathon is scheduled for September 14–16 in Kigali. Successful applicants are expected to be announced between September 17 and 18.
Interested founders can apply through the AIMS Research & Innovation Centre’s official Momentum Cohort 2 application page. Apply for Momentum Incubator Cohort 2
