Science Road 2026 by Open Startup for African Tech and DeepTech Startups
Science Road 2026 by Open Startup is a startup support programme for Tech and DeepTech ventures operating primarily in Africa. The 2026 call includes two tracks: the Pre-Seed Track for startups validating their solution and the Seed Track for startups preparing to scale.
Quick Overview
Programme: Science Road
Opportunity Type: Startup Programme
Host Organization: Open Startup
Programme Format: Startup support programme with two tracks
Duration: 6-month programme for Pre-Seed Track; 1-year programme for Seed Track
Programme Dates: September 2026–February 2027 for Pre-Seed Track; November 2026–November 2027 for Seed Track
Deadline: July 31st
Eligibility: Startups incorporated in an African country and operating primarily in Africa
About Science Road 2026
Science Road is part of Open Startup’s 2026 call for applications. The programme is looking for ambitious founders and champions in Tech and DeepTech.
Applicants can apply to one of two available programme tracks. The Pre-Seed Track is for startups validating their solution. The Seed Track is for startups preparing to scale.
The call is open to startups building either DeepTech ventures or tech-enabled startups.
Programme Tracks
Science Road 2026 includes two tracks for startups at different stages.
The available tracks are:
• Open Startup Pre-Seed Track
• Open Startup Seed Track
The Pre-Seed Track is designed for startups validating their solution. The Seed Track is designed for startups preparing to scale.
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Pre-Seed Track
The Pre-Seed Track is a 6-month programme. The official timeline lists the programme period as September 2026–February 2027.
For DeepTech startups, the Pre-Seed Track is intended for startups with:
• Scientific or engineering innovation with a proof of concept or early prototype, typically TRL 3–5.
• Technical validation, research, lab testing, or pilot activities underway.
• Early market validation through customer discovery, pilots, LOIs, or partnerships.
• Pre-revenue or early revenue stage.
• Early IP strategy, scientific validation, or research partnerships in progress.
• Strong technical founding team and scalability potential.
For tech-enabled startups, the Pre-Seed Track is intended for startups with:
• MVP or early product demonstrating a clear solution to a market need.
• Early user validation, pilots, partnerships, or customer interest.
• Pre-revenue or early revenue stage.
• Clear business model and path to growth.
• Strong founding team and scalability potential.
Seed Track
The Seed Track is a 1-year programme. The official timeline lists the programme period as November 2026–November 2027.
For DeepTech startups, the Seed Track is intended for startups with:
• Validated technology with demonstrated technical feasibility, typically TRL 6+.
• Clear path to commercialization supported by pilots, customers, or industry partnerships.
• Demonstrated traction through revenue, paid pilots, grants, contracts, strategic partnerships, or funding secured.
• Proprietary technology, defensible know-how, or a clear IP strategy.
• Strong technical or scientific team preparing for scale.
For tech-enabled startups, the Seed Track is intended for startups with:
• Product-market fit demonstrated through paying customers and recurring market demand.
• Meaningful traction through revenue growth, customer acquisition, contracts, transactions, or active users.
• Established go-to-market strategy and repeatable customer acquisition model.
• Strong execution team with operational capacity to scale.
• Readiness for investment, strategic partnerships, and regional or international expansion.
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Focus Areas
Open Startup states that applications are open to startups across sectors. However, the programme is particularly interested in ventures working in selected focus areas.
The listed focus areas include:
• Climate and sustainability
• AgriteTech
• CleanTech
• Renewable energy
• WaterTech
• Circular economy
• Waste management
• Artificial intelligence
• Robotics
• SaaS
• HealthTech
• MedTech
• BioTech
• Diagnostics
• Telemedicine
• FinTech
• EdTech
• Logistics and supply chain
The programme welcomes startups building impactful solutions that contribute to economic development, social progress, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life across Africa.
Benefits and Programme Support
Both tracks offer support designed to help startups move to the next stage.
Confirmed programme benefits include:
✓ Tailored training
✓ Hands-on mentorship
✓ Expert guidance
✓ Strategic connections
✓ Ecosystem exposure
✓ Growth opportunities
✓ In-person training bootcamp
✓ Regional and global exposure
✓ Continuous strategic programme support
✓ Introductions, weekly follow-ups, and technical and talent fellowships
✓ Investor engagement and corporate connections
✓ Commercialization guidance and fundraising preparation
✓ Potential eligibility for mission-aligned investment tickets of up to $20,000
Selected startups may become eligible for mission-aligned investment tickets of up to $20,000 to support their seed fundraising rounds.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants to both tracks must meet the stated criteria.
Startups must:
• Build 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 programme activities.
• Submit a complete application.
Applicants should review the track requirements carefully before choosing the Pre-Seed or Seed application route.
Give-Back Mechanism
Participation in Open Startup programmes is supported by a 1% mission-aligned give-back mechanism.
The official page states that this mechanism is implemented through a SWEAT SAFE note issued to an investment vehicle dedicated to the long-term sustainability of Open Startup and its programmes.
The 1% give-back mechanism applies only to startups selected to participate in the second phase of the Seed Program. Selected startups must enter into the applicable SWEAT SAFE agreement before accessing second-phase benefits and activities.
Application Process
Applicants should choose the track that matches their startup stage and submit the application through the relevant official route.
The application process includes:
• Review the Pre-Seed and Seed Track requirements.
• Choose the correct track based on startup stage and readiness.
• Confirm that the startup meets the general eligibility criteria.
• Prepare the required startup, founder, traction, and programme-engagement information.
• Submit a complete application through the official application route.
The official page provides separate application links for the Pre-Seed Track and the Seed Track.
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Application Deadline
The official page lists the deadline as July 31st.
Applicants should review the official page and select the correct track before submitting the application.
Official Link
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
