Competition & Award
HBS Africa Business Club New Venture Competition 2026
Apply by Dec 3, 2025
About
The HBS Africa Business Club New Venture Competition 2026 is designed for early-stage startups located in Africa or serving the African market, offering a total prize pool of $55,000, invaluable connections to investors, expert guidance, and significant media exposure, making it an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs focused on innovative solutions in various industries.
Benefits
- Total prize pool of $55,000 (1st place $30,000, 2nd place $15,000, 3rd place $10,000)
- Opportunity to pitch at a live conference with over 1,000 investors, business leaders, and ecosystem partners
- Guidance and targeted consulting from experienced judges
- Connections to potential investors and partnership opportunities
- High exposure through HBS channels and global media, enhancing credibility and fundraising potential
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a startup located in Africa or serving the African market
- Team size of less than 50 people
- Company established for no more than 5 years
- Total funding raised must be less than $1 million
- Must demonstrate a viable, scalable business model that addresses a problem
- Suitable for pre-seed and seed stage startups
- Industry focus is not limited, including but not limited to fintech, health, agriculture, climate, transportation, logistics, AI, creative economy
Target Region
Africa
Target Sector
All Industries
Harvard Business School Africa Business Club