NewSpace Africa Startup Pitch Competition 2026
The NewSpace Africa Startup Pitch Competition 2026 is a high-visibility platform for African early-stage upstream space startups to pitch market-ready technologies and scalable business models to investors, policymakers, corporate partners, and development finance institutions.
Five shortlisted startups will pitch live at the NewSpace Africa Conference 2026 in Libreville, Gabon, Africa’s leading space business and policy event.
This competition is strictly for upstream space companies. Downstream, application-layer, analytics, or service-only companies are not eligible.
Who Should Apply
African startups developing core, proprietary upstream space technologies, including:
Satellite platforms and payloads
Launch and launch-support systems
Space hardware and components
Ground segment infrastructure
Testing, integration, and manufacturing capabilities
Startups should demonstrate clear technical progress, early commercial traction, and the ability to scale across African markets.
Why Apply
Selected startups will receive:
Opportunity to pitch live on stage at NewSpace Africa Conference 2026
Exposure to investors, space agencies, policymakers, and industry leaders
Direct feedback from experienced judges and investors
Structured networking with potential customers, partners, and funders
Complimentary conference registration for one team member
Winning startup additionally receives:
A free exhibition slot at the conference
Enhanced media coverage across Space in Africa and conference media partners
Pitch Format & Judging
5-minute live pitch
5-minute Q&A with judges
Applications are evaluated based on technical readiness, commercial viability, market relevance, scalability, team strength, and demonstrated traction.
Five startups will be shortlisted to compete live at the conference.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be a registered company domiciled in Africa
Operate exclusively in the upstream space segment
Have been operational for at least one year
Demonstrate revenue or verifiable market traction
Have raised no more than USD 1 million since inception
Have at least two active team members (minimum 50% time commitment each)
Have at least 50% African representation in the founding or core team
Commit to pitching in person at the conference in Libreville, Gabon
Timeline
Applications open: 6 January 2026
Applications close: 15 February 2026
Finalists announced: 3 March 2026
Live pitch: 21 April 2026
Winner announced: 22 April 2026
How to Apply
Fill the application form below and submit a 5-10 slide pitch deck. Only applications submitted via the form will be considered. Email submissions will not be accepted.
By applying, startups agree that submitted materials may be shared with judges and potential investors strictly for evaluation and engagement related to the competition.