Read about the IIL

The Industry Innovation Lab (IIL) is a technology-focused startup hub at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. The IIL supports startups that are developing and commercializing technology-enabled products that address well-defined market opportunities with potential for profitability, inclusivity, and scaling.

The IIL offers a 12-month business incubation program designed to help African tech startups develop scalable, market-ready products and services. Startups enter the program with a proof-of-concept prototype and a preliminary market assessment. By the end of the program, the goal is for these startups to have a revenue-generating product, well-positioned to attract the additional investment needed for scaling.

The IIL also operates a tech skills marketplace that connects African startups with world-class talent. Through this program, startups can hire CMU-Africa students as interns from May to August, with the option for in-person or virtual work. CMU-Africa co-funds the internship alongside the startup to support the intern's compensation.

Three people on a stage

CMU-Africa Industry Innovation Lab incubatee and alumni startup, HOVA AI, secured second place at the 2023 Hanga Pitchfest in Kigali, Rwanda. The company, co-founded by Arsene Muhire (MSIT '23), provides real-time sales, inventory, and customer behavior data, as well as predictive analytics for small and medium-sized businesses in Africa. The win came with a $20,000 USD prize.

Explore videos about entrepreneurship at CMU-Africa

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Get involved in the IIL

Contact us to get involved in the IIL. We welcome partnerships with organizations, corporations, and startups. You do not need to have a Carnegie Mellon affiliation.