10 Innovators Named as Semi-finalists for $2m Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing

ByNewsmakers

Sep 25, 2025 #$2m Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing, #AI, #BleagLee, #DataProphet, #Digitech Oasis, #Freshpack Technologies, #GreenBDG Africa, #INDOS, #Innovations, #Innovators, #Motsepe Foundation, #Spiro, #Thola, #Torchit, #Toto Safi

Segun Atanda, Johannesburg, South Africa/

Ten pioneering companies from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas have been named semi-finalists in the prestigious Milken-Motsepe Prize in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Manufacturing, a global competition awarding $2 million (₦2.99billion) to accelerate next-generation industrial solutions.

The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation announced that each semi-finalist will receive $50,000 (₦74,699,500) in unrestricted funding to advance their projects. Their innovations, which tackle challenges from waste recycling and food preservation to clean energy, digital manufacturing, and inclusive production, will be presented at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi on December 4–5, 2025.

From the pitch event, five finalists will be selected to compete for the $1 million (₦1.49 billion) grand prize at the 2026 Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles. Other awards include a $250,000 (₦373,497,500) runner-up prize and a $100,000 (₦149,399,000) recognition for the most advanced use of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.

Emily Musil, PhD, managing director at the Milken Institute, said the award is designed to amplify industrial transformation and create economic opportunities across the continent.

“By focusing on AI and manufacturing, this award identifies and supports visionary teams transforming industry with advanced technologies, which has a multiplying effect by creating economic opportunity for communities across Africa,” she said.

The 10 Semi-finalists

BleagLee (Cameroon): Uses AI to recycle plastic, agricultural, and electronic waste into polymers, 3D printing filaments, and bio-based carbon.

DataProphet (South Africa): Provides AI-driven production intelligence for manufacturers.

Digitech Oasis (United Kingdom): Builds robotics and industrial automation systems to modernize warehousing and fulfillment.

Freshpack Technologies (Tanzania): Develops AI-powered cold storage to cut food waste in informal markets.

GreenBDG Africa (South Africa): Offers climate-smart infrastructure and energy optimization strategies.

INDOS (Egypt): Digitizes manufacturing floors with AI to boost real-time productivity and quality.

Spiro (United Arab Emirates): Manufactures eco-friendly electric mobility solutions.

Thola (United States): Provides AI-powered energy monitoring and ESG performance tools for industrial facilities.

Torchit (India): Designs affordable, AI-powered assistive devices for persons with disabilities.

Toto Safi (Rwanda): Runs an AI-enabled textile platform for women-led cooperatives producing reusable hygiene products.

Now in its fourth year, the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program has built a global network of more than 12,000 entrepreneurs from 136 countries, advancing bold ideas for inclusive growth.