UNDP Opens Applications for timbuktoo Launchpad Pan-African Incubation Programme for CreativeTech Startups
Short Description
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting CreativeTech startups from across Africa to apply for the timbuktoo Launchpad Pan-African Incubation Programme. Through the timbuktoo Creatives Hub, hosted in South Africa, selected startups will receive structured incubation, mentorship, investment readiness support, and access to a continent-wide innovation ecosystem. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with the first cohort commencing in September 2026.
Overview
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a call for applications for the first cohort of the timbuktoo Launchpad Pan-African Incubation Programme for CreativeTech startups.
Delivered through the timbuktoo Creatives Hub, hosted in South Africa, the programme is designed to support African entrepreneurs developing innovative, technology-enabled solutions for the creative economy.
Successful startups will gain access to structured incubation programmes, experienced mentors, investment readiness support, digital business development tools, and a pan-African network of founders, investors, incubators and ecosystem partners.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with the first cohort scheduled to begin in September 2026.
Programme Benefits
Selected startups will receive:
• Structured incubation delivered by accredited African incubators
• Access to experienced mentors, entrepreneurs and industry experts
• Investment readiness support, including pitch development and investor engagement
• Access to the Seedstars SIGMA platform for startup development, mentorship matching and progress tracking
• Participation in a pan-African ecosystem of founders, incubators and innovation partners
• Opportunities to participate in Demo Days and startup ecosystem events
• Potential pathways into accelerator programmes and early-stage investment opportunities
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should:
• Be based in Africa or developing solutions for African markets
• Have a prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
• Have a committed founding team
• Be developing a technology-enabled solution for the creative economy
• Demonstrate strong growth and scalability potential
UNDP particularly encourages applications from:
• Women-led startups
• Youth entrepreneurs
• Founders from underserved communities
CreativeTech Focus Areas
The programme welcomes startups developing technology-driven solutions in areas including:
• Digital media
• Animation
• Gaming
• Music technology
• Film and entertainment technology
• Design technology
• Creator economy platforms
• Immersive technologies
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) for creative industries
• Other innovative CreativeTech solutions
Eligible Countries
Applications are open to startups:
• Based in any African country; or
• Developing technology solutions targeting African markets.
Programme Location
The timbuktoo Creatives Hub is hosted in South Africa, while incubation support is delivered through a distributed network of accredited incubators and innovation hubs across Africa.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the timbuktoo Launchpad platform.
Applications remain open throughout the year and startups are admitted into new cohorts every three months.
Important Dates
Applications: Open (Rolling Basis)
First Cohort Begins: September 2026
Future Cohorts: Every three months
About timbuktoo
timbuktoo is UNDP's flagship pan-African innovation initiative aimed at positioning Africa as a global innovation leader.
The initiative seeks to:
• Support 10,000 African startups
• Scale 1,000 high-growth ventures
• Mobilise US$1 billion in investment
• Strengthen Africa's innovation ecosystem through thematic Tech Hubs, University Innovation Pods, investors and ecosystem partners.
Application Portal: https://airtable.com/appYbpSCCV1VosC1M/pagMQfKHj9mIYPFyN/form