Intel Unveils 2024 Community Reach Program Winners

Intel Corporation has announced the winners of its 2024 Community Reach Program (CRP), recognizing seven innovative projects that are using technology to solve real problems in underserved communities across Africa. These projects harness the power of AI and broadband connectivity to make life better for people in need.

Intel Corporation is a company founded in 1968 by Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore, is a American multinational technology company headquartered in Santa Clara, California. The company partners with various companies, startups, and organizations to drive innovation and technological advancements across industries. Through initiatives like Intel® Liftoff for Startups and Intel® Skills for Innovation, Intel supports small businesses and startups by providing resources, training, and guidance to help them scale. It also collaborates with innovation hubs innovation centers across Africa to foster technology-driven solutions.

The Intel CRP attracted 436 applications from 35 African countries, encompassing diverse sectors such as education, digital skills readiness, agriculture, and healthcare. Women in technology was a key focus area, with 115 women-led applications received. Out of these, 30 women-led projects were selected by Entrogx to participate in the U.S. Department of State-sponsored Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). This program, facilitated by Muqbis from Egypt, provided training on business development and e-commerce strategies, empowering female entrepreneurs striving for social impact.

“Intel is proud to support these innovative projects that leverage the power of AI and broadband connectivity to address critical challenges in underserved communities across Africa,” said Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Director of Government Affairs Africa and IGA CTO Liaison at Intel Corporation. “The Community Reach Program is a clear reflection of our commitment to advancing technology that drives social impact. By collaborating with partners like Prosper Africa, AfriLabs, and Modus Africa VC, we are not only providing resources and support to these groundbreaking initiatives but also ensuring they can effectively scale and create lasting change. We are excited to see the positive outcomes these projects will bring to their local communities.”

The following standout projects were selected from the 436 applications:

• Tinydavid Limited (Ghana): Their platform, SnooCODERED, uses AI to improve emergency healthcare, ensuring faster and more efficient responses.
• Global Light Services Africa (Côte d’Ivoire): They are transforming urban transport with electric vehicles powered by AI and IoT.
• EXUUS Ltd (Rwanda): SAVE & Pindo delivers financial literacy lessons in the local language, Kinyarwanda, using voice AI to reach rural communities.
• University of Embu (Kenya): BESHTE is a chatbot that educates adolescents about HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence.
• Nyansapo Foundation (Kenya): They equip teachers with AI tools to improve how students learn basic literacy and math skills.
• Africa Edu Holdings (Maarifaeducation): They are setting up learning centers to provide education and skills training for vulnerable groups.
• Petabyte Esports Company Limited (Nigeria): Their “Ghetto to Glory” initiative uses gaming to empower underserved youth and improve their quality of life.

Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director at AfriLabs, remarked, “At AfriLabs, we are committed to fostering innovation and empowering communities across Africa. The Intel Community Reach Program exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing critical challenges through technology. By supporting these projects, we are not only driving sustainable solutions but also equipping innovators with the tools and networks they need to create lasting impact in underserved communities.”

British Robinson from Prosper Africa added,“ We welcome the opportunity to partner with our Africa Tech for Trade Alliance member Intel on an important program which recognizes the potential that AI brings to innovation on the continent.”

These projects will benefit from Intel’s global initiatives, such as the Intel® Liftoff for Startups and the Skills for Innovation Program. They’re also being connected to partners like Prosper Africa and Modus Africa VC, opening doors to funding, growth, and bigger impacts.