Meet the finalists of the AI Milken-Motsepe prize

Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
Johannesburg, 12 Dec 2025
Milken-Motsepe Prize in artificial intelligence and Manufacturing finalists.
Milken-Motsepe Prize in artificial intelligence and Manufacturing finalists.

The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation have chosen five businesses to advance to the final round of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Artificial Intelligence and Manufacturing.

Finalists were chosen from a competitive cohort of teams, each of which received $50,000 in unrestricted funding before pitching at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi on December 5th, representing breakthrough technologies in manufacturing, sustainability, circularity, and industrial modernisation, according to the organisers.

Furthermore, the program represents a substantial shift towards industrial-scale innovation, focussing on AI-driven manufacturing solutions meant to speed the continent's entry into the Fourth Industrial Revolution as the area proceeds towards the Fifth Industrial Revolution.

Beyond the capital support, the award combines coaching, and convening, further enabling global exposure, access to investors and industry leaders.

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

From the semi-finalist stage to beyond the prize, we are excited to provide a global platform and network for future-forward entrepreneurs and social impact companies,” said Emily Musil, managing director, social innovation, Milken Institute.

The five finalists are:

• BleagLee, Cameroon

• Freshpack Technologies, Tanzania

• Toto Safi Limited, Rwanda

• Digitech Oasis Limited United Kingdom

• Spiro, United Arab Emirates

Share

Read more


ITWeb proudly displays the “FAIR” stamp of the Press Council of South Africa, indicating our commitment to adhere to the Code of Ethics for Print and online media which prescribes that our reportage is truthful, accurate and fair. Should you wish to lodge a complaint about our news coverage, please lodge a complaint on the Press Council’s website, www.presscouncil.org.za or email the complaint to enquiries@ombudsman.org.za. Contact the Press Council on 011 484 3612.
Copyright @ 1996 - 2025 ITWeb Limited. All rights reserved.