Wallace Mawire
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe School of Mines, is calling on young Zimbabwean innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and start-ups to apply for the MineTech Innovation Challenge Zimbabwe 2026, a national initiative aimed at accelerating technological innovation and supporting the development of a smarter, greener, safer and more competitive mining sector.
Applications opened on 27 August 2026, with the deadline now extended to 2 October 2026.
Applicants can apply online here: https://tinyurl.com/MineTech2026
The partners said the Challenge invites Zimbabwean individuals and teams under the age of 35 to submit innovative, practical and scalable solutions addressing challenges across the mining value chain, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies and sustainable mining practices.
Under the theme, “Harnessing AI, Digital Technologies and Innovation for Zimbabwe’s Critical Minerals Future,” the initiative seeks to identify and support promising homegrown technologies that can strengthen mining productivity, improve safety, promote environmental sustainability and create new opportunities for economic development.
The MineTech Innovation Challenge welcomes applications across nine priority areas:
AI and mine optimisation
AI-enabled mineral intelligence and technologies that improve mining operations and efficiency.
Traceability and transparency
Digital solutions that strengthen mineral traceability and supply-chain transparency.
Environmental sustainability
Climate-smart mining technologies and solutions that reduce the environmental impact of mining activities.
Mine safety
Innovative technologies that improve occupational health and safety in mining operations.
Artisanal and small-scale mining
Practical solutions that improve productivity, safety and sustainability for small-scale miners.
Drone and remote-sensing technologies
Applications that support mineral exploration, monitoring and mining operations.
Mineral beneficiation
Technologies that support mineral processing, value addition and the development of local value chains.
Community development
Technologies that promote inclusive development and improve livelihoods in mining communities.
Mining technology manufacturing
Industrial innovations that strengthen Zimbabwe’s domestic mining technology capabilities.
The Challenge will select 10 finalists to receive a comprehensive package of technical, financial and business development support to help transform their innovative ideas into practical, commercially viable solutions.
UNDP said selected finalists will benefit from funding support, admission to the MineTech Innovation Bootcamp and access to MineTech Hub facilities at the Zimbabwe School of Mines.
The UN agency said participants will also receive technical mentorship, prototype-refinement assistance, investor-readiness training and business-model development support.
Through a structured six-month incubation programme, finalists will have opportunities to refine and pilot their technologies, engage with industry experts and present their solutions to mining companies, investors and government stakeholders.
UNDP said the programme aims to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialisation by connecting promising young innovators with the technical expertise, infrastructure and partnerships needed to bring their solutions to market.
The MineTech Innovation Challenge is open to Zimbabwean individuals and teams whose applicants are under the age of 35.
UNDP said young women, persons with disabilities, students, researchers, start-ups, community innovators and innovators from remote and underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Challenge also welcomes applications from young innovators working with artisanal and small-scale miners, recognising the potential of technology to improve productivity, safety and livelihoods across Zimbabwe’s mining communities.
Applications will be assessed based on the clarity of the mining-sector problem being addressed, the innovation and technical feasibility of the proposed solution, prototype readiness, potential impact, scalability and commercialisation potential.
UNDP said young Zimbabwean innovators with promising technology-driven solutions for the mining sector are encouraged to submit their applications before the extended deadline.
Applications opened: 27 August 2026
Extended application deadline: Friday, 2 October 2026
Applications can be submitted online at: https://tinyurl.com/MineTech2026
UNDP said the MineTech Innovation Challenge Zimbabwe 2026 is implemented through the Government of Zimbabwe, UNDP and the Zimbabwe School of Mines, with support from development partners, academia, industry and Zimbabwe’s innovation ecosystem.