Turn Your Research Into Real-World Impact
For centuries, Africa built great civilizations of knowledge and trade.
Today — we study. We learn. We graduate.
But too often, we do not build.
MySchool Applied Research bridges the gap between academia and industry across Africa — providing funding, mentorship, and resources to transform your ideas into real solutions.
Apply only on MySchool Research Platform. No third-party applications accepted.
Across Africa, a pattern repeats
Millions of students spend years in school — but leave without the tools or direction to create real solutions.
We import what we should produce
Africa spends billions importing goods and technology that our talent and resources could create locally.
We consume what we can create
Solutions built elsewhere are adopted wholesale — while local innovations sit undiscovered and unfunded.
We study problems we never solve
Academic research captures real problems in depth — yet rarely bridges into the products or services that fix them.
Research is written… but not applied.
Ideas are imagined… but not executed.
Potential is everywhere — but impact is missing.
Africa cannot rise on theory alone.
The future belongs to those who build, produce, and solve. We must move from consuming knowledge to creating solutions.
Academic knowledge is only powerful when it becomes a working solution in the real world.
Research that sits in journals has limited value. Africa needs research that becomes products.
A degree is just the beginning. The real measure of education is the change it creates.
Not just graduates — creators, innovators, and problem-solvers.
A new generation of Africans must emerge — equipped not just with degrees, but with the drive and resources to build solutions that transform communities and industries.
Chooses research topics that solve real African problems
Driven by local need, not just academic trends.
Builds solutions for local communities
Rooted in context — solving for the African reality.
Transforms industries across the continent
Moving beyond incremental change to scalable transformation.
Creates jobs and economic opportunities
Building enterprises that employ others and circulate wealth locally.
10k+
Students waiting for tools to build
54
Countries. One mission to build Africa.
∞
Problems that need African-built solutions
Now
The moment to start is today
One of the richest continents on Earth. Yet underutilized.
Africa's wealth is not missing — it is unprocessed and often exported raw. Who will build the systems to transform it?
Natural Resources
- Largest mineral reserves on Earth
- Abundant arable land
- Vast renewable energy potential
- Rich biodiversity & ecosystems
Human Talent
- Youngest & fastest-growing population
- Millions of graduates annually
- World-class researchers & scientists
- Entrepreneurs solving local problems
Culture & Creativity
- 3,000+ distinct languages & traditions
- Centuries of innovation & craftsmanship
- Thriving arts & creative industries
- Deep community and collaborative values
Africa has everything it needs. It needs builders to unlock it.
Natural resources, human brilliance, and cultural depth are already here. What's needed are the researchers willing to transform raw potential into real power.
Building a movement across Africa.
MySchool Applied Research is not just a grants platform — it is a movement to support students, researchers, and institutions to focus on research that solves real problems and bring those solutions to life.
Practical Innovation
We fund research that produces real, working innovations — not just academic papers.
Local Production
We help researchers build products that can be manufactured and distributed locally.
Economic Transformation
Every solution we incubate is designed to create jobs and strengthen local economies.
We are creating pathways for:
This is your opportunity to build something meaningful, solve real problems, and contribute to Africa's future.
Start Your JourneyAvailable Grants
Choose the track that best fits your project stage and focus area.
MySchool Applied Research Grant
Turn your academic research into real-world products. This grant supports students and researchers who want to bridge the gap between academia and industry by building practical solutions.
Natural Resources Grant
Aimed at projects adding value to natural resources including rare-earth elements (REEs), agriculture, minerals, and energy. We fund solutions that process, refine, or innovate upon local resources.
Innovation Seed Fund
For prototypes and early products ready to build and launch. If you have moved past the idea stage and need capital to finalize your product and go to market, this fund is for you.
How It Works
A clear path from application to incubation.
Apply
Submit your proposal
Get Funded
Receive initial capital
Build
Develop your prototype
Scale
Join the incubator
This cannot be done alone.
We are open to deep partnerships with institutions committed to turning knowledge into impact.
Universities
Embed applied research directly into academic curricula.
Departments
Co-fund and co-supervise applied research tracks.
Research Institutions
Accelerate lab-to-market journeys together.
Innovation Hubs
Connect grant recipients with ecosystems & mentors.
Together, we can redefine what research means — not as theory… but as impact.
Every African country. Every discipline. Every institution.
Partner with us
Whether a university, department, research institute, or innovation hub — let's build Africa together.
- Joint grant design and co-funding
- Access to our research applicant pool
- Co-branding and institutional recognition
- Shared incubation and mentorship resources
The next generation of African greatness will not come from theory.
It will come from what we build — with our hands, our minds, and our courage.
Africa does not need more ideas sitting on shelves.
Africa needs solutions in the real world.
Applications close strictly on June 30, 2026.