Apply to timbuktoo MINETECH EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY PRE-INCUBATION PROGRAMME 2026
Position Profile: MineTech Innovation & Research Intern
Organization: timbuktoo MineTech Hub & United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Program: Pan-African MineTech Exploration Technology Pre-Incubation Programme 2026
Location: Hybrid (Remote sessions combined with hands-on prototyping at participating UniPods in Botswana, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, or Zimbabwe)
Application Deadline: 16 October 2026
About the Opportunity
The timbuktoo MineTech Hub, in partnership with the UNDP, is offering an immersive, challenge-led internship and pre-incubation experience for young visionaries, students, and early-career technologists. This role is tailored for multidisciplinary talent eager to shape the future of mineral exploration and mining technology across Africa.
As a MineTech Innovation Intern, you will work collaboratively within a dynamic team (2–5 members) to transform early-stage technological concepts into validated prototypes, tackling critical challenges in mineral exploration, data management, remote sensing, and AI-driven predictive analytics.
Key Responsibilities
Solution Development: Design and iterate on technology-driven solutions (hardware, software, or hybrid) addressing real-world geological, mining, or environmental challenges.
Research & Data Analysis: Gather, process, and interpret exploration and geological data using modern software, data science frameworks, or AI tools.
Market & User Validation: Participate in the 10-week pre-incubation curriculum to test problem hypotheses, understand user needs, and assess commercial viability.
Prototyping: Leverage state-of-the-art infrastructure at local UniPods and MineTech Hub facilities to build low-fidelity prototypes and proof-of-concept models.
Collaboration & Pitching: Work alongside multidisciplinary peers (combining computer science, mining engineering, data science, etc.) and present progress to industry experts and technical reviewers.
Candidate Requirements
Age & Residency: Must be aged 18–35 years and reside in one of the participating countries: Botswana, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
Background: Open to students, recent graduates, researchers, engineers, technical professionals, and early-stage innovators.
Multidisciplinary Teamwork: Applicants must apply as part of a team (2 to 5 members) possessing complementary skills across disciplines such as:
Computer Science / Software Engineering
Data Science & AI/ML
Mining Engineering / Geomatics
Environmental Science or related technical fields
Commitment: Dedicated availability to commit to the 10-week hybrid validation, pre-incubation, and prototyping structure.
Documentation: Valid national ID for verification.
Note: Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
Internship Benefits & Support
Expert Mentorship: Direct guidance from senior researchers, university professors, and industry-leading mining professionals.
Entrepreneurship Training: Comprehensive training in business models, market validation, IP guidance, and commercialization strategies.
Prototyping & Seed Funding Access: Hands-on facility access via UniPods with potential seed funding opportunities to build low-fidelity prototypes.
Career Progression: Exceptional teams and high-potential interns may progress directly into full MineTech Hub incubation and expanded professional networks.
How to Apply
Assemble Your Team: Form a 2–5 member team combining diverse technical skills and identify a real mining or exploration challenge.
Submit Your Application: Complete the official application via the [MineTech Pre-Incubation Programme Application Form](https://zambia.minetech.hub@undp.org / coordinator@unipod.org.mw).
Review Details: Read the full announcement at the UNDP Pan-African MineTech Programme Portal.
Deadline for Applications: 16 October 2026
