StartGate

Jumpshot 2.0 is a pan-African challenge for market-ready startups delivering measurable social or environmental impact. Selected startups will participate in a 3-month virtual accelerator, culminating in a final evaluation and awards process.

The NBPA x UM6P Innovation Challenge JumpShot is a pan-African entrepreneurship program designed to identify, support, and accelerate high-potential startups solving critical social and environmental challenges across the continent. Through a competitive selection process, promising founders gain access to a 3-month virtual accelerator, strategic mentorship, exposure to industry leaders, and connections to resources that can strengthen their business models and growth pathways. With USD 160,000 in equity-free cash prizes awarded to 6 winners, JumpShot gives African founders a platform to scale their impact and take their ventures to the next level.

USD 160,000 equity-free cash (6 winners)

Opens March 13, 2026 • Closes March 30, 2026

3-month virtual program (online)

12 eligible countries across Africa

Top winner attends UNGA 2026 + U.S. exposure experience

Equity-free Prize Breakdown (6 winners, Total USD 160,000)

We are looking for startups that are:

Legally registered and operating in one or more eligible countries

product is live in-market with real users or customers

Such as at least one of- revenue (preferred), paid pilots/contracts or active usage with credible adoption evidence

Solving a real world social or environmental problem with measurable results for a clearly defined user group

Clearly defined user group; specify users using at least two of the following:

Role/profile (farmers, patients, retailers)

Country/region/city or urban/rural

Shared constraint (off-grid, chronic disease, no access to finance)

Hospitals, Schools, SMEs, Cooperatives ...

Low-income households, Micro-enterprises

The Impact Investment Accelerator is designed for growth-stage startups that demonstrate high potential for scalability, financial sustainability, and measurable social and environmental impact. Here are the key eligibility and selection criteria for applicants :

Complete the online application. You will be asked for company details and registration, product overview and traction metrics, the Impact Proof section (including two proof uploads), team details and optional pitch deck or demo links.

• We are registered and operating in an eligible country • Our product is live • We can show traction with evidence • We can define a user group using at least two classifications (Who, Where Need, Institution, Affordability) • We can upload two proof artifacts;

Common Questions We Get

No. Your product must be live in market and show traction.

A 3-month virtual accelerator plus global exposure, including UNGA 2026 attendance for the top winner and a U.S. experience with NBPA and UM6P U.S. (details shared with finalists/winners).

Revenue is preferred. Paid pilots/contracts or strong adoption evidence may qualify.

While we prefer teams with complementary skills, we do accept exceptional solo founders. We also help connect you with potential co-founders through our network.

The NBPA Foundation and OCP Group- UM6P join forces to support entrepreneurial initiatives in Africa, providing funding and growth opportunities for local businesses. Together, they empower startups and drive sustainable impact across the continent.

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to protect and advance the rights of our players. They are the game. Funding for Jump Shot is provided by the NBPA Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members by supporting and assisting people, communities and organizations worldwide. It spotlights and amplifies the global initiatives of professional basketball players, driving positive change through community building, charitable endeavors and social entrepreneurship. For more information, visit www.nbpa.com and follow @thenbpa on social.

University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) is a Moroccan university focusing on developing solutions to specific continental and more broadly global challenges. UM6P is oriented towards education and research, with strong links to industry, business, and innovation. The university commits itself to empowering a new generation of talents that will build and lead the future of Africa. For more information please visit: https://www.um6p.ma/en

Jumpshot 2026

JumpShot

Social Entrepreneurship

Impact Investing

Inclusive Growth in Africa

Program Snapshot

Prize pool

Application window

Accelerator

Final selection

Geography

Flagship opportunity

Equity-free Prize

1st Prize

2nd Prize

3rd Prize

4th Prize

5th Prize

6th Prize

What can we unlock for your company?

Who Should Apply

Operational & Legal Status

Beyond prototype

Demonstrating traction

Social or Environmental Impact

Women-led startups and diverse founding teams are strongly encouraged to apply

Who Should Apply

Who

Where

Need

Institution (B2B/B2G)

Affordability (if relevant)

Eligible Countries

Morocco

Ethiopia

South Africa

Nigeria

Rwanda

Cameroon

Kenya

Ghana

Uganda

Senegal

Côte d'ivoire

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Eligibility Criteria

Driven by Africa

Business Stage and Maturity

Impact and Scalability

Market and Customer Validation

Team and Leadership

Innovation and Technology Use

Legal and Ethical Compliance

Team Commitment

Milestones

Applications open

Applications close

Finalists selected & notified

Bootcamp Challenge and Winners Announcement

Acceleration program

How to Apply

Optional Self-Check (Recommended)

FAQ

Is this open to idea-stage startups?

What do winners receive beyond cash?

Do we need revenue?

Can I apply if I'm a solo founder?

Get to know the partners