Deadline: March 14, 2026
Applications are open for the Solar Innovators Research Fellowship 2026. The Solar Innovators Research Fellowship is a four-month applied research programme that strengthens Africa’s solar manufacturing capability.
The fellowship trains and connects early career researchers and engineers to solve manufacturing grade problems across the PV value chain, including PV materials, device design, manufacturing systems and data driven optimisation. Fellows complete tightly scoped, outcome focused project work that is ready for testing or direct industry use, supported by technical mentorship and partner introductions.
Benefits
- Structured technical mentorship and weekly cohort sessions.
- Direct introductions to manufacturers and partner testing where available.
- Practical, outcome oriented training that prepares work for production.
- Membership in a growing alumni network that connects researchers with industry and funders.
Eligibility
- Open to graduates (master’s level preferred), engineers or technically focused innovators based in Africa or working on African solar manufacturing problems.
- Demonstrable skills in physics, materials science, electrical/electronic/mechanical/manufacturing engineering or data science are preferred.
- Able to commit to the full four month programme beginning 3 April 2026.
- Proficient in English.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated on:
- Technical fit and evidence you can deliver the proposed project.
- Feasibility and clarity of a focused one-page project brief with measurable outputs.
- Potential for manufacturing impact: how the work will reduce cost, improve yield or raise quality for African solar manufacturing.
- Collaboration potential and demonstrated commitment to local impact.
Application
- Required upload: One-page related research concept or short project idea (PDF, one page). Follow the form label exactly when preparing your file. Do not submit a CV unless specifically requested later.
- Optional: compact links to supporting materials such as a short demo, GitHub repository, figure or one additional PDF.
For more information, visit Solar Innovators Research Fellowship.
