Cameroonian recycling technology company BleagLee has won the $1 million Grand Prize in the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing, a development that is expected to strengthen Africa’s growing position in sustainable manufacturing and artificial intelligence innovation.
The award, presented by the Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, recognizes businesses using advanced technology to solve industrial and environmental challenges. For BleagLee, the recognition brings global visibility and funding that could help the company scale its operations and expand the impact of its waste recycling model across more markets.
The company uses AI-powered waste collection systems to transform plastic waste, agricultural waste and electronic waste into premium recycled products. Through its patented software, BleagLee identifies, collects and processes waste into engineered polymers and 3D printing filaments. The company says its long-term goal is to reduce nearly 300 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 while creating economic value from materials that are often discarded.
BleagLee says its mission is centered on fighting climate change by building sustainable projects that convert large volumes of waste into useful products around the world. The company also aims to reduce the environmental and public health risks linked to poor waste disposal while creating commercial opportunities from recycling.
The win is important not only for BleagLee but also for the wider African innovation ecosystem. It reflects increasing global interest in African startups that are building practical solutions around climate change, manufacturing, waste management and industrial technology. The unrestricted nature of the prize money gives companies flexibility to invest in the areas where growth is most needed, including product development, expansion, staffing and infrastructure.
“Africa is producing world-class AI and technology innovation that is solving problems and creating opportunities on a global scale. And that story is only beginning to be told,” said Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, co-founder and CEO of the Motsepe Foundation.
“When we invest in innovation that is both locally grounded and globally minded, the returns are limitless. I am delighted to see partnerships like this one ensure the brightest minds have the resources, networks and platforms they need to scale their work and shape a more prosperous and equitable world,” she added.
Competition Draws More Than 2,000 Entrepreneurs
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing officially launched in May 2025 and attracted more than 2,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries. Participants were evaluated based on commercial viability, operational economics, technological integration and scalability.
From the large applicant pool, ten semifinalists were selected to pitch their businesses at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi. Five finalists later advanced to present at the 2026 Milken Institute Global Conference, where BleagLee emerged as the overall winner.
The competition also recognized other technology-driven businesses working to solve major development challenges. Tanzania-based Freshpack Technologies received the $250,000 runner-up prize for its AI-powered cold storage solutions designed to reduce food waste. Meanwhile, United Kingdom-based Digitech Oasis Limited won $100,000 for the Most Advanced Use of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
An additional $750,000 in interim funding was distributed among finalists and semifinalists during different stages of the competition.
Since launching in 2021, the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program has awarded more than $8 million to over 50 innovators globally. According to the organizers, participating companies have collectively gone on to raise nearly 31 times the value of the Grand Prize in additional outside investment. The program has also reached more than one million community members through supported ventures and online innovation resources.
New Circular Economy Prize Opens New Opportunities
Following the success of the AI and Manufacturing competition, organizers announced the launch of a new $2 million Circular Economy Prize, which will also include a $1 million Grand Prize.
The initiative will focus on companies using technology to replace traditional “take-make-waste” production systems with more sustainable and resource-efficient value chains. Organizers say the new competition aims to support businesses addressing industrial waste management challenges in Africa while creating measurable environmental and social impact.
The Circular Economy Prize will also encourage skills development and reskilling in waste management practices, helping create safer and more specialized jobs within the sector.
Registration for the competition is already open and will close on August 13, 2026.
The continued expansion of the Milken-Motsepe Prize program highlights how innovation funding is becoming an increasingly important tool in supporting African entrepreneurs solving global problems.
