The 2024 Young African AI Research Fellowship was first introduced at the Deep Learning Indaba 2023, thanks to a generous sponsorship from Jeff Dean, the Chief Scientist at Google DeepMind and Google Research, who was present at the event. This forward-thinking program is tailored to nurture and accelerate emerging AI talent across the African continent. Today, the fellowship is set to be officially launched at Deep Learning Indaba 2024, where the first awards for the best poster presentations will be bestowed, marking the beginning of a significant initiative.
Fellowship Focus and Opportunities
Designed specifically for master’s graduates, this fellowship offers an invaluable platform for young researchers to gain substantial hands-on experience in the ever-evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). By engaging in cutting-edge research at InstaDeep Rwanda, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in advanced AI projects, equipping them with the expertise necessary to make significant contributions not only to African AI innovation but also to the broader global AI community.
Fellows will be expected to present their research findings at prestigious international AI conferences, including Deep Learning Indaba, ICLR (International Conference on Learning Representations), NeurIPS (Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems), and ICML (International Conference on Machine Learning). This exposure positions the fellows to become central figures in the development of AI technologies, while also increasing African representation on the global AI stage.
A key goal of the fellowship is to create a pathway for African AI researchers to further their careers, including potential PhD opportunities that can expand their contributions to the field. The fellowship provides a foundation for researchers to explore areas such as Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, and other AI technologies critical to both Africa’s development and global innovation.
The Partnership and Vision
The program is supported by ASCEND360, a non-profit organization co-founded by one of the IndabaX organizers. This partnership between ASCEND360, InstaDeep, and Deep Learning Indaba reflects a broader vision to enhance Machine Learning (ML) and AI research across Africa. The collaboration is rooted in a mission to empower African researchers and address their underrepresentation in the global AI landscape. By offering the next generation of African researchers a platform to excel, the fellowship seeks to elevate African voices in shaping AI’s future.
About InstaDeep
As a key partner, InstaDeep is a pioneering company specializing in decision-making AI. Their expertise lies in applying Machine Learning, particularly Reinforcement Learning, to real-world problems. InstaDeep works with businesses and communities across various sectors—including logistics, biotechnology, and electronics design—helping them leverage AI to tackle complex challenges. InstaDeep’s approach centers on human values, combining technical expertise with a commitment to democratizing AI and nurturing emerging talent. Their acquisition by the BioNTech Group in 2023 has only amplified their global impact and ability to innovate at the intersection of AI and biomedicine.
In line with their ethos of AI for Good, InstaDeep is deeply invested in sharing knowledge, creating an inclusive AI community, and fostering the next generation of African AI researchers. By participating in the Young African AI Research Fellowship, fellows will benefit from InstaDeep’s innovative culture and gain access to cutting-edge tools, frameworks, and collaborative opportunities.
Fellowship Structure and Benefits
The 2024 Young African AI Research Fellowship is a six-month intensive program, beginning in October 2024, with a full-time, on-site commitment at InstaDeep’s facility in Kigali, Rwanda. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of $1,000 USD, designed to cover living expenses and allow them to focus entirely on their research. In addition, round-trip transportation costs, up to $1,000 USD, will be provided to ensure seamless participation in the program.
The fellowship is open to master’s graduates and current PhD students from across Africa who can dedicate themselves to full-time research for six months. Candidates must reside on the African continent, with a strong preference for fostering local talent. This initiative seeks to tap into the potential of young African researchers, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and collaborative environment they need to drive innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the fellowship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, or related fields.
- Demonstrate proficiency in machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Jax.
- Possess strong English communication skills—both written and verbal—for collaboration and effective reporting.
- Be enthusiastic about contributing to team-based research and committed to a six-month, full-time on-site engagement in Kigali, Rwanda.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
Candidates with the following expertise are particularly encouraged to apply:
- Research experience in AI, demonstrated by contributions to deep learning models and AI applications.
- Proficiency in AI development tools, including software engineering skills like Object-Oriented Programming, Unit Testing, Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), and Docker.
- Experience working on AI for Social Good (AI4SG) projects, reflecting an interest in applying AI to solve real-world societal challenges.
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to publish research findings at major AI conferences.
Fellowship Application Deadline
Applications for the 2024 Young African AI Research Fellowship are due by September 17, 2024.
This fellowship represents a groundbreaking opportunity for African researchers to immerse themselves in AI research, contribute to global innovation, and help address the unique challenges of the African continent through AI technology.
To apply for this opportunity, click this link.
Cite this article as (APA format):
AR Managing Editor (2024). 2024 Young African AI Research Fellowship: Empowering Africa’s Next AI Leaders at InstaDeep Rwanda. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/2024-young-african-ai-research-fellowship-empowering-africas-next-ai-leaders-at-instadeep-rwanda/
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
