Open calls for DAAD funding
The Call for Papers for the 3rd International Conference on Technological Advancement in Embedded and Mobile Systems (ICTA-EMOS 2026) is out.
The International Conference on Technological Advancement in Embedded and Mobile Systems (ICTA-EMOS 2026) represents the culmination of collaborative research, capacity building, and innovation activities undertaken under the Centre of Excellence for ICT in East Africa (CENIT@EA) initiative. The conference serves as a global platform that brings together researchers, academics, industry innovators, and policymakers to exchange knowledge, present research findings, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
Hosted by Moi University, Kenya, ICTA-EMOS 2026 will showcase recent technological advances in embedded systems, mobile technologies, applied artificial intelligence, and emerging digital technologies. The conference is designed to translate research into practice by addressing real-world challenges through sustainable and socially responsible technological solutions.
Building on the success of previous editions, ICTA-EMOS continues to strengthen international research networks and to promote high-quality technological research and innovation across Africa and the wider global research community.
The conference takes place from 26 – 28 August 2026
The abstract submission deadline is 15 May 2026
New call for proposals strengthens German-Kenyan higher education cooperation: The Centre for Applied and Responsible Artificial Intelligence will connect teaching, research, and knowledge transfer to drive responsible AI development.
Relevance
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key technology with great transformative potential for the economy, science and society. As its use grows, so does the demand for highly qualified professionals and effective research networks that combine technical expertise with social responsibility – for AI that serves the common good.
The DAAD funding initiative supports the establishment of a “Centre of African Excellence for Applied and Responsible AI” in Kenya. It focuses on developing practice-oriented study programmes, expanding research capacities, and training highly qualified AI talent. The project builds on the High-Tech Agenda Germany and the Kenya AI Strategy, brings together German and Kenyan scientific expertise, connects the innovation ecosystems of both countries, and thereby strengthens international cooperation in the strategic field of AI.
The call for proposals is part of the Centres of African Excellence programme and is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) and the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
Objectives
The Centre aims to strengthen teaching, research, and innovation capacities in applied and responsible AI and to establish a sustainable German-Kenyan academic partnership.
Key objectives include:
- Expansion of practice-oriented study and continuing education programmes
- Qualification of students and early-career researchers
- Promotion of application-oriented research
- Development of sustainable institutional structures and networks
Call for Proposals
The initiative comprises two funding lines:
Funding Line A – Capacity Building, Education and Knowledge Transfer (funded by the German Federal Foreign Office)
Link to call
Funding Line B – Support for German and Kenyan PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers (funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space)
Link to call
Projects are eligible for funding only if applications are submitted for both funding lines.
Application deadline: 30 June 2026
Webinar on the Application Process
On 28 April 2026, a webinar on the application process will take place from 10:00 to 11:30 (CET). The session will focus in particular on the background and objectives of the programme, the funding concept, and questions relating to the application process. Interested universities can register by 23 April 2026 by emailing p31@daad.de.
The programme is aimed at early career researchers as well as established academics and scientists from countries on the OECD DAC list in Sub Saharan Africa:Latin America and Asia are additionally envisaged as target regions. It funds short research stays in Germany as well as preparatory and cooperation visits to support the implementation of development related research projects and the establishment of international scientific collaborations.
Scholarship holders will deepen their subject specific, methodological and analytical skills, expand their scientific networks and increase their visibility in the international research context. After completion of the funding period, they will apply the knowledge and contacts gained at their home institutions and contribute there to research, teaching, knowledge transfer and institutional development.
The programme is financed by funds from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Who can apply?
Applications are open to doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, university teachers and established academics and scientists from countries on the OECD DAC list—primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, but also in Latin America and Asia, who are employed at a university or a research institute in their home country.
Women, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals and persons from disadvantaged regions or groups are especially encouraged to apply.
You are not eligible to apply if you are already in Germany at the time of application or are conducting your entire doctoral or postdoctoral research at a German higher education institution.
Would you like to study in Germany, and your school leaving certificate alone is not enough to enable you to?
The Call for the third application phase for the VORsprung Programme is out!
VORsprung is an online course that helps you to prepare for an engineering, science or technology (STEM) degree programme in Germany.
Upon completion, VORsprung graduates receive university admission for selected degree programmes at partner universities.
The German Intensive Course starts in August 2026. The regular programme starts in September 2026.
More info about VORsprung
Info on how to apply
The deadline for application is June 30, 2026 (11:59 PM CET).
