The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) has opened applications for the second edition of its AI Startup Program, a fully funded initiative aimed at equipping Africa’s emerging AI entrepreneurs with the skills required to build and scale globally competitive startups.
The programme combines technical training, business development, product design and leadership coaching to support founders developing artificial intelligence-driven solutions across the continent.
Over a seven-month training phase, selected entrepreneurs will receive hands-on instruction, technical mentorship and business coaching from global industry experts to help them develop AI-powered products. The strongest startups will then move into a four-month incubation stage focused on refining products, strengthening go-to-market strategies and gaining market traction.
At the end of the incubation period, participating startups will have the opportunity to pitch for pre-seed investment of up to $100,000 and join the MEST portfolio.
The inaugural cohort brought together founders from seven African countries who are already building AI solutions across various industries. MEST said the 2027 edition builds on the momentum of the first programme and reflects its commitment to ensuring African entrepreneurs play a significant role in the future of artificial intelligence.
Emily Fiagbedzi, Director of the AI Startup Program, said investment in African AI talent is becoming increasingly urgent as the technology evolves rapidly worldwide.
“AI technology is advancing at an extraordinary pace, and meaningful participation in the global AI economy requires more than access to tools, it requires the ability to build,” she said. “This program is designed to help talented African founders develop solutions to real challenges while positioning them to compete globally. We are excited to support the next generation of African AI founders through training delivered by some of the most knowledgeable experts in the industry from organizations including OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, and Meltwater.”
Applications for the 2027 intake are open to founders aged between 21 and 35 from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Kenya who have software development experience and are looking to launch their own AI startups.
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