Phase One: Training

MEST participants start out in a two-year, full-time, paid traineeship that includes mentorship by world-class faculty, averaging at least 20 years of experience in commercial software development in the United States. MEST provides rigorous entrepreneurial training, extensive hands-on project work, and mastery of proven methodologies for software development. MEST also includes a series of guest lectures annually, in which internationally recognized executives, professors and entrepreneurs share their experiences and insights.

Phase Two: Incubation

The Meltwater Incubator (MINC) helps MEST graduates validate their ideas and get their new businesses off the ground. Enrollment is based upon approved business plans. Participants will be awarded initial seed funding and office space in the Meltwater Incubator in Accra, London, or San Francisco. From these strategic locations, participants have easy access and exposure to the global markets.

Phase Three: Mentoring

Companies formed by the Meltwater Incubator will run just like any private, independent company. To increase the chances for commercial breakthroughs, each company will be offered mentors, who will serve as board members or advisors. Mentors will be recruited among industry professionals and successful entrepreneurs. They will help MEST entrepreneurs create a go-to-market strategy and attract strategic clients and partners.