NEW and Launching in 2026!

The MEST AI Startup Program

Since 2008, MEST’s Training Program has been at the forefront of nurturing Africa’s tech talent in software entrepreneurship. As Artificial Intelligence reshapes industries, economies, and the future of work, we believe Africa should be at the forefront. That’s why we’ve redesigned our program for 2026 and beyond with a sharp focus on AI.

The new MEST AI Startup Program is a seven-month intensive experience led by global experts in AI and business. It’s designed to equip Africa’s brightest minds to launch impactful AI-driven software startups. Top-performing teams will be selected for an additional four-month incubation phase, where they’ll transform bold ideas into viable startups.Following incubation, teams will pitch for pre-seed investment to fuel their growth.

Apply here

Empowering the Next Generation of African AI Entrepreneurs

The MEST AI Startup Program Journey:
From Idea to Investment

January – July : Training

For all accepted participants

AI software development and business fundamentals with experts and industry leaders
Team formation with a Pan-African cohort
Idea validation and testing through customer feedback
MVP development and testing

August: Graduation & Incubation Transition

For all participants

End of training pitch for entry into incubation
All participants graduate from the Training portion of the program
Select ventures transition to incubation

September – December : Incubation

For selected ventures

Market testing and real-world feedback
Product and business model iteration
Product deployment, user acquisition, and growth strategy
Mentorship from industry leaders and experts
Roadmap development for scale and sustainability
Pitch for pre-seed investment

January: Pre-Seed Investment

For high-performing ventures

Transition to MEST Portfolio
Receive up to $100,000 in pre-seed investment
Continued support to grow and scale with MEST

What to expect in the AI Startup Program

Build and Test Real AI Startups

Join a team, validate an AI-driven idea, and build a minimum viable product (MVP) through rapid prototyping, user testing, and continuous iteration. This is an execution-first program that turns ideas into investor-ready ventures.

Learn from Global Experts

Work closely with AI practitioners, startup operators, and business leaders from world-class institutions such as OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, Meltwater, and many more. Our experts bring deep technical and entrepreneurial experience to support your journey.

Grow Through Collaboration and Feedback

Work with a diverse cohort of aspiring founders from across the continent. Form lasting partnerships, sharpen your thinking through peer feedback, and build resilient startups with global potential.

Incubation and Path towards Investment

At the end of the program, select teams enter a 4-month incubation phase to scale, acquire users, and pitch for up to $100,000 in pre-seed investment from the MEST Portfolio.

FAQs

What does the seven-month AI Startup Program entail?

This 7-month, activity-based intensive training is designed for Africans with software development experience and entrepreneurial interest to explore and refine AI business ideas in teams. Participants test their ideas and build their startups in real-time while learning from world-class experts.

The curriculum is highly interactive, blending hands-on AI development, deep startup fundamentals, leadership training, and extensive customer engagement. Participants are encouraged to test out different ideas and potential teammates in the first two months. Final teams (2 – 4 members) and chosen AI solutions will be solidified by Month 3, ensuring each group works on a globally competitive AI product.

By the end of the program, participants will have:

Finalized their teams and validated an AI-driven business idea
Developed an MVP with global market potential
Built a robust business model using lean startup methodologies
Learned sustainable leadership, wellness, and team management practices
5. Prepared to pitch for entry into the incubation phase of the AI Startup Program

Key Elements of the AI Startup Program Experience:

Global AI Expert Exposure
Engage directly with renowned AI practitioners, entrepreneurs and experts in their fields from around the globe.
Robust AI Business Building
Develop a market-ready AI startup
Expand your technical skills and business acumen

What does the four-month incubation program entail?

This four-month incubation program is for a select number of high-potential AI ventures from the training program. The focus is on turning MVPs into market-ready AI products, securing customers, and scaling operations.

By the end of incubation, each startup will have a fully functional AI product deployed to the market, validated business model, and users/customers, ready for investment with funding strategies plan in place, a road map for growth.

Key Elements of the Incubation Experience:

What determines if a startup and team is selected to move to incubation?

Startups and Teams are evaluated on several criteria through a transparent scorecard system that all participants have access to when joining the program.

Product & market validation

Problem clarity and validation
Market size and competitive landscape
Early traction and customer validation

Product & business model feasibility

Product feasibility and development readiness
Business model & monetization potential
Scalability & long term viability

Team, execution, & fit for incubation

Team strength & commitment
Coachability & growth mindset
Incubator first & strategic alignment

What are the AI Startup Program Training Modules?

The startup program includes six modules that guide teams through idea validation, team formation, and AI software development.

Module 1: AI Foundations, Exploration & Early Team Testing

Gain fundamental AI knowledge, brainstorm multiple ideas, and experiment with initial team formations.

Module 2: Team Refinement & Track Specialization

Narrow down top ideas, start forming semi-stable teams, and choose an individual focus (AI Development or Business Strategy).

Module 3: Finalizing Teams & AI Business Concepts

Converge on final teams (2–4 members) and lock in a clear AI business idea for global or regional impact.

Module 4: Intensive Development & Go-To-Market Strategy

Build MVP functionality, refine business models using lean startup methods, and incorporate global marketing strategies.

Module 5: Scaling Operations & Global Market Engagement

Scale AI operations, validate global potential, and establish key partnerships or alliances.

Module 6: Leadership, Sales & Final Demo Day

Finalize MVP, master global sales strategies, showcase to mentors, and prepare for incubation selection.

What are the AI Startup Program Incubation Modules?

The incubation phase consists of five focused modules designed to help ventures validate and further develop their product into a market-ready solution, refine their business model, acquire customers, integrate user feedback, and prepare for scale and investment.

Module 1: Market Validation & Customer Acquisition

Validate AI product-market fit & onboard early customers

Module 2: Product Scaling & AI Deployment at Scale

Move from MVP to a robust, scalable AI solution

Module 3: Fundraising, Business Models & Financial Readiness

Build an AI business model that attracts funding & sustains itself

Module 4: Strategic Partnerships, Enterprise Deals & Legal Readiness

Objective: Secure long-term partnerships, contracts & legal compliance

Module 5: Strategic Go-to-Market, Scaling & Final Investor Showcase

Secure customers, investment & scale globally

What are the qualifications to get into the program?

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or equivalent experience
Age: 21 – 30
Experience: Must have demonstrated software development experience, a basic understanding of artificial intelligence, and strong interest in entrepreneurship.
Mindset: Entrepreneurial, Innovative, problem-solving, life-long learner, and ready to work in a high-intensity startup environment. Strong desire to be an entrepreneur
Citizen of a country in West Africa

Availability: Fully committed for up to 12 months (the 7-month training + 4-month incubation) plus a desire to pursue entrepreneurship full-time afterward.

Preferred Skills:

Strong ability to work in cross-functional and cross-cultural teams
Experience in AI innovation
Interest in global market expansion
Previous entrepreneurial experience

What is the recruitment process?

What countries do you recruit from?

For the 2026 intake, our focus is West Africa. We will hold in-person interviews in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. West African nationals from other countries are welcome to apply but will need to be able to travel to Ghana, Nigeria, or Senegal for in-person interviews and the group challenge in September/October.

What is the application timeline?

Applications open: June 2025
Applications close: August 2025
In-person group challenge and individual interviews: September – October 2025
Contracts sent: October 2025

What is the timeline for the next cohort?

Contracts are sent in October 2025
Pre-learning occurs from November – December 2025
Program Starts: January 2026
AI Startup Program Graduation: August 2026
Incubation for select ventures: September – December 2026
End of full program: December 2026
Onboarding to Portfolio for ventures selected for investment: January 2027

How much does this program cost?

The MEST AI Startup Program is fully-sponsored and requires no financial payments to MEST. This is a full-time residential program that requires you to commit to full participation for a minimum of 7 months of training and, if selected, an additional 4 months of incubation.

Can I apply if I do not have a university degree or diploma?

You are welcome to apply if you do not have a university degree or diploma, but have strong experience in software development.

Do I have to pay for my flight if I am admitted into the startup program?

No, you do not. MEST covers the cost of your flight to Ghana, once you are successfully admitted into the program.

Is healthcare covered by MEST for the duration of the program?

Yes. Entrepreneurs-in-Training (EITs) have access to healthcare during the program.

Can I combine this program with my current job or school?

The MEST AI Startup Program is fully-residential and requires full-time participation for the entire 7-month training and for select ventures, an additional 4-month incubation. For this reason, it is not possible to combine with work or school.

Can I participate virtually?

The MEST AI Startup Program is fully-residential and facilitated in-person. Participants must be able to commit to 7 months of full-time training and potentially an additional 4 months of incubation in Accra, Ghana.

Who is this program open to?

For the 2026 intake, the AI Startup Program is open to West Africans. We will hold in-person interviews in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal.

If I do not complete the assessment, will I lose the chance of being selected into the program?

The assessment is a required component of the application process. You will not be able to submit your application for consideration until you have completed it. It is the next stage after completing the application form. Please ensure that you complete it.

I have applied but haven’t heard back on my application.

Application to the program has a deadline. The MEST Recruitment team will get in touch with you once the application window closes and selection of final candidates is completed. Please hold on until the application period is over to hear back from us. If you do not hear back before the program start date, you should consider your application unsuccessful.

Can I come with existing startup ideas?

Yes, you can come with existing startup ideas. However, it should not be an existing business with an existing team that you already run. You will settle on an idea and develop a team during the Training portion of the program.

How will I get notified if I am accepted into the Program? Should I expect a direct call or a message?

The MEST Recruitment Team will reach out to you via email to inform you of your admission. We will not contact you by phone call, text or WhatsApp regarding a decision. Any formal communications will come from recruitment@meltwater.org.

Can foreign participants stay in Ghana after the MEST AI Startup Program ends?

MEST covers your residency status only for the length of the AI Startup Program’s training and incubation phase. If you decide to stay in Ghana once the program ends, you will need to apply for your residency, cover the fees, and follow Ghana Immigration Service procedures.

If you have any questions, please send an email to: recruitment@meltwater.org