Applications are now open for the MEST AI Startup Program 2027, a fully funded entrepreneurship and venture-building initiative designed to equip Africa’s most promising innovators with the skills, networks, and resources needed to build globally competitive artificial intelligence startups. Organized by the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST), the program seeks to position African entrepreneurs at the forefront of the rapidly evolving AI economy while fostering the development of technology-driven solutions to local and global challenges.
The program marks the second edition of MEST’s AI-focused startup initiative, following the successful launch of its inaugural AI cohort in 2026. Since its establishment in 2008, MEST has trained thousands of entrepreneurs and invested in dozens of startups across Africa, helping create a vibrant ecosystem of technology founders and innovators. The organization has become one of the continent’s most influential startup development institutions, supporting entrepreneurs through training, incubation, mentorship, and investment.
Applications for the 2027 cohort officially opened on 19 May 2026 and will remain open until 20 July 2026. The fully sponsored residential program will be hosted in Accra, Ghana, and is open to aspiring entrepreneurs from West and East Africa who possess software development experience, a basic understanding of artificial intelligence, and a strong interest in entrepreneurship. Applicants must be between 21 and 35 years old and willing to commit to an intensive training and incubation experience lasting up to 12 months.
According to MEST, the initiative was redesigned to respond to the growing influence of artificial intelligence on industries, economies, and the future of work.
“As Artificial Intelligence reshapes industries, economies, and the future of work, we believe Africa should be at the forefront,” MEST stated in its official program announcement.
The program follows a structured pathway designed to transform aspiring entrepreneurs into startup founders. Participants begin with a seven-month intensive training phase running from January to July 2027. During this period, they will form teams, identify and validate AI-driven business ideas, engage with customers, and develop minimum viable products (MVPs). The curriculum combines technical AI training with startup fundamentals, leadership development, product design, customer discovery, and business strategy.
One of the program’s distinguishing features is its access to international expertise. Participants will learn directly from industry practitioners and professionals associated with organizations such as OpenAI, Google, Meta, Perplexity, and Meltwater, gaining exposure to cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence and startup development.
Following the training phase, the most promising teams will progress to a four month incubation programme from September to December 2027. During incubation, startups will focus on refining products, acquiring customers, validating business models, and preparing for investment. Entrepreneurs will receive mentorship from experienced founders, investors, and technology experts while working to achieve market traction and commercial viability.
At the conclusion of incubation, selected ventures will have the opportunity to pitch for up to US$100,000 in pre-seed investment funding and gain entry into the MEST portfolio, which provides continued support for startup growth and expansion.
Emily Fiagbedzi, Director of the MEST AI Startup Program, emphasized the importance of building African capacity in artificial intelligence rather than simply consuming technology developed elsewhere.
“Meaningful participation in the global AI economy requires the ability to build, not just use AI tools,” Fiagbedzi said while discussing the program’s vision for nurturing African AI founders.
The initiative arrives at a critical moment for Africa’s technology sector. As governments, businesses, and institutions increasingly adopt AI technologies, demand is growing for entrepreneurs capable of developing locally relevant solutions. Organizers believe that supporting founders with technical expertise and entrepreneurial skills will help strengthen Africa’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Participants will also benefit from comprehensive support throughout the program. MEST covers training costs, accommodation, healthcare, and flights to Ghana for admitted participants. The organization describes the program as fully sponsored, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented innovators from participating.
Since its founding, MEST has trained more than 2,000 entrepreneurs and supported over 90 startups, many of which have gone on to secure international investment and participate in globally recognized accelerator programs. Organizers hope the AI Startup Program will build upon that legacy by creating a new generation of founders capable of developing world-class AI ventures from Africa.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries worldwide, the MEST AI Startup Program 2027 offers African innovators a unique opportunity to gain advanced technical knowledge, develop scalable businesses, and access early stage funding. Through training, mentorship, and investment support, the initiative aims to ensure that African entrepreneurs play a leading role in shaping the future of AI innovation both on the continent and globally.