MEST AI Startup Programme 2027.

MEST AI Startup Program Applications is Open. Applications for the second cohort of the MEST AI Startup Program are now open. Join a community of aspiring AI entrepreneurs to explore ideas, form teams, and build high-impact startups through intensive training and potential incubation.

Benefits

The MEST AI Startup Program is an up to 12-month immersive experience designed to equip Africa’s most promising AI entrepreneurs with the skills to build and scale globally competitive AI startups.

Training Phase (7 months: January – July 2027)

Hands-on, intensive training where you will:

• Explore and refine AI business ideas
• Develop and deploy an AI MVP
• Gain deep expertise in AI software development and business fundamentals
• Work with world-class AI practitioners, entrepreneurs, and experts
• Apply lean startup principles, business modeling, and go-to-market strategies
• Pitch for selection into the incubation phase

Incubation Phase (4 months: September – December 2027)

For the most promising startups from training. Focus on:

• Scaling AI products and securing customers
• Refining business models with real market validation
• Working with mentors, investors, and industry leaders on funding strategies
• Building a fully deployable AI product with an established user base
• Preparing for investment

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or equivalent experience
• Age: 21-35
• Experience: Demonstrated software development experience, basic understanding of AI, strong interest in entrepreneurship
• Mindset: Entrepreneurial, innovative, problem-solving, lifelong learner, ready for high-intensity startup environment
• Citizenship: West or East African citizen. (Note: Nationals outside of our core recruitment countries of Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Kenya must be able, at their own cost, to travel to one of the core countries for in-person interviews, if shortlisted.)
• Availability: Fully committed for up to 12 months (7-month training + 4-month incubation) plus 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

Selection Process

Program Timeline at a Glance

October 2026: Contracts sent
November – December 2026: Virtual pre-learning
January 2027: Arrival in Ghana & Program start
August 2027: Training graduation
September – December 2027: Incubation for select ventures
December 2027: Program completion
January 2028: Onboarding to portfolio for ventures selected for investment

Method of Application

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline: July 20, 2026.