Published: 19 Jun 2026 278 views
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.
MEST was launched by The Meltwater Foundation, the not-for-profit arm of Meltwater, in 2008. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Meltwater is a global leader in media intelligence and Outside Insight. MEST is an Africa-wide technology entrepreneur training program, internal seed fund, and network of hubs offering incubation for technology startups in Africa. Founded in Ghana in 2008, MEST provides critical skills training, funding, and support in software development, business, and communications to Africa�s tech entrepreneurs. Hubs are located in Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria... continue reading
| Application Deadline | 20 Jul 2026 |
| Type | Training |
| Sponsor | MEST |
| Gender | Men and Women |
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
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
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
Check also:
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to Study in UK 2027/2028
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Africans 2027 (Fully Funded to USA)
Learn the easiest way to write compelling and winning scholarship essays for Chevening, Commonwealth, and Open Doors.
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