The recently developed MEST AI Startup Program is now accepting applications from the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST), a pioneer in tech entrepreneurship education and early-to-growth-stage startup assistance.
Over the course of the last 17 years, MEST, a seed fund, incubator, and pan-African software and entrepreneurship training program, has trained and assisted software entrepreneurs throughout the continent, bolstering Africa’s innovation economy.
MEST is putting Africa’s tech entrepreneurs at the forefront of this change as artificial intelligence rapidly changes industries. The goal of the redesigned flagship program is to equip Africa’s brightest tech talent to create, launch, and grow top-tier AI startups.
“Africa has world-class tech talent, and it’s time AI solutions built on the continent reach users everywhere,” said Emily Fiagbedzi, director of the MEST AI Startup Programme. “MEST is proud to contribute to this reality through our training and incubation programme that equips talent from across Africa with training and mentoring from international experts for the development of globally relevant AI software.”
Accra, Ghana hosts the fully-funded, immersive MEST AI Startup Program, which gives Africa’s most promising AI entrepreneurs the leadership, business, and technical know-how they need to launch and grow globally competitive companies. While creating AI-powered solutions to real-world problems, founders receive practical training, technical mentorship, and business coaching from international experts during a rigorous seven-month training phase.
A four-month incubation period follows, during which the most successful ventures improve their go-to-market tactics, secure market traction, and refine their products. Startups can pitch for pre-seed funding of up to $100,000 USD and become part of the MEST portfolio at the conclusion of incubation.
“Mastering AI and the advanced AI tools available today is a must for any entrepreneur and further levelling the playing field. The world has never been flatter. We are proud and excited to announce that the next batch of MEST entrepreneurs will be trained by some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry from companies such as OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, and Meltwater,” said MEST founder Jorn Lyseggen.
African founders residing in West Africa who are between the ages of 21 and 30 and have prior software development experience and wish to launch their own AI startup are eligible to apply for the 2026 intake. Applications are open here.
