Application Deadline: September 10, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Google for Startups Hybrid Accelerator Africa Program.
A three-month hybrid accelerator program for Seed to Series A technology startups. The accelerator program is designed to bring the best of Google’s programs, products, people and technology to communities across South Africa.
The Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa will kick off in September 2025 and run until December 2025.
The hybrid accelerator runs for a period of three months, with digital workshops, programming, and mentorship. As part of the Google for Startups Accelerator, selected founders outline the top technical challenges facing their startup, and are then paired with relevant experts from Google’s network of Experts to help solve those challenges. Participating startups receive deep mentorship on technical challenges with an emphasis on data and machine learning, as well as connections to relevant teams from across Google. The program will consist of in-person bootcamps and virtual workshops and mentorship.
Entry Criteria
- Startups demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stage
- Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model
- Deeply technical, preferably leveraging technologies like machine learning and AI
- Commitment from CTO and/or technical roles to participate and engage in required program sessions
- Google is committed to building accelerator classes with great startups, and encourage applications from all qualified startups
Program Details
A global series of programs
Each cohort of 10-15 startups comes together to tackle technical challenges that can help grow their businesses through a mix of remote and in-person, 1-to-1, group learning sessions, and sprint projects.
Dedicated expert help
Founders outline the top technical challenges for their startup, and are paired with experts from Google and the industry to solve those challenges and grow their business.
Specialist deep dives
Accelerators include deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders.
Google for Startups Cloud program
Eligible participants receive up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, dedicated support from startup experts, technical training and access to key industry events.
Key benefits
- Equity-free support: Equity-free support: For duration of program.
- Mentoring: Dedicated mentoring from Google teams.
- Training: Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google where offered.
- Access to expertsAccess to Google’s network of industry experts.
- Google product credits: Eligible startups receive product credits.
- Early access: Access to new Google products and tools as relevant.
- Strategic support: Support on company and product strategy
- Technical project partnership: Work hand in hand with experts from Google on your biggest tech challenges.
- Funding: Participating startups will receive R1 million each.
Application Timeline:
- August 18, 2025: Applications Open
- September 10, 2025: Applications Close
- September 29, 2025: Program Kick-off
- December, 2025: Graduation
- December, 2025: Demo Day
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Google for Startups Hybrid Accelerator Africa Program
