Application Deadline: 22nd August 2025.
Applications are now open for the 2026 MEST AI Startup Program. The MEST AI Startup Program is an up to 12-month immersive experience designed to equip Africa’s most promising AI entrepreneurs with the technical, business, and leadership skills needed to build and scale globally competitive AI startups.
The program is structured in two phases. The first phase is a seven-month training program for all selected participants. This training is followed by a graduation ceremony and transition period. Select startups will move into an additional four-month incubation period.
The seven-month training program (January – July 2026) is a hands-on, activity-based experience where participants explore and refine AI business ideas, develop and deploy an AI MVP, and gain deep expertise in AI software development and business fundamentals. They engage directly with renowned AI practitioners, entrepreneurs and experts in their fields from around the globe, while applying lean startup principles, business modeling, and go-to-market strategies. The training culminates in a pitch opportunity, where high-potential teams are selected to continue into the incubation phase.
The four-month incubation program (September – December 2026) is designed for the most promising AI startups from the training phase. This stage focuses on scaling AI products, securing customers, and preparing for investment. Startups refine their business models with real market validation while working closely with mentors, investors, and industry leaders to develop funding strategies. By the end of the program, startups will have a fully deployable AI product, an established user base, and a roadmap for securing investment and growing their business.
This structured approach ensures that participants receive world-class mentorship, develop tangible AI solutions, and gain a clear pathway toward investment and market success.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or equivalent experience
- Age: 21 – 30
- Experience: Must have demonstrated software development experience, a basic understanding of artificial intelligence, and strong interest in entrepreneurship.
- Mindset: Entrepreneurial, Innovative, problem-solving, life-long learner, and ready to work in a high-intensity startup environment. Strong desire to be an entrepreneur
- Citizenship: Citizen of a country in West Africa
Availability: Fully committed for up to 12 months (the 7-month training + 4-month incubation) plus a 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
Recruitment Focus Countries
For the 2026 intake, our focus is West Africa. We will hold in-person interviews in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. West African nationals from other countries are welcome to apply but will need to be able to travel to Ghana, Nigeria, or Senegal for in-person interviews and the group challenge in September/October if shortlisted.
Recruitment Process
1. Complete the Program Eligibility Screening
This initial screening is the first step in the application process. Your responses will help us determine if you meet the core eligibility criteria for the program. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will be granted access to the general application form.
2. Complete the MEST AI Startup Program Application Form
Here, you will share some basic demographic information, highlight your skills and interest in the program, and upload a short personal statement video.
3. Complete the required assessment and final reflection
After completing the application form, you will proceed to take the required assessments. These assessments will evaluate your technical, business, and interpersonal skills. After completing the assessment, you will upload a short video reflecting on your experience.
4. In-person group challenge & Individual interviews
After application reviews, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person group challenge and individual interviews in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal.
5. Contract offer
Selected candidates will receive a contract for review.
Program Timeline
- Contracts are sent in October 2025
- Virtual pre-learning occurs from November – December 2025
- Arrival in Ghana and program start: January 2026
- Training Program Graduation: August 2026
- Incubation for select ventures: September – December 2026
- End of full program: December 2026
- Onboarding to Portfolio for ventures selected for investment: January 2027
Application Timeline:
- Applications open 2nd July 2025 and close 22nd August 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early to fast-track your review process.
- All applicants will be informed by 10th September 2025 if they have been invited to the final in-person group challenge and individual interviews to be held at the end of September through early October. Contracts will be sent to accepted candidates in mid-October 2025.
- Training begins for the AI Startup Program in January 2026.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the MEST AI Startup Program.
