MEST AI Startup Program

The MEST AI Startup Program is a seven-month intensive experience led by global experts in AI and business. It is designed to equip Africa’s brightest minds to launch impactful AI-driven software startups.

📖 About MEST AI Startup Program

Since 2008, MEST’s Training Program has been at the forefront of nurturing Africa’s tech talent in software entrepreneurship. As Artificial Intelligence reshapes industries, economies, and the future of work, MEST aims to position Africa at the forefront of this transformation.

The redesigned MEST AI Startup Program focuses on AI and includes:

• 7-month activity-based intensive training for Africans with software development experience and entrepreneurial interest.
• An additional 4-month incubation phase for top-performing teams to transform bold ideas into viable startups.
• A chance to pitch for pre-seed investment to fuel growth.

Key Features of the Program:

• Hands-on AI development.
• Deep startup fundamentals.
• Leadership training.
• Extensive customer engagement.

By the end of the program, participants will:

1. Finalize their teams and validate an AI-driven business idea.
2. Develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with global market potential.
3. Build a robust business model using lean startup methodologies.
4. Learn sustainable leadership, wellness, and team management practices.
5. Prepare to pitch for entry into the incubation phase.

🎯 Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or equivalent experience.
• Age: 21–30 years.
• Experience:
  • Demonstrated software development experience.
  • Basic understanding of artificial intelligence.
  • Strong interest in entrepreneurship.
• Mindset: Entrepreneurial, innovative, problem-solving, and a lifelong learner. Must have a strong desire to work in a high-intensity startup environment.
• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a country in West Africa.
• Availability: Fully committed for up to 12 months (7-month training + 4-month incubation) with 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.

💡 Benefits of the Program

Build and Test Real AI Startups

• Join a team, validate an AI-driven idea, and build an MVP through rapid prototyping, user testing, and continuous iteration.
• This is an execution-first program that turns ideas into investor-ready ventures.

Grow Through Collaboration and Feedback

• Work with a diverse cohort of aspiring founders from across the continent.
• Form lasting partnerships, sharpen your thinking through peer feedback, and build resilient startups with global potential.

Learn from Global Experts

• Collaborate with AI practitioners, startup operators, and business leaders from world-class institutions such as OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, Meltwater, and more.

Incubation and Path Towards Investment

• Select teams enter a 4-month incubation phase to scale, acquire users, and pitch for up to $100,000 in pre-seed investment from the MEST Portfolio.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 31 August 2025
• Apply here.

🌍 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: July 05, 2025
• Category: Entrepreneurs
• Opportunity Location: Ghana
• Eligible Locations: Africa

🏢 Sponsor Organization

The program is sponsored by MEST.

For more details, visit the MEST AI Startup Program page.

• Build and Test Real AI Startups: Join a team, validate an AI-driven idea, and build a minimum viable product (MVP) through rapid prototyping, user testing, and continuous iteration. This is an execution-first program that turns ideas into investor-ready ventures.
• Grow Through Collaboration and Feedback: Work with a diverse cohort of aspiring founders from across the continent. Form lasting partnerships, sharpen your thinking through peer feedback, and build resilient startups with global potential.
• Learn from Global Experts: Work closely with AI practitioners, startup operators, and business leaders from world-class institutions such as OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, Meltwater, and many more. Our experts bring deep technical and entrepreneurial experience to support your journey.
• Incubation and Path towards Investment: At the end of the program, select teams enter a 4-month incubation phase to scale, acquire users, and pitch for up to $100,000 in pre-seed investment from the MEST Portfolio.