Apply for the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology AI Startup Program for AI Founders

Applications open for the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology AI Startup Program for AI Founders. The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) (www.Meltwater.org), a leading institution in tech entrepreneurship training and early to growth stage startup support, has officially announced the opening of applications for its newly evolved training initiative: the MEST AI Startup Program. This strategic enhancement of MEST’s flagship Training Program is specifically designed to prepare Africa’s most promising tech talents to build, launch, and scale world-class AI startups.

With over 17 years of experience, MEST has successfully trained and supported software entrepreneurs across the continent, making significant contributions to Africa’s innovation economy. As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries at a rapid pace, MEST is strategically positioning Africa’s tech entrepreneurs at the forefront of this global shift.

According to Emily Fiagbedzi, Director of the MEST AI Startup Program, “Africa has world-class tech talent, and it’s time AI solutions built on the continent reach users everywhere. MEST is proud to contribute to this reality through our training and incubation program that equips talent from across Africa with training and mentoring from international experts for the development of globally relevant AI Software.”

The MEST AI Startup Program is presented as a fully-funded, immersive experience hosted in Accra, Ghana. Its objective is to equip Africa’s most promising AI entrepreneurs with the essential technical, business, and leadership skills required to build and scale globally competitive startups. The program features an intensive seven-month training phase, during which founders benefit from hands-on instruction, technical mentorship, and business coaching provided by global experts, while simultaneously developing AI-powered solutions to address real-world challenges. The highest-potential ventures subsequently advance to a four-month incubation period focused on product refinement, market traction acquisition, and strategic go-to-market planning. Upon successful completion of incubation, participating startups are afforded the opportunity to pitch for pre-seed investment of up to $100,000 and integration into the MEST Portfolio.

As MEST Founder Jorn Lyseggen commented, “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.”

For the 2026 intake, eligibility for the program is extended to African founders currently residing in West Africa, between the ages of 21 and 30, possessing demonstrated software development experience, and aspiring to establish their own AI startup.

Apply now at https://bit.ly/MESTAI26_APO

MEST Africa is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the MEST AI Startup Program.

This program invites aspiring software entrepreneurs to join a select cohort to explore business concepts, establish robust teams, and develop high-impact AI startups. The program offers comprehensive training and potential incubation opportunities, guided by world-class technology and business experts.

This document provides detailed information regarding the program structure, eligibility requirements, application procedures, key timelines, and frequently asked questions. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review this information thoroughly to fully understand the program and determine its alignment with their professional goals and interests.

**IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE APPLYING:**

To facilitate a seamless application process, a detailed step-by-step guide for navigating the application portal is provided below.

Before proceeding to the ‘Apply’ button, please carefully read through all the guidelines presented in this document. Adhering to these instructions will contribute to a smooth and efficient application experience from initiation to completion. We extend our best wishes for your application.

**Application Timeline:**

Applications are accepted from July 2nd, 2025, until August 22nd, 2025. Applications will undergo review on a rolling basis; therefore, early submission is recommended to potentially expedite the review process.

All applicants will be notified by September 10th, 2025, regarding their invitation status for the final in-person group challenge and individual interviews. These final selection stages are scheduled to take place from late September through early October. Contract offers will be extended to selected candidates in mid-October 2025.

The MEST AI Startup Program training phase is scheduled to commence in January 2026.

**About the MEST AI Startup Program:**

The MEST AI Startup Program is an intensive, up to 12-month experience designed to equip Africa’s most promising AI entrepreneurs with the requisite technical, business, and leadership competencies required to establish and expand globally competitive AI startups.

The program is structured into two distinct phases. The initial phase comprises a seven-month training program for all selected participants. Following the successful completion of the training, a graduation ceremony and transition period occur. A select group of high-potential startups will then advance to an additional four-month incubation period.

The seven-month training program (January – July 2026) is a practical, activity-based experience. Participants will explore and refine AI-driven business concepts, develop and deploy a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) utilizing AI, and cultivate profound expertise in AI software development and foundational business principles. They will engage directly with distinguished AI practitioners, entrepreneurs, and domain experts from around the world, while applying lean startup methodologies, business modeling techniques, and go-to-market strategies. The training culminates in a pitch session, from which high-potential teams are selected to proceed to the incubation phase.

The four-month incubation program (September – December 2026) is tailored for the most promising AI startups identified during the training phase. This stage is focused on scaling AI products, acquiring customers, and preparing for investment rounds. Startups will refine their business models through real-world market validation, collaborating closely with mentors, investors, and industry leaders to devise funding strategies. Upon conclusion of the program, participating startups are expected to possess a fully deployable AI product, an established user base, and a clear roadmap for securing investment and pursuing business growth.

This structured approach ensures that participants benefit from world-class mentorship, develop tangible AI solutions, and gain a defined pathway towards investment and market success.

**The Application and Recruitment Process:**

The application process is comprised of the following stages:

1. **Program Eligibility Screening:** This initial step assesses whether applicants meet the fundamental eligibility criteria for the program. Successful completion grants access to the general application form.
2. **MEST AI Startup Program Application Form:** Applicants will provide demographic information, detail their relevant skills and program interest, and upload a brief personal statement video.
3. **Required Assessment and Final Reflection:** Following the application form, applicants will undertake required assessments evaluating technical, business, and interpersonal skills. A short video reflecting on the assessment experience is then to be uploaded.
4. **In-person Group Challenge & Individual Interviews:** Shortlisted candidates, based on application reviews, will be invited to participate in an in-person group challenge and individual interviews held in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal.
5. **Contract Offer:** Successful candidates will receive a program contract for review and acceptance.

**Required Qualifications:**

* **Education:** Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
* **Age:** Between 21 and 30 years.
* **Experience:** Proven software development experience, a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence, and a strong interest in entrepreneurship are essential.
* **Mindset:** Exhibits an entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, problem-solving capabilities, a commitment to continuous learning, and readiness to operate within a demanding startup environment. A strong aspiration to pursue entrepreneurship full-time is required.
* **Citizenship:** Must be a citizen of a country within West Africa.
* **Availability:** Must commit fully for the entire duration of up to 12 months (the 7-month training plus the 4-month incubation) and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing entrepreneurship full-time thereafter.

**Preferred Skills:**

* Capacity for effective collaboration within cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.
* Experience in AI innovation.
* Interest in global market expansion.
* Prior entrepreneurial experience.

**Recruitment Focus Countries:**

For the 2026 intake, the primary recruitment focus is West Africa. In-person interviews and group challenges will be conducted in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. West African nationals from other countries are welcome to apply but must be able to travel to Ghana, Nigeria, or Senegal for these selection stages in September/October if shortlisted.

**Program Timeline:**

* Contract offers issued: October 2025
* Virtual pre-learning period: November – December 2025
* Arrival in Ghana and program commencement: January 2026
* Training Program Graduation: August 2026
* Incubation period for selected ventures: September – December 2026
* Conclusion of the full program: December 2026
* Onboarding to Portfolio for ventures selected for investment: January 2027

**IMPORTANT: GUIDANCE FOR NAVIGATING THE APPLICATION PLATFORM:**

Access the application portal via this link. For an optimal experience, it is recommended to right-click the link and open it in a new tab, keeping this page accessible for reference.

1. Locate and click ‘Register here’ in the top right corner of the page to create your account.
2. After submitting your details, an on-screen notification will confirm that a verification email has been dispatched. Open this email and click ‘Complete Registration’. You will subsequently be redirected back to the application portal.
3. Click ‘View Programs’. The ‘MEST AI Startup Program (Class of 2026)’ will be displayed.
4. Click ‘MORE’ to access the program description page. The ‘Apply’ button will be visible on the right. Ensure you have carefully reviewed all instructions and guidelines before proceeding.
5. Once ready, scroll to the top of the page and click ‘Apply’ in the top right corner to commence your application. Your first task is the ‘Program Eligibility Screening’. Click to begin.
6. Should you need to pause your application, save your progress before exiting to prevent data loss. You may log in at any time to resume. Regularly clicking ‘Save & Continue Editing’ is advised to preserve your progress.
7. To advance to the subsequent stage, click ‘Mark As Complete’ at the bottom of the page. Your next stage and progress status will be displayed in the top left section. Your overall progress percentage is also visible at the top of the page.
8. Please note that once your application is submitted, no further modifications can be made. Carefully review your responses at each stage and utilize the review function for a final verification before submission.

**Quick Access and Support:**

• Apply now at https://bit.ly/MESTAI26_APO
• For additional assistance regarding the application or assessments, please refer to the FAQ links provided below:
• * Application – SurveyMonkey Application FAQ
  * Assessments – Test Gorilla Assessments FAQ
• To learn more about the MEST AI Startup Program, please visit: https://meltwater.org/mest-ai-startup-program/
• Application link: Please use this link to apply to the MEST AI Startup Program. Comprehensive guidance for navigating the application platform is provided above. For any inquiries, please contact: [email protected] or engage with our WhatsApp Assistant.