Google Africa Applied AI Lab

AI venture-building and technical support programme

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Introducing the Google Africa Applied AI Lab, propelling Africa’s elite AI entrepreneurs and researchers with technical support and early access to Google AI models. From the Accra AI Community Centre and Google AI Futures Fund. Apply now.

Based at the Accra AI Community Centre (AICC) in Ghana, the Google Africa Applied AI Lab supports founders from across the continent interested in using the latest AI research to address real-world, uniquely African challenges – and, in turn, build Africa’s first generation of AI-native unicorn startups. The initiative serves as a zero-to-one commercialization platform, bridging the gap between world-class foundational research and market-ready products. It pairs an elite cohort of African founders and researchers directly with Google experts, jointly building AI solutions. The program will culminate in a demo day, where startups will present their work from their time in the program to Googlers, top investors, and partners, where they will have the opportunity to receive potential funding and further support.

What areas does it focus on?

The Google Africa Applied AI Lab focuses on joint development of AI products and services meant to address critical gaps and challenges across the continent. Rapid prototyping will occur across five distinct technological futures, all of which will reshape Africa in the coming years: the future of work, knowledge, software development, creativity, and entertainment.

What do selected startups receive?

Selected startups will receive early access to cutting-edge models from Google DeepMind (such as Gemini, Gemma, and Veo) to experiment with commercial use cases, before the models are released to the general market. Additionally, teams receive hands-on technical mentorship and go-to-market support from Google Research, other Google teams globally, and VCs including 4DX Ventures, Norrsken22, Novastar Ventures, and Ventures Platform. Some participants may also be eligible for funding from Google AI Futures Fund and these leading VCs.

How mature does my company need to be?

All researchers and founders with a startup idea are eligible to apply (Pre-Seed to Series C+). While commercial traction is a strong data point of startup success, we are open to all startups with a clear idea that generates high impact using Google AI.

Overview

1
Closes August 31
Program dates Sep 13 - Dec 31
OrganizerGoogle
Website Visit website
Targets Africa
Sectors Sector agnostic
Partner Organization image of Google
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