MEST AI Startup Program - Applications Open

Build AI solutions. Launch your startup. Change Africa's future.

Applications for the second cohort of the MEST AI Startup Program are now open. Join a community of aspiring AI entrepreneurs to explore ideas, form teams, and build high-impact startups through intensive training and potential incubation.

Before you apply! Read this page carefully to ensure a smooth and stress-free application experience from start to finish. We wish you the very best in your application!

Application Timeline

• Applications: Open May 19, 2026 | Close July 20, 2026
  Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply early for faster review.

• Shortlist Notification: Early September 2026

• In-person Interviews & Group Challenge: October 2026

• Contract Offers: Mid-October 2026

• Program Start: January 2027

About the 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 skills to build and scale globally competitive AI startups.

Training Phase (7 months: January - July 2027)

Hands-on, intensive training where you will:

• Explore and refine AI business ideas

• Develop and deploy an AI MVP

• Gain deep expertise in AI software development and business fundamentals

• Work with world-class AI practitioners, entrepreneurs, and experts

• Apply lean startup principles, business modeling, and go-to-market strategies

• Pitch for selection into the incubation phase

Incubation Phase (4 months: September - December 2027)

For the most promising startups from training. Focus on:

• Scaling AI products and securing customers

• Refining business models with real market validation

• Working with mentors, investors, and industry leaders on funding strategies

• Building a fully deployable AI product with an established user base

• Preparing for investment

Application Process

1. Program Eligibility Screening
 First step to confirm you meet core eligibility criteria. Once confirmed, you'll access the full application.

2. Application Form
Share demographic information, highlight your skills and interest, upload a short personal statement video.

3. Required Assessment
Complete an assessment evaluating your technical, business, and interpersonal skills. 

4. In-Person Group Challenge & Interviews
 Shortlisted candidates are invited to in-person interviews in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, or Kenya.

5. Contract Offer
 Selected candidates receive contracts for review.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree, diploma, or equivalent experience

• Age: 21-35

• Experience: Demonstrated software development experience, basic understanding of AI, strong interest in entrepreneurship

• Mindset: Entrepreneurial, innovative, problem-solving, lifelong learner, ready for high-intensity startup environment

• Citizenship: West or East African citizen. (Note: Nationals outside of our core recruitment countries of Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Kenya must be able, at their own cost, to travel to one of the core countries for in-person interviews, if shortlisted.)

• Availability: Fully committed for up to 12 months (7-month training + 4-month incubation) plus 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

Program Timeline at a Glance

October 2026: Contracts sent
November - December 2026: Virtual pre-learning
January 2027: Arrival in Ghana & Program start
August 2027: Training graduation
September - December 2027: Incubation for select ventures
December 2027: Program completion
January 2028: Onboarding to portfolio for ventures selected for investment

Application Process 

     1. Click the Application Link. Access the application portal here. (Opens in a new tab)

     2. Read the full program description first, then click Apply at the top right of the page

     3. If you have an existing account, sign in to continue

     4. If you're new, create an account, then check your email and click Complete Registration

      5. Start with the Program Eligibility Screening

Important Tips:

• Save your progress regularly using "Save & Continue Editing"

• You can log in anytime to resume your application

• Click Mark As Complete at the bottom of each section to move forward

• Track your progress at the top of the page

• Once submitted, you cannot make changes. Review carefully before final submission.

Quick Access Links

For additional support on the application or assessments please see the FAQ links below:

• Application - SurveyMonkey Application FAQ

• Assessment - ClassMarker Test Taker FAQ

To learn more about the MEST AI Startup Program please visit our website.

Application link: Please follow this link to apply to the MEST AI Startup Program. Guidelines for navigating the application platform are provided above.

If you have any questions, please send an email to: recruitment@meltwater.org OR chat with our WhatsApp Assistant.

We wish you the very best in your application!