Africa

Africa- hybrid
10 weeks
Seed to Series A

A 10-week equity-free accelerator program for Seed to Series A startups based in Africa or developing Africa-centered solutions.

Google for Startups Accelerator Africa accepts applications from startups in Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte D’ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Africa- hybrid
10 weeks
Seed to Series A

Accelerator Programs in Africa

Google for Startups Accelerator:
AI First

A 10-week equity-free accelerator program for Seed to Series A startups based in Africa or building Africa-centered solutions with technology. The Accelerator program is sector-agnostic but will only accept applications from startups leveraging Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning from any vertical.

The AI First program is designed for startups that are building products or services that use artificial intelligence in a transformative way. We are looking for companies with a strong team and a clear vision for how AI can be used to solve real-world challenges.

Applications are now closed

Startups up to Series A can express interest for the future classes

Register your interest

Google for Startups Accelerator:
Africa

This accelerator focuses on supporting growth-stage startups solving problems using advanced technology, such as AI/ML or data across key verticals.

The startups are paired with relevant Google & industry experts to solve their startup’s top challenges and are provided with insights/best practices to improve their product & business.

Applications are now closed

Startups up to Series A can express interest for the future classes

Register your interest

Key benefits

  • Equity-free

    10 weeks of equity-free support.

  • Google product credits

    Eligible startups receive product credits.

  • Founder network

    Connect and get support from fellow founders as a part of Google for Startups alumni network.

  • Custom Mentorship

    Receive tailored product and leadership support from Google mentors and industry experts.

  • Google product support and advice

    Learn product tips and tricks directly from the Googlers who built them.

  • Exposure

    Exposure to potential partners, VCs and investors interested in AI First tech startups.

Entry Criteria

Entry Criteria

  • Startups demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stage.
  • Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model.
  • Deeply technical, preferably leveraging technologies like Machine Learning and AI.
  • Commitment from CTO and/or technical roles to participate and engage in required program sessions.

Key Dates

Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First

Accelerator Alumni

Frequently asked questions

What is the criteria for the program?
  • Startups demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stage.
  • Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model.
  • Deeply technical, preferably leveraging technologies like Machine Learning and AI.
  • Commitment from CTO and/or technical roles to participate and engage in required program sessions.
Do you take equity from startups who participate in this program?

The Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program is completely free for all participating startups, and Google does not take any equity.

What is the structure of the program?

The program will run in a hybrid format. At the beginning of the program, we work with the selected startups to identify their unique challenges and the support required from the program.

The startups will go through three intensive boot camps, centered on technical and nontechnical topics such as AI, ML Lab, product, design, hiring, fundraising etc., followed by the OKR (Objective Key Results) workshop to define their objectives for the program.

Startups also receive 1:1 mentorships. They will also be paired with a dedicated Technical Startup Success Manager (SSM) to help them work on their projects & get the best of Google - its people, network, thought leadership, and technology.

At the end of the program, startups will be given opportunities to pitch their projects to Google teams, mentors, VCs and stakeholders from the tech ecosystem. Post-program engagement with the graduated startups continues through the Alumni network.

Who should apply?

Seed to Series A-stage technology startups based in Africa with an African founder or developing Africa-centered solutions are eligible for the program. The AI First Cohort is designed for startups that are building products or services that use artificial intelligence in a transformative way. We are looking for companies that are at the seed or Series A stage, with a strong team and a clear vision for how AI can be used to solve a real-world problem.

When will the program run?

Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First will run from September 2023 to November 2023. Founders can apply up to September 6th.

What benefits do startups gain from participating in the program? And do they receive any financial support?

Selected startups are given:

  • Access to Google engineers, technical project partnership, Google product support and advice, custom mentorship,
  • Inclusion in the Google for Startups Accelerator Global Community and network of alumni,
  • Google Cloud Credits,
  • Marketing spotlight opportunities.

*No grants or funding are given to startups on the program.

What countries are eligible for the program?

Accelerator Africa accepts applicants from 17 African countries. These are:

  • Algeria
  • Botswana
  • Cameroun
  • Côte D'ivoire
  • Egypt
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Morocco
  • Nigeria
  • Rwanda
  • Senegal
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Tunisia
  • Uganda
  • Zimbabwe
Does the entire team have to participate in the Accelerator program?

It is mandatory for the CEO & CTO to attend and appropriate team members to be available to join all elements of the program.

What are the criteria to receive product credits, and what does "eligible for product credits" mean?

Startups must meet specific criteria to be eligible for Google product credit offerings. To learn more about the Google Cloud credit eligibility requirements, please visit the Google Cloud startup page.