AI First

Africa- hybrid

10 weeks

Seed to Series A

A 10-week equity-free accelerator program designed for Seed to Series A startups that are building products or services using artificial intelligence in a transformative way, based in Africa or developing Africa-centered solutions.

Africa- hybrid

10 weeks

Seed to Series A

Applications are now closed

If you are interested in a different program in the region,
please see this website.

About the program

A global series of programs
Each cohort of 10-15 startups comes together to tackle technical challenges that can help grow their businesses through a mix of remote and in-person, 1-to-1, group learning sessions, and sprint projects.

Dedicated expert help
Founders outline the top technical challenges for their startup, and are paired with experts from Google and the industry to solve those challenges and grow their business.

Specialist deep dives
Accelerators include deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders.

Google for Startups Cloud program
Eligible participants receive up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, dedicated support from startup experts, technical training and access to key industry events. Find out more.

Additionally, participants are eligible to receive 30 days of free Cloud TPU access through the TPU Research Cloud program to accelerate their open-source machine learning research. Find out more.

Key benefits

Equity-free support

Equity-free support: For duration of program.
Mentoring

Dedicated mentoring from Google teams.
Training

Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google where offered.
Access to experts

Access to Google's network of industry experts.
Google product credits

Eligible startups receive product credits.
Early access

Access to new Google products and tools as relevant.
Strategic support

Support on company and product strategy.
Technical project partnership

Work hand in hand with experts from Google on your biggest tech challenges.

Entry Criteria

Four standing women discussing and smiling.

Three men looking into camera and smiling .

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
We are committed to building accelerator classes with great startups, and encourage applications from all qualified startups

Key dates

August 22, 2023

Applications Open
September 14, 2023

Application Close
September 2023

Program Kick-off
November 2023

Graduation

Meet the Cohort

Next-level healthcare, just one conversation away.

location_on South Africa

An all-in-one DIY CRM portal that allows African SMEs to create and manage AI-powered social media storefronts.

location_on Ghana

We are revolutionising customer support with AI-driven solutions that empower businesses to provide exceptional service, boost efficiency, and drive growth.

location_on Kenya

Famasi is an all-in-one OS for pharmacies in emerging markets powered by AI.

location_on Nigeria

The Auni AI app by Fastagger is an SMEGPT that leverages the power of AI to scale businesses by automating customer intelligence and engagement to increase sales and retention.

location_on Kenya

A digital freight brokerage and transport service for Ethiopia.

location_on Ethiopia

Paystack for Credit - End-to-end credit infrastructure via API for small businesses.

location_on Nigeria

Lengo AI: The First Data Operating System for Informal Retail.

location_on Senegal

Automated Inventory Verification for Industrial Facilities.

location_on Uganda

Next-level healthcare, just one conversation away.

location_on South Africa

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?

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?

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.

Does the entire team have to participate in the Accelerator program?

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

What countries are eligible for the program?

Is there a different program for startups in the region?

Is there a similar program for startups in other regions?

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