- Google has opened up applications for the 8th cohort of its Startups Accelerator Africa program.
- The big tech firm explains that this cohort of the Startups AI Accelerator will have a strong focus on startups AI and ML to address critical challenges.
- Applications from African startups will need to be in before 20th May 2024.
A regular fixture on the African continent’s technology calendar in recent years, Google has announced that applications are now open for its Startups AI Accelerator program.
As the name would suggest, unlike past iterations, this program is placing a specific emphasis on African startups leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to address critical challenges and unlock new opportunities.
This latest cohort, which is also the eighth, will include a three-month, equity-free virtual program that provides startups with mentorship, technical resources, and access to a global network of experts and investors.
The cohort, which is currently slated to run from June to September this year, will also include:
- “Equity-free support: Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits,
- Mentorship: Personalised guidance from Google AI experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and industry leaders,
- Technical workshops: In-depth training on AI/ML development, product strategy, and scaling,
- Global network: Connections to potential investors, partners, and customers,
- Community: A supportive network of fellow founders facing similar challenges and opportunities.”
Applications are open now and close on 20th May 2024, with more information on the 8th cohort and how to apply, found here. It is also worth pointing out that applicants must be, “based in Africa or building Africa-centric solutions and should be utilising AI/ML in a transformative way,” in order to be eligible.
“We’re excited to support the next generation of African AI pioneers through the Google for Startups Accelerator, providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to build successful, impactful businesses,” noted Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of Startups Ecosystem, Africa at Google.
“Africa’s tech ecosystem is a hotbed of innovation, and AI has the potential to be a transformative force across various sectors,” they concluded.
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