Aspiring AI entrepreneurs across West and East Africa are invited to apply for the MEST AI Startup Program Class of 2027 — a second cohort of one of Africa’s most rigorous AI startup development programmes. Running up to 12 months from January 2027, the programme equips Africa’s most promising AI founders with the technical skills, business fundamentals, and startup discipline needed to build and scale globally competitive AI ventures.
The MEST AI Startup Program is structured across two phases — a seven-month intensive training phase and a four-month incubation phase for the most promising startups emerging from training. Together, they take participants from idea exploration through to a fully deployable AI product with an established user base, investment readiness, and a clear path to market.
Training Phase — January to July 2027:
- Exploring and refining AI business ideas
- Developing and deploying an AI minimum viable product
- Deep expertise in AI software development and business fundamentals
- Work with world-class AI practitioners, entrepreneurs, and experts
- Application of lean startup principles, business modelling, and go-to-market strategies
- Pitch for selection into the incubation phase
Incubation Phase — September to December 2027:
- 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
Who Can Apply:
- Aged 21 to 35
- West or East African citizen
- Holds a bachelor’s degree, diploma, or equivalent experience
- Has demonstrated software development experience and a basic understanding of AI
- Has a strong interest in entrepreneurship and an entrepreneurial mindset
- Fully available for up to 12 months and committed to pursuing entrepreneurship full-time afterward
Preferred skills include:
- Experience in AI innovation
- Ability to work in cross-functional and cross-cultural teams
- Interest in global market expansion
- Previous entrepreneurial experience
