Applications are open for the Google Africa Applied AI Lab 2026. This cohort-based program supports African founders and top researchers who want to co-develop AI products with Google experts. Applications close on August 31, 2026.
The program is based at the Accra AI Community Centre in Ghana. However, participants do not need to stay in person throughout the co-development period. The program ends with an in-person demo day in Accra.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: Applications close on August 31, 2026.
Eligible Countries: African countries
Program Duration: Initial co-development period runs from mid-September to early December, culminating in a demo day; ongoing support available after the formal co-development period.
Program Location: Based at the Accra AI Community Centre (Accra, Ghana). Cohort drawn from across Africa; no requirement to be in-person at AICC throughout the co-development period. Program culminates in an in-person demo day in Accra.
Funding/Benefits: Early access to Google DeepMind models, hands-on technical mentorship, go-to-market support, demo day exposure, and potential funding from the Google AI Futures Fund and partner VCs.
Award Provider: Google
About this Program
Google Africa Applied AI Lab is an applied AI program for African entrepreneurs and researchers. It pairs selected teams with Google experts to build AI products that address Africa-focused challenges.
Participants get technical mentorship and early access to selected Google DeepMind models, including Gemini, Gemma, and Veo. In addition, the program offers go-to-market support and exposure to investors and partners.
The program focuses on ideas connected to the future of work, knowledge, software development, creativity, and entertainment. It is open to startups from Pre-Seed to Series C+.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be current full-time founders and/or top researchers looking to become startup founders.
- Teams should be building ideas that address Africa-focused challenges.
- Relevant focus areas include the future of work, knowledge, software development, creativity, and entertainment.
- Preference goes to startups with funding and commercial traction from Pre-Seed to Series A. However, the program is open to all stages through Series C+.
- Teams must be willing to use Google AI models in a materially impactful way. This is not an exclusivity requirement.
What Fellows Receive: Early access to Google DeepMind models (Gemini, Gemma, Veo); hands-on technical mentorship from Google Research and other Google teams; go-to-market support and mentorship from partner VCs; opportunity to present at a demo day to Googlers, top investors, and partners; potential funding from the Google AI Futures Fund and partner VCs.
Program Components: Participants are expected to use Google’s AI models in a materially impactful way for the proposed product, join the co-development period from mid-September to early December, attend the demo day, and engage with Google mentors, research teams, and partner VCs as part of the cohort.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application form before the deadline. Because funding amounts and the number of awards are not specified, applicants should review the official page carefully for full program details.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
