MEST AI Startup Program
MEST Africa trains aspiring African tech entrepreneurs in software development, business, and communications, then provides seed funding to launch AI startups.
Application
Navigate to the primary sponsor application portal to review requirements and submit materials.
Program Description
The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) is a Pan-African training programme, seed fund, and incubator for technology entrepreneurs. MEST was founded in Accra, Ghana, and has expanded to Lagos, Nairobi, and Cape Town.
### What You Get
MEST offers a fully funded 12-month training programme that covers software engineering, product management, and business fundamentals. Graduates who pitch winning startup ideas receive seed funding of up to $100,000 to launch their companies. MEST also provides office space, legal support, and access to a global mentor network.
### Who Should Apply
The programme targets young African professionals who want to build technology startups but may not have formal computer science training. You should be passionate about solving problems with technology and willing to relocate to Accra for 12 months. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in any field.
### AI Focus
Recent cohorts have seen a strong increase in AI-focused startups, including companies building chatbots for African languages, agricultural prediction models, and health diagnostic tools. MEST actively encourages applications from founders working on machine learning and data science products.
Visit [meltwater.org](https://meltwater.org) to apply.
Eligibility Guidelines
- Applicants must be citizens of an African country, or currently registered in an accredited African tertiary academic institution.
- Demonstrable interest or active project development in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or computer science.
- Submission of active academic transcripts, CV, and a personal statement outlining project impacts.