CALL FOR APPLICATIONS | Google for Startups Accelerator Invites Applications from AI and ML African Startups for Cohort 8

Google has announced the opening of applications for the 8th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program.

The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa is a three-month, equity-free virtual program that provides African startups with mentorship, technical resources, and access to a global network of experts and investors. Since its inception in 2018, the program has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries that have collectively raised over $263 million and created more than 2,800 direct jobs.

According to the tech giant, the upcoming cohort will particularly emphasize on startups harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to tackle crucial challenges and unlock fresh opportunities throughout the continent.

“In Africa, digital transformation is accelerating rapidly and startups play a vital role in shaping the continent’s future; from fintech and agritech to healthcare and education,” said Google.

Google says that startups chosen for the program will participate in the accelerator class from June to September 2024. These startups will receive a $350,000 allocation in Google Cloud Credits without requiring them to provide equity.

Google has outlined additional benefits for startups participating in the program including:

• Personalized mentorship from Google AI experts, experienced entrepreneurs, and industry leaders
• Comprehensive training sessions on AI/ML development, product strategy, and scaling
• Access to potential investors, partners, and customers
• Membership in a supportive community of fellow founders encountering similar challenges and opportunities

“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. Africa’s tech ecosystem is a hotbed of innovation, and AI has the potential to be a transformative force across various sectors,” said Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startups Ecosystem, Africa at Google.

In 2023, 11 startups, including Fastagger, a blockchain and AI company from Kenya, were selected to join the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program.

Google for Startups Accelerator Africa accepts applications from startups in:

• Algeria
• Botswana
• Cameroon
• Côte D’ivoire
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Morocco
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tunisia
• Uganda, and
• Zimbabwe

Applications are open from April 29 to May 20, 2024, and can be submitted here.