APPLY: Google opens artificial intelligence programme for African startups

Google has announced the opening of applications for the eighth cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme.

Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of startups ecosystem, Africa at Google, spoke in a statement on Monday.

Aiyegbusi said applications would be opened from April 29 to May 20, and could be submitted online at g.co/AcceleratorAfrica.

“Google for Startups Accelerator Africa is a three-month, equity-free virtual programme that provides African startups with mentorship, technical resources, and access to a global network of experts and investors,” he said.

“The class eight programme will run from June to September 2024 and will include equity-free support up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits.

“It will also include mentorship, personalised guidance from Google Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.”

Aiyegbusi said this cohort would have a strong focus on startups leveraging AI and machine learning (ML) to address critical challenges and unlock new opportunities across the continent.

He said there would be technical workshops, in-depth training on AI and ML development, product strategy and scaling, global network, and connections to potential investors, partners and customers.

According to the head of startups, eligible companies must be based in Africa or building Africa-centric solutions and should be utilising AI and ML in a transformative way.

Aiyegbusi added that the firm is excited to support the next generation of African AI pioneers through the programme

“We will be providing startups with the resources and mentorship needed to build successful, impactful businesses,” he said.

“Africa’s tech ecosystem is a hotbed of innovation, and AI has the potential to be a transformative force across various sectors.

“Startups are the lifeblood of innovation, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and solving some of society’s most pressing challenges.

“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.”

Aiyegbusi also said the programme, since its inception in 2018, has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries and had collectively raised over $263 million and created more than 2,800 direct jobs.