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Accelerator

Accelerator

Africa

Africa

OPEN

OPEN

GRANT · HOW TO WIN THIS

MEST AI Startup Incubation Program

MEST AI Startup Incubation Program

$100,000 pre-seed investment for ventures selected after the incubation phase; not guaranteed for all participants

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Runs annually; the last cycle closed July 20, 2026. Check the funder's site for the next round.

AMOUNT

$100,000 pre-seed investment for ventures selected after the incubation phase; not guaranteed for all participants

AMOUNT

$100,000 pre-seed investment for ventures selected after the incubation phase; not guaranteed for all participants

DEADLINE

Runs annually; the last cycle closed July 20, 2026. Check the funder's site for the next round.

DEADLINE

Runs annually; the last cycle closed July 20, 2026. Check the funder's site for the next round.

FUNDING TYPE

Accelerator

CAN YOU GET THIS?

You must be a West or East African citizen, aged 21-35, with software development experience and at least a basic understanding of AI.

You must be a West or East African citizen, aged 21-35, with software development experience and at least a basic understanding of AI.

A bachelor's degree or equivalent is required, along with full availability for up to 12 months starting January 2027. You do not need a startup already — the program is designed for idea-stage and pre-revenue founders.

A bachelor's degree or equivalent is required, along with full availability for up to 12 months starting January 2027. You do not need a startup already — the program is designed for idea-stage and pre-revenue founders.

YOUR REAL ODDS

This is the second cohort ever, so the program is still early and the applicant pool is not yet massive — but competition is real given the $100K pre-seed on the table.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and shortlisted candidates must pass an in-person group challenge and interview, meaning the bar is multi-stage. Not all who complete training receive incubation or investment.

WHAT IT TAKES

  1. Complete eligibility screening, then submit application form with personal statement video and demographic info — 3-5 hours

  2. Complete the required technical, business, and interpersonal skills assessment — 1-2 hours

  3. If shortlisted, attend in-person group challenge and interviews in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, or Kenya — October 2026

WORTH KNOWING

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the program explicitly says to apply early for faster review — submitting close to the deadline may slow your path through the process.

Apply on the funder’s site →

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Urban Mobility Incubator

€30,000 per year, plus coaching and network access

Early-stage urban mobility startups globally can apply for €30,000/year plus coaching through this EIT Urban Mobility incubator.

This is 1 of 1,600+ open opportunities.

This is 1 of 1,600+ open opportunities.

$50B+ in available capital across grants, VC funds, CDFIs, and accelerators. Filter by your industry, stage, and region, and see everything you qualify for.

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