MEST AI Startup Program
MEST (Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology) is the Meltwater Foundation's training program and seed fund for African tech founders, based in Accra since 2008. Its AI Startup Program is a fully sponsored, residential program in Accra. It starts with seven months of training, and selected ventures then enter a four-month incubation. High-performing ventures can receive up to $100K in pre-seed investment and join the MEST portfolio. It is for African founders aged 21-35 with software development experience.
At a glance
MEST AI Startup Program key facts
- Investment
- $100K
- Deal terms
- No fees; fully sponsored, with flights to Ghana and healthcare covered. Up to $100K pre-seed investment for high-performing ventures after incubation (instrument/equity not published).
- Duration
- About 12 months (7 months training, then 4 months incubation)
- Format
- In-person
- Headquarters
- Accra, Ghana
- Cohort locations
- Accra, Ghana
- Stage
- idea, pre-seed
- Sectors
- ai
- Application cycle
- 1 intake a year
Verified November 4, 2026 against the sources below. Terms change; confirm on the official site before applying.
Timing
2027 intake (West and East Africa): applications ran May 19 to July 20, 2026 and are closed. Interviews were held in early October 2026, training runs January to July 2027, incubation September to December 2027, and pre-seed investment follows in January 2028. The 2026 intake (West Africa) is now in incubation.
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Notable alumni
- meQasa
- Asoriba
- Kudobuzz
- Curacel
- Complete Farmer
FAQ
Applying to MEST AI Startup Program
- How much does MEST AI Startup Program invest?
- MEST AI Startup Program's standard deal: No fees; fully sponsored, with flights to Ghana and healthcare covered. Up to $100K pre-seed investment for high-performing ventures after incubation (instrument/equity not published).
- When is the MEST AI Startup Program application deadline?
- Application cycle: 1 intake a year. 2027 intake (West and East Africa): applications ran May 19 to July 20, 2026 and are closed. Interviews were held in early October 2026, training runs January to July 2027, incubation September to December 2027, and pre-seed investment follows in January 2028. The 2026 intake (West Africa) is now in incubation.
- Where is MEST AI Startup Program based?
- MEST AI Startup Program is headquartered in Accra, Ghana. The program runs in person.
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