MEST AI Startup Program 2027

About

A fully-sponsored 12-month program designed for young African entrepreneurs to develop AI business ideas, receive training from industry experts, and gain access to funding and mentorship, culminating in a four-month incubation phase to scale their ventures.

Benefits

• 🎓Training Program
  Comprehensive training in AI software development and business fundamentals with industry experts
• 💰Financial Support
  Opportunity to receive up to $100,000 in pre-seed investment for high-performing ventures
• 🤝Mentorship
  Access to mentorship from global AI and business leaders throughout the program
• 🌐Network Access
  Engagement with investors and partners to facilitate market entry and growth
• 🚀Incubation Support
  Four-month incubation phase focused on turning MVPs into market-ready products and securing customers
• 📈Business Development
  Guidance on product deployment, user acquisition, and growth strategy development

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to young entrepreneurs aged 21-35 from West and East Africa
• Must have a Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated software development experience and basic understanding of AI required
• Must be fully committed for up to 12 months for training and incubation
• Must possess an entrepreneurial mindset and readiness for a high-intensity startup environment

Participation Commitments

• Must attend in-person group challenges and individual interviews in early October 2026
• Full-time commitment required for 12 months, including 7 months of training and 4 months of incubation
• Must deliver a pitch at the end of the training for entry into the incubation phase
• Participants must be available for the entire duration of the program

Target Region

Open to young entrepreneurs from West and East Africa

Target Sector

Focused on AI and technology entrepreneurship