MEST AI Startup Program — Class of 2027

📋 Key Details

Investment

Up to $100,000

Deadline

July 20, 2026 ⚡

Programme Length

12 Months

Nigeria Eligible

✅ Yes

Programme Fee

Fully Sponsored

Location

Accra, Ghana

🌍 About This Opportunity

The MEST AI Startup Program is MEST Africa's flagship initiative to identify and back the next generation of African AI entrepreneurs. Now accepting applications for the Class of 2027, the programme offers one of the most comprehensive support packages on the continent — all at no cost to participants.

Selected founders receive a fully-funded 12-month residency in Accra, Ghana. This includes programme fees, accommodation, flights from your home country, and a monthly living stipend. The programme splits into 7 months of intensive AI training and 4 months of incubation to build and launch your startup.

Upon graduation, teams pitch for up to $100,000 in pre-seed investment from MEST's dedicated fund, along with connections to their global investor network spanning the US, Europe, and across Africa. Nigerian entrepreneurs are explicitly welcomed to apply.

⏱️ Programme Structure

Months of Training

AI/ML skills, product development, business strategy, and leadership

Months of Incubation

Build and launch your AI startup with dedicated support

$100K

Pre-Seed Available

MEST fund investment for top teams at Demo Day

🎁 What's Fully Covered

All programme tuition fees — 100% paid by MEST
Return flights from Nigeria (or your home country) to Accra, Ghana
Accommodation in Accra for the duration of the programme
Monthly living stipend to cover day-to-day expenses
Access to co-working space, equipment, and cloud compute credits
Mentorship from 150+ AI experts, investors, and founders globally

👤 Who Qualifies

AI entrepreneurs or aspiring AI entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, or Kenya
Strong interest in building AI-powered products and startups
Early-stage — a working idea is preferred, MVP not required
Willing to relocate to Accra, Ghana for 12 months
Passionate about solving African challenges using artificial intelligence
Both individuals and co-founding teams may apply

📝 How to Apply

Apply via the MEST SMAply portal (link below)
Complete the online application — describe your AI startup idea or current venture
Submit a short video introduction (usually 2–3 minutes)
Selected applicants progress to interview rounds
Final cohort announcement made several weeks after the deadline
Deadline: July 20, 2026 — do not wait until the last day

Deadline: July 20, 2026

Flights paid. Accommodation covered. Monthly stipend included. Up to $100,000 investment at graduation. This is the most comprehensive AI programme on the continent — apply free.

Apply Now — Free → https://mestaistartupprogram.smapply.us/prog/mest_ai_startup_program_class_of_2027/

ℹ️ Disclaimer: A2F Partners curates funding intelligence for Nigerian and African entrepreneurs. Verify details at the official MEST website before applying. We have no affiliation with MEST Africa.

MEST AI Startup Program— Class of 2027