The initiative will provide selected participants with access to Google AI models, technical support and potential funding opportunities, with applications closing on August 31…reports Africa Daily News Desk
Google has opened applications for the first cohort of its Google Africa Applied AI Lab, a new programme designed to help African founders and researchers develop and commercialise artificial intelligence products using Google’s AI technologies.
The programme will be based at the Accra AI Community Centre in Ghana and is aimed at startups and researchers from across the continent working on AI products and services. Applications opened on July 1 and will close on August 31. Google said selected applicants will begin to be notified in September, ahead of a co-development period running from mid-September to early December.
The initiative will support teams working across five focus areas: the future of work, knowledge, software development, creativity and entertainment.
According to Google, the lab is intended to support founders using AI research to address “real-world, uniquely African challenges” and help build what it describes as “Africa’s first generation of AI-native unicorn startups.”
The company said the programme will act as a platform for commercialising AI research by connecting founders and researchers with Google experts to jointly develop products.
Selected participants will receive early access to Google DeepMind models, including Gemini, Gemma and Veo, allowing them to test commercial applications before the technologies become more widely available. The programme will also offer technical mentorship, product development guidance and go-to-market support from Google Research, other Google teams and venture capital partners.
The first phase of the programme will conclude with an in-person product demonstration event in early December at the Accra AI Community Centre, where participating startups will present their work to Googlers, investors and partners.
Google said applicants must be current full-time founders or researchers intending to become startup founders. Preference will be given to startups that already have funding and commercial traction, ranging from pre-seed to Series A, although founders and researchers with earlier-stage ideas are also eligible to apply.
The company said startups from pre-seed through Series C and beyond may apply if they have a clear proposal for using Google AI to create impact. Applicants are not required to have a co-founder or full team in place, although team composition will be considered during the selection process.
Participation in the programme will require selected startups to make material use of Google AI technologies. However, Google said the programme is not exclusive and teams will be free to use other AI models and tools alongside Google’s technology.
Support available through the programme includes access to Google DeepMind models, technical guidance from Google Research and other Google teams around the world, as well as engagement with venture capital firms including 4DX Ventures, Norrsken22, Novastar Ventures and Ventures Platform. The Google AI Futures Fund is also involved.
Google said some participating startups may be eligible for funding from the Google AI Futures Fund or partner venture capital firms. The company said participation in the programme does not require startups to give up equity or ownership, although teams may be approached with investment opportunities.
The co-development process will be tailored to the stage and needs of each participating startup. Teams will not be required to work full time from the Accra AI Community Centre during the programme, but must attend the demonstration event in Ghana in December.
Google said the Accra AI Community Centre serves as a hub for AI ecosystem development, innovation and responsible AI work across Africa. The centre also provides collaborative workspace and technology support, with a focus on addressing the continent’s AI skills gap.
The company said the Applied AI Lab will continue to be available to entrepreneurs, founders and researchers after the initial co-development period. Applications will be assessed against criteria linked to Google’s investment priorities, and while the company may request additional information from applicants during the selection process, it said it will not provide feedback to all unsuccessful candidates.
