Fellowship
MEST AI Startup Program 2027
A fully sponsored, seven-month residential AI venture-building program in Accra for West and East African citizens aged 21-35. Participants form teams, validate AI ideas, and build and deploy an MVP; selected teams may continue into four months of incubation and pitch for up to USD 100,000 in pre-seed investment.
About this opportunity
Applicants need software-development experience and basic AI knowledge, a degree or diploma or equivalent experience, and availability for up to twelve months. Core in-person interviews take place in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Kenya; other eligible West and East African nationals must travel to a core country for interview at their own cost. The residential program is full-time and cannot be combined with work or school. MEST covers admitted participants' travel to Ghana and healthcare; the possible investment is selective and not guaranteed.
Status history
1Accepting applications
MEST's official 2027 program page says applications opened on 19 May 2026 and close on 20 July 2026. On 13 July 2026 the intake is accepting applications.
Current application seasons
1Past seasons
0No past season is published yet.
Published recipients
0No recipients are published yet.