MEST AI Startup Program: Are you a tech enthusiast with a dream of entrepreneurship solutions?
The 2026 class of Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) Africa Training Program is a golden opportunity to achieve this dream.
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The MEST Africa Training Program is a one-year, fully-funded program at the graduate-level initiative in tech entrepreneurship.
Participants receive world-class mentorship, develop tangible AI solutions, and gain a clear pathway toward investment and market success.
By the end of the program, startups will have a fully deployable AI product, an established user base, and a roadmap for securing investment and growing their business.
In this post, the full details of the eligibility, benefits, timeline, and application procedure will be provided.
MEST AI Startup Program Abstract
- Host: MEST Africa
- Category: Internships
- Benefits: Full Sponsorship
- Training
- Accommodation
- Living Stipends
- Meals
- Funding
- Eligibility: African Countries
- Deadline: August 22, 2025
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MEST Africa AI Startup Training Program Details
MEST Africa proudly announces its AI Startup Program for 2026.
The MEST AI Startup Program is an up to 12-month immersive experience designed to equip Africa’s most promising AI entrepreneurs with the technical, business, and leadership skills needed to build and scale globally competitive AI startups.
The MEST Africa AI Startup Training Program includes a structured approach that ensures that participants receive world-class mentorship, develop tangible AI solutions, and gain a clear pathway toward investment and market success.
MEST AI Startup Program Requirements
To be eligible for the MEST AI Startup Program, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or equivalent experience
- Age: 21 – 30Â
- Experience:Â Must have demonstrated software development experience, a basic understanding of artificial intelligence, and strong interest in entrepreneurship.Â
- Mindset:Â Entrepreneurial, Innovative, problem-solving, life-long learner, and ready to work in a high-intensity startup environment. Strong desire to be an entrepreneur
- Citizenship:Â Citizen of a country in West AfricaÂ
- Availability:Â Fully committed for up to 12 months (the 7-month training + 4-month incubation) plus a desire to pursue entrepreneurship full-time afterward.Â
Preferred Skills:
- Strong ability to work in cross-functional and cross-cultural teamsÂ
- Experience in AI innovation
- Interest in global market expansion
- Previous entrepreneurial experience
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MEST Africa Training Program Benefits and Timeline
The program is structured in two phases;
The First Phase
- The first phase is a seven-month training program for all selected participants.
The seven-month training program (January – July 2026) is a hands-on, activity-based experience where participants explore and refine AI business ideas, develop and deploy an AI MVP, and gain deep expertise in AI software development and business fundamentals.
They engage directly with renowned AI practitioners, entrepreneurs and experts in their fields from around the globe, while applying lean startup principles, business modeling, and go-to-market strategies.
The training culminates in a pitch opportunity, where high-potential teams are selected to continue into the incubation phase.
- This training is followed by a graduation ceremony and a transition period.
The Second Phase
- Selected startups will move into an additional four-month incubation period.
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The four-month incubation program (September – December 2026) is designed for the most promising AI startups from the training phase.
This stage focuses on scaling AI products, securing customers, and preparing for investment.
Startups refine their business models with real market validation while working closely with mentors, investors, and industry leaders to develop funding strategies.
By the end of the program, startups will have a fully deployable AI product, an established user base, and a roadmap for securing investment and growing their business.
This structured approach ensures that participants receive world-class mentorship, develop tangible AI solutions, and gain a clear pathway toward investment and market success.
How To Apply for MEST AI Startup Program 2026
The application process for the MEST AI Startup Program involves several steps:
- Create an account on the application portal.
- Complete the required assessment and take an aptitude test.
- Fill out and submit the MEST Training Program application form.
- Attend the interview process.
- Await the offer.
For further information, please visit the MEST Africa website using the link below and put in your application.
Deadline: August 22, 2025
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