Selected African founders and researchers will work directly with Google experts, get early access to models including Gemini, Gemma and Veo, and meet partner investors without giving up equity. Applications close August 31.
Google has opened applications for its Africa Applied AI Lab, a programme based at the Accra AI Community Centre in Ghana that will help African founders and researchers build products using Google’s latest artificial intelligence models.
Applications opened on July 1 and will close on August 31, 2026.
Unlike a traditional accelerator built around classes and workshops, the Applied AI Lab is structured around product development.
Selected teams will work directly with engineers and researchers from Google Research and Google DeepMind to develop and improve their products.
Participants will also get early access to Google AI models including Gemini, Gemma and Veo, alongside technical mentorship and support with bringing their products to market.
Google says it will not take equity in participating startups simply for joining the programme.
Who can apply?
The programme is looking for founders and researchers building around five broad areas:
- the future of work
- knowledge
- software development
- creativity
- entertainment
Google says teams can apply at different stages of development, although startups that already have some funding or commercial traction may be better positioned for selection.
The programme is particularly aimed at teams working between the early startup stage and Series A.
For African founders, one of the biggest attractions is access.
Instead of simply receiving cloud credits or attending mentorship sessions, selected teams will work directly with people building some of Google’s AI technologies while developing their own products.
Founders will also meet investors
The Applied AI Lab is financed through the Google AI Futures Fund, which supports early-stage AI companies with access to technology, expertise and potential investment opportunities.
Selected teams will also be connected with four venture capital firms:
- 4DX Ventures
- Norrsken22
- Novastar Ventures
- Ventures Platform
The firms will provide mentorship during the programme and will also have an opportunity to meet participating startups.
That does not guarantee funding, but it gives selected founders direct access to investors already active across African technology markets.
The programme will run from September to December
Successful applicants are expected to be notified in September 2026.
The main co-development period will run from mid-September to early December, with support tailored to each team’s product and stage.
Founders will not be required to relocate permanently to Ghana or remain in Accra throughout the programme.
However, selected teams will be expected to attend an in-person product demo day at the Accra AI Community Centre in early December, where they will present their products to Google’s partner investors.
Google says support may continue informally after the formal programme ends.
Part of Google’s wider AI push in Africa
The Applied AI Lab is based inside the Accra AI Community Centre, which Google opened in July 2025 as part of a broader expansion of its artificial intelligence programmes across Africa.
The company has announced a cumulative $37 million in commitments covering AI research, talent development and infrastructure initiatives across the continent.
That wider commitment includes research funding for institutions such as the African Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Pretoria and the Wits MIND Institute, as well as support for AI research focused on food security.
The Applied AI Lab adds a startup-focused layer to that effort by giving African teams direct access to Google’s AI technology and researchers while they build commercial products.
Founders and researchers interested in the programme can apply through the Google AI Futures Fund Africa Applied AI Lab page before August 31, 2026.
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