What’s the Google Africa Applied AI Lab?
Based at the Accra AI Community Centre (AICC) in Ghana, the Google Africa Applied AI Lab supports founders from across the continent interested in using the latest AI research to address real-world, uniquely African challenges – and, in turn, build Africa’s first generation of AI-native unicorn startups. The initiative serves as a zero-to-one commercialization platform, bridging the gap between world-class foundational research and market-ready products. It pairs an elite cohort of African founders and researchers directly with Google experts, jointly building AI solutions. The program will culminate in a demo day, where startups will present their work from their time in the program to Googlers, top investors, and partners, where they will have the opportunity to receive potential funding and further support.
What areas does it focus on?
The Google Africa Applied AI Lab focuses on joint development of AI products and services meant to address critical gaps and challenges across the continent. Rapid prototyping will occur across five distinct technological futures, all of which will reshape Africa in the coming years: the future of work, knowledge, software development, creativity, and entertainment.
What do selected startups receive?
Selected startups will receive early access to cutting-edge models from Google DeepMind (such as Gemini, Gemma, and Veo) to experiment with commercial use cases, before the models are released to the general market. Additionally, teams receive hands-on technical mentorship and go-to-market support from Google Research, other Google teams globally, and VCs including 4DX Ventures, Norrsken22, Novastar Ventures, and Ventures Platform. Some participants may also be eligible for funding from Google AI Futures Fund and these leading VCs.
What commitments do I have to make?
In addition to using Google AI in some material way, we ask that startups commit to participating in an in-person product demo day in early December at the Accra AI Community Centre in Ghana. Applied AI programming will be highly customized to the needs of the startup and their stage of development, so terms will differ from team to team. Teams are not giving up equity or ownership stake by simply participating in the program, though they may be approached with opportunities by Google AI Futures Fund or our VC partners.
Who is eligible to apply?
We’re looking for current full-time founders and/or top researchers who are looking to become startup founders. We’re seeking applicants with big ideas that drive impact in Africa across our thematic areas: the future of work, knowledge, software development, creativity, and entertainment. While preference is given to startups with funding and commercial traction (pre-seed to series A), we consider all founders and researchers with great ideas and a strong plan for how to build them.
When do applications open and close?
Applications open on July 1, 2026, and close on August 31, 2026.
