Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST)
Scholarship
MEST Africa AI Startup Program 2027
A fully funded scholarship from Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST), based in Ghana.
Overview
The MEST Africa AI Startup Program is a fully-sponsored 12-month residential programme in Accra, Ghana for software-experienced African founders from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Kenya who want to build AI-powered companies. The 2027 class (Class of 2027) is now open. The programme covers a 7-month intensive training phase followed by a 4-month incubation for selected ventures, with the top teams eligible for up to $100,000 in pre-seed investment. Application deadline: 20 July 2026.
MEST has trained over 160 entrepreneurs since 2008, and its alumni companies have raised over $200 million combined. The 2027 programme is the second cohort focused exclusively on AI applications.
Benefits
- Fully sponsored programme - no financial payment to MEST.
- Return flights to Accra covered for all admitted participants.
- Healthcare access throughout the programme.
- 7 months of hands-on instruction, technical mentorship, and business coaching from global experts.
- 4-month incubation for selected ventures at the end of training.
- Up to $100,000 in pre-seed investment for the highest-performing AI startups.
- Access to MEST’s global network of mentors, investors, and alumni.
Eligibility
- Founders must be based in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, or Kenya at the time of application.
- Aged 21 to 35 years.
- Must have demonstrated software development experience - you do not need to be a solo technical founder, but at least one team member must be technical.
- Basic understanding of AI concepts and a strong interest in building an AI product.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a concrete problem you want to solve.
How to Apply
- Visit meltwater.org and navigate to the MEST Africa AI Startup Program page.
- Complete the online application form and prepare a short personal statement or video explaining your background and the problem you want to solve.
- Complete the required technical and entrepreneurship assessment embedded in the application.
- Submit by 20 July 2026.
- Shortlisted applicants are interviewed in August 2026. The programme begins in late 2026.
Head to the official scholarship page.
We don't run the application. We point you to the source, so click below to start your submission.
Apply on official siteShare this scholarship
Know someone who could apply? Pass it on before the deadline.