MEST AI Startup Program 2026,  Build Africa’s Next Big AI Startup 

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MEST AI Startup Program 2026: Overview

The MEST AI Startup Program is a fully immersive 12-month entrepreneurship experience designed for aspiring AI innovators across West Africa. This program empowers talented software developers and entrepreneurs to build and scale globally competitive AI startups with world-class training, mentorship, and potential incubation.

Program Timeline

• Applications Open: 2nd July 2025

• Applications Close: 22nd August 2025

• Interview Notifications: By 10th September 2025

• Interviews & Group Challenges: Sept-Oct 2025

• Contracts Issued: Mid-October 2025

• Virtual Pre-learning: Nov – Dec 2025

• Training Begins in Ghana: January 2026

• Graduation: August 2026

• Incubation for Select Startups: Sept-Dec 2026

MEST AI Startup Program 2026: Program Phases

1. 7-Month Training (Jan – July 2026)

   • Hands-on AI startup building

   • MVP development & business fundamentals

   • Expert mentorship and global exposure

   • Ends with a pitch day to transition to incubation

2. 4-Month Incubation (Sept-Dec 2026)

   • Product scaling and market validation

   • Funding strategy & investment readiness

   • Venture support and access to advisors

3. Post-Incubation (2027)

   • Access to portfolio support for funded startups

MEST AI Startup Program 2026: Eligibility Criteria

• Education: Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or equivalent experience

• Age: 21–30

• Experience: Must have basic AI understanding and software development skills

• Citizenship: Must be a West African national

• Commitment: Full availability for 12 months, plus long-term interest in entrepreneurship

• Mindset: Entrepreneurial, innovative, problem-solving

MEST AI Startup Program 2026: Preferred Qualities

• Cross-functional team experience

• AI innovation background

• Prior entrepreneurial ventures

• Interest in expanding to global markets

Recruitment Locations

In-person interviews and group challenges will be held in:

• Ghana

• Nigeria

• Senegal

West African nationals from other countries are welcome but must travel for interviews if shortlisted.

How to Apply

1. Visit the application portal: MEST Application Portal

2. Register and verify your email

3. Begin with the Program Eligibility Screening

4. Complete the full application, upload your statement video, take the assessment, and record a final reflection video

5. Save your progress regularly; once submitted, no edits can be made