Google Africa Applied AI Lab is an initiative to collaborate with and support African founders, researchers, and entrepreneurs interested in building next-gen AI products. Founders receive early access to the latest Google AI models and collaborate with Google experts to build AI-native solutions across work, knowledge, creativity, entertainment, and software development.
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 is the Google AI Futures Fund?
The Google AI Futures Fund (AIFF) backs those building what’s next in AI, accelerating the almost possible. Through capital, distribution, and early access to Google DeepMind models, AIFF braves the frontier with global partners who disregard the impossible. As patrons for the new architects of creativity and code, AIFF funds the catalysts charting the course into a boundless future.
Who is eligible to apply?
Google Africa AI Lab is looking for current full-time founders and/or top researchers who are looking to become startup founders. The program is 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.
How to Apply
Interested African founders and Startups can Apply using the Link provided 👉 Here
When do applications open and close?
Applications open on July 1, 2026, and close on August 31, 2026.
