Tech giant Google has announced that it is now accepting applications from Nigerian and other African innovators for the 8th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Programme for Africa.
The programme is designed to assist startups in Africa that are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to solve problems both within the continent and globally. In the previous cohort, three Nigerian companies were among the eleven startups selected from across Africa.
According to Folarin Aiyegbusi, the Head of Startups Ecosystem at Google Africa, the three-month, equity-free virtual programme offers participating startups mentorship, technical resources, and access to a global network of experts and investors.
Some of the key benefits of the programme include:
- Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits
- Personalised guidance from Google AI experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and industry leaders
- In-depth technical workshops on AI/ML development, product strategy, and scaling
- Connections to potential investors, partners, and customers
- Access to a supportive community of fellow founders
To be eligible, startups must be based in Africa or building Africa-centric solutions, and should be utilizing AI/ML in a transformative way. Applications are open from April 29 to May 20, 2024, and can be submitted through the Google for Startups website.
The announcement comes on the heels of the recent selection of 10 Nigerian startups among the 40 tech firms listed for Google's $4 million Black Founders Fund, further highlighting the growing prominence of Nigerian innovators in the African tech ecosystem.