Google invites African applicants for startup accelerator program

November 7, 2021 in Investment, Technology & Telecoms by Editor

Successful early-growth stage startup applicants (from seed to Series A) will gain access to equity-free support alongside the best of Google’s networks, advanced technology, experts, and mentors.

The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program is inviting applications from owners of tech startups who believe their innovation or innovations deserve backing from one of the world’s biggest technology companies.

The program involves a three-month virtual accelerator fair. Andy Volk, who leads Google’s developer and startup ecosystem efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa said, “We are honoured to have yet another opportunity to connect with African innovators and empower them through the seventh class of GFSAA. We know that, as with previous classes, we are on the cusp of uncovering more outstanding technology-led solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, developed by Africans themselves.”

African innovators or tech startups based in Kenya, Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe can apply and closing date is January 14, 2022. Those interested can access the online application form through https://startup.google.com/accelerator/africa/

The accelerator is designed to bring the best of Google’s programs, products, people and technology to startups that leverage machine learning and AI in their company today or plan to in the future. In addition to mentorship and technical project support, the accelerator also includes deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition and leadership development for founders, specialized training, media opportunities and access to Google’s network of engineers and experts.

Selected startups are given access to Google engineers, resources, and mentors, during and after the program. They also get hands-on Google for Startups collaboration and support in addition to inclusion in the Google for Startups Accelerator Global Community and network of alumni and mentors.

Those selected will receive Google Cloud Credits as well as marketing spotlight opportunities. However no grants or funding are given to startups on the program. The program follows Google’s commitment and plans to grow Africa’s startup ecosystem through $6 million in grants and funding from the Black Founders Fund (BFF) Africa program and to the Tony Elumelu Foundation. The program is designed to help startups scale their solutions across the continent.

 

accelerator programAfrican startupsGoogle