Applications open for AI Venture Builder and Incubation Program

Deadline: 27-Sep-2026

The AI Venture Builder and Incubation Program is inviting applications from pre-formed teams in Southern Africa to develop and launch AI-powered EdTech startups that address educational challenges in African classrooms. The eight-month programme combines venture building, technical mentorship, user testing, education-sector expertise, and data-driven innovation to help teams move from early-stage concepts toward market launch. The programme will support 12 teams during the venture build phase, with the top five ventures progressing to an additional incubation phase and receiving $25,000 in equity-free seed capital each.

About the AI Venture Builder and Incubation Program

The programme is designed to accelerate the development of impactful EdTech ventures that use artificial intelligence to address challenges faced by African classrooms. It aims to bridge the gap between early-stage ideation and market launch by giving selected teams practical support in product development, validation, business strategy, and commercialization.

The programme combines:

- Expert technical guidance. - AI engineering mentorship. - Learning science expertise. - Education-sector insights. - Business strategy support. - User testing. - Product validation. - Branding and messaging. - Go-to-market planning. - Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning systems. - Seed funding for top-performing ventures. Eight-Month Venture Building and Incubation The programme runs for eight months and is divided into two phases.

Phase 1: Five-Month Venture Build

All 12 selected teams participate in the first five-month venture build phase. During this stage, teams receive support to develop their concepts, build products, test solutions with users, and strengthen their business models. The venture build phase is intended to help teams progress from an early-stage concept toward a more validated and market-ready EdTech solution.

Phase 2: Three-Month Incubation

Following the five-month venture build phase, the top five ventures progress to a further three-month incubation phase. These selected ventures receive more intensive support to accelerate development and prepare for the next stage of growth. The top five teams also receive $25,000 each in equity-free seed capital following the programme. AI-Powered EdTech Focus The programme specifically targets startups using artificial intelligence in education. Teams should develop solutions that address educational challenges in African classrooms and demonstrate potential to create meaningful impact. The programme provides support across both the technology and education dimensions of venture development, helping teams combine AI capabilities with learning science and practical understanding of the education sector. Product Development and User Testing Hands-on product development is an important part of the programme. Selected teams receive support to develop their products and gain access to real users for product validation. User testing can help teams understand whether their solutions address genuine educational needs and identify areas requiring improvement before market launch. The programme therefore emphasizes practical validation rather than relying solely on theoretical concepts. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning The programme promotes data-driven innovation in education through Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems. MEL approaches can help participating ventures understand their progress, assess outcomes, learn from implementation, and use evidence to improve their products and strategies. Teams are supported in developing an approach to innovation that incorporates learning and evidence throughout the venture-building process. Expert Guidance and Mentorship Selected teams receive access to expertise covering several areas relevant to AI EdTech entrepreneurship.

Support includes:

- Technical AI engineering. - Learning science. - Business strategy. - Education-sector knowledge. - Product development. - User validation. - Branding. - Messaging. - Go-to-market planning. This multidisciplinary support is designed to help teams address both the technical and commercial challenges associated with launching an AI-powered EdTech venture. Branding and Go-to-Market Support The programme also helps teams prepare their ventures for market entry.

Participants receive support in areas such as

- Branding. - Messaging. - Go-to-market planning. - Business strategy. - Product positioning. This support can help teams communicate the value of their solutions clearly and develop strategies for reaching relevant users and markets. In-Person and Virtual Activities Most programme activities are delivered virtually, allowing teams to participate remotely for much of the eight-month programme. However, selected teams must participate in required in-person activities in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The programme includes:

- In-person orientation. - Bootcamp sessions in Johannesburg. - Other virtual programme activities. Travel and accommodation are covered for up to three team members for mandatory in-person engagements. $25,000 Equity-Free Seed Funding The top five teams receive $25,000 each in equity-free seed capital. Because the funding is equity-free, the selected ventures do not give up ownership of their startups in exchange for the seed funding. The capital is intended to help the top five ventures accelerate their development after the programme. Who Can Apply?

Eligibility is limited to pre-formed teams of at least two people

Each team member must have 2–3 years of relevant experience.

Teams must:

- Consist of at least two people. - Be pre-formed before applying. - Have team members with 2–3 years of relevant experience. - Be based in an eligible Southern African country. - Be at the ideation stage. - Have an AI-powered EdTech concept. - Target one of the programme’s five themes. - Be able to attend mandatory in-person activities in Johannesburg. Eligible Cou