Application is now open for early-stage tech startups into Google for Startups accelerator programme

The Google for Firms Accelerator program is now accepting applications from early-stage tech startups in Africa that are solving problems on the continent.

The Google for Firms Africa Accelerator is a three-month program for seed to Series A technology startups in Africa. The program is aimed to provide the best of Google’s programs, products, people, and technology to companies who are using or planning to use machine learning and AI in their businesses.

For three months, the accelerator operates as a purely digital program. Selected founders are matched with specialists from other industries. They will be given extensive training on technological issues and machine learning.

Founders will also have access to labs and courses focused on various facets of running a tech company. Deep dives and workshops on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for startups, as well as specialized training, media opportunities, and access to Google’s network of engineers and experts, are all part of the accelerator.

PiggyVest, Kudi, OkadaBooks, ThankUCash, and 54gene are examples of Nigerian companies that have previously participated in the program and gone on to achieve significant success.

The program has so far attracted 82 companies from 17 different African countries. These businesses have raised over US$117 million in funding and employ over 2,800 people across Africa.

In 2017, Google for Businesses Accelerator Africa was founded with the purpose of aiding startups in scaling their solutions across Africa.

Through this program, as well as the Black Founders Fund, Google has demonstrated its commitment to the African innovation sector.

Who is eligible?

The program is open to tech firms in the Seed to Series A stage. Any field, such as edtech, healthtech, finance, or mobility, might be the focus of the startups.

Applicants must be based in Africa or be developing products that address African issues.

Startups from Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe can apply to the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa.

For each startup, the CEO and CTO must participate in all three online bootcamps of the program, and a third core team member can also attend, but this is optional. A maximum of three total company representatives can participate in each bootcamp.

What to expect

The first point to mention is that no grants or cash are available to entrepreneurs participating in the program. During and after the program, however, participants will have access to Google engineers, tools, and mentors.

Startups also get first access to new Google products and tools, as well as access to the company’s network of industry experts. Selected firms will be included to the Google for Startups Accelerator Global Community and network of alumni and mentors as part of the program, which will improve collaboration and support.

Other perks include marketing highlight opportunities, design, marketing, and leadership training, and company and product strategy help, among others.