METI UniPods AI Innovation Programme Cohort 2

About the programme The METI UniPods AI Innovation Programme is accepting applications for its second cohort from innovators building early-stage AI and AI-enabled solutions. Applications may come from individuals or teams, but applicants must already have a working product that can be demonstrated with a real input and output. A design, mock-up, Figma file, Canva file or slide deck is not treated as a working prototype. What selected innovators receive Selected participants will have access to an AI course from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, AI technical training, structured product-development support and Wadhwani Foundation's 14-week entrepreneurship programme. The entrepreneurship programme covers customer discovery, business modelling, go-to-market planning and investment readiness. Participants will also gain access to technical mentors and the wider timbuktoo network, with the possibility of joining an in-person bootcamp in Addis Ababa. The organiser has not announced a cash grant or guaranteed investment as part of this call. Application requirements Applicants must explain the problem they are solving and show their product running in a 60 to 120-second screen recording. The demonstration must use a real input and show the product's output. The recording must be shared through YouTube, Google Drive or Loom and must open for reviewers. The form also asks applicants to explain what the AI does and identify the model, tool or API used; state monthly hosting or AI API costs; provide evidence of users, revenue and registration where applicable; describe any university, research institution or incubator connection; identify their role on the team; and answer a short product-quality question. A code repository or notebook link is optional. The programme states that innovators at different stages may be selected. Having no users, revenue, legal registration or institutional backing does not automatically disqualify an applicant, but all claims must be honest and verifiable. False or unverifiable information can lead to disqualification. Deadline Apply by 30 October 2026. The organiser's announcement does not state a closing time or timezone, so applicants should submit early. How to apply Complete the official UniPods Cohort 2 application form. No pitch deck is requested.

Applicants may apply individually or as a team and must be resident in one of the countries listed in the official form: Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda or Zambia. The application must concern an AI or AI-enabled solution with a working prototype that actually runs. Designs, mock-ups, Figma or Canva files and slide decks alone are not eligible as prototypes. Applicants must provide an accessible 60 to 120-second product demonstration showing a real input and output. Students, employed applicants, self-employed innovators, researchers and other applicants may apply. University, research institution or incubator backing is not required. Female innovators are especially encouraged to apply.