timbuktoo UniPods AI Innovation Programme Cohort 2 | Apply Now

Applications are open for the timbuktoo UniPods AI Innovation Programme Cohort 2, a fellowship for African individuals and teams developing early-stage artificial intelligence or AI-enabled solutions. The programme is intended for innovators who have moved beyond a purely theoretical concept and are actively building their solution.

Selected innovators will receive support to strengthen their technical work, build and test their solutions, and move closer to market readiness. Female innovators are especially encouraged to apply.

About timbuktoo Africa

timbuktoo is a pan-African innovation initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It helps African innovators and startups access mentorship, technical support, entrepreneurship development and pathways to scale.

The UniPods AI Innovation Programme is connected to the wider timbuktoo UniPods network. The programme is supported through collaboration involving UNDP, the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, Wadhwani Foundation and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.

About The timbuktoo UniPods AI Innovation Programme Cohort 2

Cohort 2 is designed for early-stage innovators developing an AI or AI-enabled product, service or solution. Applications are open to both individuals and teams, provided they can demonstrate meaningful progress on what they are building.

The programme places emphasis on practical development. Applicants are expected to have a real idea and real code connected to that idea, as well as a strong commitment to continuing the work. A pitch deck is not required, so applicants are assessed through the substance of their solution and technical progress rather than a presentation alone.

Participation combines online activities with an in-person bootcamp component. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is identified as the location for the in-person component, while the programme’s geographic scope covers innovators resident across Africa.

Programme Focus

1. AI and AI-enabled solutions: Applicants should be developing a solution that uses artificial intelligence or is enabled by AI technology.

2. Early-stage building: The programme is intended for innovators whose products or solutions are still being developed and strengthened.

3. Working technical progress: Applicants must be able to demonstrate both a genuine idea and real code related to the solution.

4. Building and testing: Participants will work on developing and testing their solutions during the programme.

5. Market readiness: The programme is structured to help innovators improve their technical solutions and move them closer to readiness for the market.

Who Can Apply

• Individuals developing an early-stage AI solution.

• Teams building an AI-enabled product, service or other solution.

• Innovators who have a real idea and real code to demonstrate.

• Applicants committed to building and testing their solution.

• Residents of African countries.

• Female innovators, who are especially encouraged to apply.

The application form lists Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia among the eligible countries of residence, alongside other African countries.