About this opportunity
Cohort 2 of the timbuktoo UniPods AI Innovation Programme is now open for applications. UniPods are part of timbuktoo's wider effort to build innovation and entrepreneurship capacity across African universities and innovation ecosystems, giving students, researchers and innovators a space to develop ideas, build prototypes and receive technical support. This cohort focuses on artificial intelligence, and the programme is supported through a partnership involving timbuktoo, UNDP and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
The programme looks for individual innovators and teams who have moved beyond the idea stage and are already building, testing or developing a real AI or AI enabled solution, including early prototype and minimum viable product builders and early stage founders. Applicants do not need a pitch deck. Instead, the programme asks builders to demonstrate their development work, technical progress and the solution they are working on. Female innovators are especially encouraged to apply.
Selected participants receive AI technical skilling, an AI course from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a 14 week Wadhwani entrepreneurship programme covering customer discovery, business modelling, go to market strategy and investment readiness. They also get technical mentorship, access to the wider timbuktoo network across Africa, and the chance to join an in person bootcamp in Addis Ababa. Applications for Cohort 2 close on 30 October 2026 through the official online application form.
What you receive
- AI technical skilling designed to strengthen the ability to build AI and AI enabled solutions
- Access to an AI course from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- A 14 week Wadhwani entrepreneurship programme covering customer discovery, business modelling, go to market strategy and investment readiness
- Technical mentorship while developing and refining the solution
- Access to the wider timbuktoo innovation network across Africa
- A possible in person bootcamp in Addis Ababa for selected participants
Who can apply
- Individual innovators and teams developing AI or AI enabled solutions
- Applicants must have progressed beyond the idea stage and be actively building, testing or developing a real solution
- Early prototype, minimum viable product or early stage venture builders, including AI developers, technical builders and early stage founders
- Female innovators are especially encouraged to apply
Who should not apply
- Idea stage concepts with no building or development work yet
Documents to prepare
- No pitch deck is required
- The online application form asks for personal and team details and a demonstration of the AI solution under development, including technical progress
How to apply
- Open the official UniPods AI Innovation Pipeline Cohort 2 application form
- Complete the about you section, which everyone fills in
- Describe the AI or AI enabled solution being built and show the development and technical progress so far
- Submit the form before 30 October 2026
Selection process
- The programme publishes no detailed selection timeline. Applications submitted through the official form are reviewed by the programme team, selected participants join Cohort 2, and some may be invited to the in person bootcamp in Addis Ababa.
Sources and verification
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Questions applicants ask
Do I need a pitch deck?
No. The programme explicitly does not require a pitch deck. It looks for innovators who are actually building, so be ready to demonstrate development work and technical progress.
Is there a fee to apply?
The programme information states no application fee.
Who is the programme for?
African individual innovators and teams with early stage AI or AI enabled solutions, from prototype stage to early ventures. It is not for people who only have an idea.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
