Google has opened applications for the inaugural Google Africa Applied AI Lab, a programme based at the Accra AI Community Centre (AICC) in Ghana to support African founders and researchers building AI products. The initiative will conclude with a Demo Day where startups present to Google teams, investors and ecosystem partners. Participants receive early access to Google DeepMind AI models including Gemini, Gemma and Veo, hands-on technical guidance, go-to-market support, mentorship from venture capital firms including 4DX Ventures, Norrsken22, Novastar Ventures and Ventures Platform, and potential funding from the Google AI Futures Fund. Applicants must be full-time founders or researchers intending to become startup founders, based in an African country, and developing AI products addressing focus areas including future of work, knowledge, software development, creativity and entertainment. Preference is given to startups with commercial traction from pre-seed to Series A, but earlier-stage founders and later-stage teams may also be considered. The submission deadline is Monday, August 31, 2026.