Applications are now open for the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa 2025. This three-month hybrid accelerator programme is tailored for Seed to Series A technology startups in South Africa. The initiative is part of Google’s global series of accelerators, designed to bring the best of Google’s programmes, products, people, and technology to entrepreneurial communities across Africa.
Programme Overview
Duration and Format
- Timeline: Three months (September – December 2025)
- Format: Hybrid — combining remote and in-person participation in South Africa.
- Cohort Size: 10–15 startups per programme.
Purpose
The accelerator equips startups with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to tackle technical challenges, refine their business models, and scale sustainably across Africa and beyond.
Programme Benefits
Equity-Free Support
Startups receive full programme benefits without giving up equity.
Expert Mentorship
Dedicated guidance from Google’s teams and global industry experts, focused on solving each startup’s top technical challenges.
Specialist Deep Dives
Workshops and sprints on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders.
Cloud Support
- Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits.
- Access to Google’s Startup Experts, technical training, and key industry events.
- 30 days of free Cloud TPU access via the TPU Research Cloud programme to accelerate open-source machine learning research.
Strategic and Technical Support
Startups receive tailored support on strategy and product development, while also working directly with Google engineers on their biggest technical projects.
Funding Support
Each participating startup will receive $57,300 in funding during the programme.
Entry Criteria
- Startups must be Seed to Series A stage, demonstrating traction.
- Must be building a scalable product or service with a large addressable market.
- Strong technical focus, ideally leveraging machine learning or AI.
- Commitment from CTO or technical roles to actively engage throughout the programme.
- Applications are open to South African startups only for this cohort.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: 18 August 2025
- Applications Close: 10 September 2025
- Programme Kick-Off: 29 September 2025
- Graduation & Demo Day: December 2025
The Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa 2025 (South Africa Cohort) offers a unique opportunity for South African Seed to Series A startups to access world-class mentorship, equity-free funding, technical support, and global networks. With applications closing on 10 September 2025, startups are encouraged to apply and join a growing community of innovators transforming industries with technology.