Kernel Camp 2025 is an eight-week, in-person residency program designed for early-stage founders from the Middle East and North Africa. The program takes place in San Francisco, California, and is structured as a deep tech-focused hacker house that emphasizes product development, learning, and founder community. Applications are currently open and close in January 2026.
Opportunity Summary
- Program name: Kernel Camp 2025
- Organizer: Propeller
- Format: In-person residency program
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Location: San Francisco
- Program period: April to May 2026
- Application deadline: 19 January 2026
Eligibility and Target Participants
- Geographic focus: Middle East and North Africa
- Eligible countries: Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain
- Startup stage: Pre-seed
- Founder profile: Technical or product-focused founders working full-time on their startup
- Participation requirement: Ability to reside in the United States for the full eight-week program
Sector Focus
- Artificial Intelligence and Data
- Cybersecurity and Privacy
- Deep Tech
- Infrastructure and Smart Cities
- Software and IT
- Sector-agnostic startups
Program Structure and Features
- Shared housing and co-working environment for all participants
- Weekly workshops and guest sessions with operators, experts, and investors
- One-on-one founder support throughout the program
- Site visits to technology companies and venture capital firms
- Program concludes with a closing event and product showcase
Financial and Commercial Terms
- Program costs: Housing, meals, and core programming are covered
- Travel expenses: Participants are expected to cover their own travel
- Equity: No equity taken upfront
- Investment note: The organizer retains the right, but not the obligation, to invest up to USD 750,000 in a future qualified financing at a valuation cap of USD 5,000,000
Visa Considerations
- Requirement: Participants must be able to obtain a United States visa valid for the full program duration
- Support: Visa issuance is not guaranteed; preference may be given to applicants who already hold a valid visa
Kernel Camp 2025 is positioned as an immersive residency for pre-seed founders from the MENA region seeking concentrated build time within a global technology ecosystem. With a defined application deadline and an in-person commitment requirement, the program is relevant for teams able to dedicate eight uninterrupted weeks to product development and peer collaboration.