Open Startup has announced its 2026 call for applications for The Science Road program, seeking ambitious founders and leaders in the Tech and Deep Tech sectors. The initiative features two distinct program tracks designed to support startups at different stages of their growth: the Open Startup Pre-Seed Track for ventures validating their solution, and the Open Startup Seed Track for those preparing to scale their operations.
Program Tracks and Startup Profiles
The program is structured to accommodate two primary categories of startups across its two tracks:
• Open Startup Pre-Seed Track: Designed for startups in the process of validating their core solution.
• Open Startup Seed Track: Tailored for startups that are preparing to scale their business.
Ventures applying should fall into one of the following profiles:
• DeepTech Ventures: Startups whose fundamental innovation is based on significant scientific, engineering, or technological breakthroughs.
• Tech-Enabled Startups: Startups utilizing technology to address market challenges, enhance efficiency, improve accessibility, or create new opportunities for businesses and communities.
Track-Specific Requirements
Applicants must meet specific criteria corresponding to their chosen track and startup profile.
Pre-seed Track
• For DeepTech Startups: Must have a scientific or engineering innovation with a proof of concept or early prototype (typically TRL 3-5). Technical validation, research, lab testing, or pilot activities should be underway, with early market validation through customer discovery, pilots, LOIs, or partnerships. Startups are expected to be in the pre-revenue or early revenue stage, with an early IP strategy, scientific validation, or research partnerships in progress. A strong technical founding team and scalability potential are required.
• For Tech-Enabled Startups: Must have an MVP or early product that demonstrates a clear solution to a market need. Applicants should show early user validation, pilots, partnerships, or customer interest. Startups are expected to be in the pre-revenue or early revenue stage with a clear business model and path to growth, supported by a strong founding team and scalability potential.
Seed Track
• For DeepTech Startups: Must possess a validated technology with demonstrated technical feasibility (typically TRL 6+). A clear path to commercialization supported by pilots, customers, or industry partnerships is necessary. Applicants must show demonstrated traction through revenue, paid pilots, grants, contracts, strategic partnerships, or secured funding. The venture should have proprietary technology, defensible know-how, or a clear IP strategy, along with a strong technical/scientific team preparing for scale.
• For Tech-Enabled Startups: Must have achieved product-market fit, demonstrated through paying customers and recurring market demand. Meaningful traction is required, evidenced by revenue growth, customer acquisition, contracts, transactions, or active users. An established go-to-market strategy and a repeatable customer acquisition model are essential, along with a strong execution team with the operational capacity to scale. Startups should be ready for investment, strategic partnerships, and regional or international expansion.
Focus Areas
While applications from all sectors are welcome, the program has a particular interest in ventures operating within the following areas:
• Climate & Sustainability: Including AgriteTech, CleanTech, Renewable Energy, WaterTech, Circular Economy, and Waste Management.
• AI & Emerging Technologies: Including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, SaaS, and other AI-enabled ventures.
• Health & Well-being: Including HealthTech, MedTech, BioTech, Diagnostics, and Telemedicine.
• Other High-Impact Sectors: Including FinTech, EdTech, and Logistics & Supply Chain.
The program encourages applications from startups building impactful solutions that contribute to economic development, social progress, and environmental sustainability across Africa.
General Eligibility Criteria
Applicants to both the Pre-Seed and Seed tracks must meet the following general requirements:
• Be building a technology to solve a demonstrated problem on the African continent.
• Be incorporated in an African country.
• Operate primarily in Africa.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English.
• Have a committed founding team.
• Be available to participate actively in all program activities.
• Submit a complete application before the deadline.
Program Benefits
Participants in both tracks will gain access to a range of resources and opportunities designed to accelerate their growth:
• In-Person Training Bootcamp: Intensive and immersive training bootcamps tailored to startup needs.
• Global Exposure: Opportunities for regional and global exposure to different ecosystems, including those in Africa, the US, and Europe, based on startup requirements.
• Training & Mentorship: Customized training and personalized mentorship delivered by a pool of regional and global experts.
• Hands-on Support: Continuous, strategic program support, including introductions, weekly follow-ups, and technical and talent fellowships.
• Market & Investment Support: Tailored assistance with investor engagement, corporate connections, commercialization guidance, and fundraising preparation.
• Small Tickets: Selected startups may become eligible for mission-aligned investment tickets of up to $20,000 to support their seed fundraising rounds.
Timeline and Application Details
Key dates and program durations for the 2026 cohort are as follows:
• Application Deadline: July 31, 2026.
• Pre-seed Track Duration: A 6-month program scheduled from September 2026 to February 2027.
• Seed Track Duration: A 1-year program scheduled from November 2026 to November 2027.
Participation Terms
Participation in the Open Startup program is supported by a 1% mission-aligned 'give-back' mechanism. This is implemented via a SWEAT SAFE note issued to an investment vehicle dedicated to the long-term sustainability of Open Startup and its ecosystem-building programs. This contribution acknowledges the value provided through mentorship, expert guidance, and market exposure, ensuring future founders can access similar resources. Any proceeds from future liquidity events are reinvested into the Open Startup mission. This 1% give-back mechanism applies only to startups selected for the second phase of the Seed Program, who will be required to enter into the applicable SWEAT SAFE agreement before accessing second-phase benefits.
Founders leading technology and deep tech ventures that meet the specified criteria are encouraged to review the program details and submit their applications for the appropriate track. For further inquiries not covered in the program's FAQ, interested parties can contact the organization directly at hello@open-startup.org.