OpenAI Grove is a specialized initiative designed for technical talent and visionary builders at the very beginning of their entrepreneurial journey. Moving beyond the traditional accelerator or incubator model, the program focuses on the ideation stage, offering a dense network of talent and a unique environment for co-creation alongside OpenAI’s research community. By providing early-stage founders with high-level technical resources and direct mentorship, the program aims to accelerate the transition from a conceptual AI interest to the launch of a viable enterprise.
Program Philosophy and Community Structure
- Ideation Focus: The Grove is specifically tailored for individuals who are in the earliest stages of development, including those at the pre-idea, inception, or pre-seed phases.
- Co-Creation with Research: Participants engage in a collaborative environment with OpenAI’s research staff, allowing for deep technical exchange and project refinement.
- Early Access: Members of the cohort are granted the opportunity to experiment with OpenAI’s latest tools and models before they are released to the general public.
- Cohort Scale: The program maintains an intimate and high-density network, selecting approximately fifteen members per cohort to ensure meaningful interaction and support.
Curriculum and Engagement Model
- Duration and Timeline: The program spans five weeks, scheduled to run from January 22, 2026, to February 27, 2026.
- Hybrid Format: The initiative begins and ends with intensive, in-person residency weeks at OpenAI’s headquarters in San Francisco, with travel expenses covered for these periods.
- Asynchronous Development: The intervening weeks consist of four to six hours of asynchronous work, allowing founders to balance development with other commitments.
- Technical Mentorship: Weekly office hours and dedicated workshops are led by OpenAI technical leads to provide structured guidance and feedback.
Eligibility and Application Criteria
- Target Audience: The program is open to technical talent across all backgrounds, disciplines, and experience levels, provided they possess a deep curiosity for AI development.
- Team Submissions: While individual applications are welcome, the program also accepts applications from groups or existing teams working on a shared concept.
- Technical Neutrality: Applicants are not required to build their products exclusively on OpenAI APIs; the program is open to anyone building or aspiring to build with artificial intelligence.
- Commitment Requirement: Participants must be available for the mandatory in-person weeks in San Francisco and dedicate the necessary time for weekly activities.
Post-Program Opportunities and Support
- Network Longevity: The Grove is intended as the starting point for a lifelong network of peers, mentors, and industry experts.
- Capital and Resources: As participants progress in building their companies, the program offers additional benefits, including credits and strategic introductions for capital raising.
- Pathways: Upon completion, participants may choose to explore traditional fundraising, pursue further development within the OpenAI ecosystem, or follow external professional paths.
- Application Deadline: Interested candidates must submit their formal application via the official portal by January 12, 2026.
OpenAI Grove represents a unique gateway for technical innovators to immerse themselves in the frontier of artificial intelligence development. By bridging the gap between raw technical curiosity and structured company building, the program provides the essential tools, mentorship, and community needed to shape the next generation of AI-driven solutions. For individuals and teams ready to explore the boundaries of what is possible with AI, this residency offers an unparalleled platform to transform early-stage ideas into impactful realities.