$10K AI Ventures Accelerator opens applications for Female‑led African startups – Innovation Village

African startups are now invited to apply for the AI Ventures Accelerator, an intensive programme designed to guide teams of young women from early‑stage ideas to fully investor‑ready artificial intelligence ventures, with an opportunity to win up to US $10,000 in equity‑free seed funding.

The AI Ventures Accelerator, offered at no cost by Technovation in partnership with Generation Unlimited, aims to spark the next generation of Africa’s women‑led tech enterprises. The programme specifically targets young women with innovative ideas and a passion for leveraging technology and entrepreneurship to solve real‑world challenges.

Over the course of 12 rigorous weeks, selected participants will undergo a blended curriculum that develops both technical and business competencies essential for building and scaling an AI‑powered startup. Participants will receive hands‑on training in areas such as AI development, product design, business modelling, customer discovery, and go‑to‑market strategy. At the end of the programme, teams will pitch their ventures for a chance to secure one of the top 10 placements, each of which includes US $10,000 in seed capital with no equity requirements.

The accelerator is open to teams of young women aged 19–24 who are passionate about using technology and artificial intelligence to address pressing societal challenges. Eligible applicants must be able to commit 10–15 hours per week for the duration of the 12‑week programme and must currently reside in a UNICEF programme country.

The initiative represents a significant opportunity for young African innovators to access mentorship, structured training, and early funding while contributing to the continent’s growing AI and tech‑entrepreneurship landscape.

Applications are open here until February 22.