UNDP’s Acceleration Pilot Program 2024 For African AI Startups
The AI Hub for Sustainable Development is a new collaborative initiative for steering private sector collective action to accelerate sustainable development in local AI ecosystems.
By focusing on three critical pillars – data pipelines, green computational power, and talent – the AI Hub seeks to support African countries in harnessing the transformative potential of AI and ensure that the AI revolution leaves no one behind.
The AI Hub builds on and complements existing initiatives of the G7 and beyond, serving as a multistakeholder space for steering collective actions with the private sector to accelerate sustainable development, by working directly with local AI ecosystems across countries.
UNDP Acceleration Pilot Program
| Application Deadline | August 5, 2024 |
| Type | Entrepreneurs |
| Sponsor | United Nations Development Programme UNDP |
| State of Origin | Abuja |
| Gender | Men and Women |
Benefits of UNDP Acceleration Pilot Program
- Selected startups will participate in an ecosystem-building event hosted by INNOVIT and the Italian G7 Presidency in San Francisco, California, USA, on 12 – 14 November 2024, where they can showcase their solutions, attract investment, and network with Silicon Valley AI leaders.
Requirements for UNDP Acceleration Pilot Program
- Be based in one of the nine pilot countries outlined in the Italy-Africa Mattei Plan: Algeria, Republic of the Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Côte D’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, or Tunisia.
- Develop or be aspiring to develop AI solutions addressing one or more SDGs, focusing on Education and Training, Energy, Health, Agriculture, Water, and Infrastructure (both physical and digital).
- Contribute to the AI Hub’s pillars:
- Compute distribution and affordability
- Talent development and orchestration
- Data quality, accessibility, and digitization
- Commit to responsible and sustainable AI development and deployment practices.
- Have professional-level proficiency in English (required for at least one team member, who will also be expected to participate in the in-person activities of the programme).
Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- A completed application form addressing eligibility, project details, and motivation.
- A concise company profile document (maximum 2 pages), providing an overview of the startup(s), mission, and key team members
- A PDF or PowerPoint pitch deck (maximum 15 slides) detailing the AI solution, its impact, and vision for growth.
Note:
We particularly encourage joint applications from existing startups collaborating on projects including with research organizations, other established private sector organizations, universities, accelerator networks nationally or regionally, that meet the programme’s criteria.
Deadline: August 5, 2024
All materials must be submitted on or before the deadline. Only complete applications received by this deadline will be considered.