Apply Now: OST Program Offers $20K SAFE & Columbia Mentorship to African Startups & Talents
Open Startup (OST) has opened applications for its latest OST Program, a Pan-African pre-seed accelerator co-developed with Columbia Engineering and Columbia Business School. The 5-month hybrid program targets early-stage startups and solo talents across Africa, offering funding opportunities, world-class mentorship, and network access to help move innovations from idea to market.
Program Overview and Focus
The OST Program is specifically designed to empower Africa’s early-stage founders and talents, providing deeper support to transition from the idea stage to a market-ready product. This Pan-African pre-seed accelerator spans five months and employs a hybrid format. Co-developed with prestigious partners at Columbia University, the program focuses on guiding startups from the Proof of Concept (POC) stage through Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development to a successful market launch.
Key Benefits for Participants
Selected participants in the OST Program will benefit from a comprehensive support structure over the 5-month duration:
Funding & Investment Opportunity: Access $20K SAFE investment tickets to provide crucial early financial backing. Note that 1% equity is required only for finalist startups that advance to Phase 2 of the program.
World-Class Mentoring & Training: Connect with Columbia University faculty and seasoned industry experts for guidance throughout the POC-to-MVP-to-market journey. Benefit from top-notch training modules designed to impart valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Access to OST Portfolio & Network: Tap into OST’s growing Pan-African ecosystem, community, and network of founders, investors, and mentors across Africa and global innovation hubs. Become part of a vibrant community fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Talent Integration: Startups can attract skilled solo talents participating in the program (in tech, marketing, design, business) to join their teams, fill key skill gaps, and accelerate growth.
International Immersion & Exposure: Participate in cross-continental visits and networking opportunities designed to explore new markets beyond Africa and gain national and international visibility.
Prototyping Support: Receive assistance and resources crucial for refining and testing ideas during the prototyping phase.
Who Should Apply?
The OST Program invites applications from two main groups across the African continent:
Early-Stage Startups: Suitable for pre-seed or seed-stage startups with at least a working Proof of Concept (POC) and bold ambition. Teams should be ready to build a real MVP, launch their tech-enabled solution addressing a market need, and aim for Pan-African or global growth.
Apply here: Startup Application Link
Solo Talents: Ideal for students or early-career professionals with backgrounds in tech, design, marketing, or business/strategy. If you're looking to join a high-growth startup, gain mentorship, and acquire real-world startup experience within a full innovation ecosystem, this track is for you.
Apply here: Solo Talent Application Link
Application Details
The deadline to apply for the current cohort of the OST Program is May 11, 2025. Interested startups and individuals are encouraged to apply via the links provided above.
About Open Startup (OST)
Open Startup (OST) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering innovation and capacity building across Africa and the Middle East. Its mission involves empowering entrepreneurial journeys by developing skills, leveraging extensive networks, and bridging ecosystems. OST runs a range of programs supporting startups from ideation to investment readiness and connects entrepreneurs with world-class opportunities and resources. The organization boasts a strong alumni network of over 3,000 individuals.
Supporting Partners
This edition of the OST Program is made possible with the support of key partners, including: AfricaGrow, Columbia Business School, Columbia Engineering, U.S. Embassy Tunis, AfricInvest Group, Columbia Global Center Tunis, Columbia Global Center Amman (CGC Amman), and The Dot.
Looking Ahead
The OST Program presents a significant opportunity for Africa's next generation of innovators. Whether you are building a startup or possess valuable skills to contribute to one, this program offers a structured path to growth, funding, and connection within the Pan-African and global tech ecosystems.
Source: Open Startup