Google expands intake for new Launchpad Accelerator cohort to 10 African nations

Google’s Launchpad Accelerator has opened applications for its next cohort — and has added seven more African countries to the three countries it initially targeted when it first began including startups from the continent earlier this year.

When the programme began targeting Africa in May it took applications only from startups based in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. In the new cohort startups from Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda will also be eligible to apply.

Read more: JUMO first SA startup to be selected for Google Launchpad Accelerator

The announcement was made by the Launchpad Programme’s global lead Roy Glasberg last week Thursday, 31 August.

Launchpad is a six-month zero-equity acceleration programme aimed at growth-stage startups from emerging markets.

African startups from Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda can now also apply to join Launchpad Accelerator

Selected developers will be invited to the Google Developers Launchpad Space in San Francisco for two weeks of all-expenses-paid training. The training includes mentorship from more than 20 Google teams and expert mentors from top technology companies and venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.

In addition, the selected startups will get credits for Google products, public relations support and further post-programme support.

Tech startups that focus on local markets with a proven product market fit can apply. Eligible startups must be working on a solution that addresses challenges in their respective cities, countries and regions, and must also be ready to scale their businesses.

In July Google CEO Sundar Pichai said Google will provide more than $3-million in equity-free funding to more than 60 African startups out of a new Google Launchpad Space in Lagos — its first Launchpad accelerator outside of the US.

Read more: Google Launchpad to provide over $3m to more than 60 African startups – CEO

Applications for the accelerator close on 2 October at 9am Pacific Standard Time (7pm Central African Time).