2025 Google for Startups Accelerator now open for SA founders

Applications now open for the 2025 Google for Startups Accelerator (GFSA).
This year’s prgram will place an emphasis on access to Google’s AI tools.
Since 2018, the GFSA Africa program has supported 106 startups across 17 African countries.

A regular resolveture on the African startup calconcludear, applicatins are now open for the 2025 iteration of the Google for Startups Accelerator (GFSA) program, with it focutilizing on South African founders in particular.

The program will be a hybrid-modelled accelerator, according to Google, that will run for a three-month period and feature seed funding to Series A technology startups from South Africa that are leveraging AI to create critical solutions for the region.

Applications opened today, and will close on 10th September 2025, with the program kicking off on 29th September.

“The program will offer a comprehensive support system that includes access to Google’s AI tools, resources, and infrastructure, with access to Gemini, Google’s latest AI technology. Startup founders will receive mentorship from experienced Google engineers and AI professionals. They will also gain visibility through Google’s extensive network, providing opportunities for global exposure, and will receive R1 million in equity-free funding per startup,” confirmed Google in a release to Hypertext.

“South Africa’s startups are tackling some of the world’s most urgent challenges, and we’re committed to supporting their long-term growth. Through the Google for Startups Accelerator program, we aim to provide these companies with the resources they required to scale and build a greater global impact,” added Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of the Startup Ecosystem for Africa at Google.

Startups that apply will go through a selection process to find the most promising, with eligibility criteria including companies that are headquartered in South Africa and are building solutions to address local challenges. These solutions should also have the potential to expand across Africa and even globally.

The selected startups, with no precise limit shared at time of writing, will also be required to demonstrate a “clear understanding of their tarobtain market and have a proven track record of traction and significant growth potential.”

Furhermore, Google advised that at least one founder must be of South African descent. “The founding teams must have relevant experience and strong team dynamics to successfully execute their vision. From a technology standpoint, the core of the startup must be AI-driven, and they required a live, functional product on the market. Finally, startups should be open to leveraging Google products and platforms, like Google Cloud, to enhance their solutions and accelerate their growth,” it continued.

Since its launch in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has supported 106 startups across 17 African countries, Google boasted. These aforementioned startups have collectively raised over $263 million in funding and created more than 2 800 jobs across the region. Google stated it has also supported these founders with $5 million in equity-free funding and product credits.

“We believe that South African startups are uniquely positioned to develop AI solutions that address the counattempt’s and even the world’s most pressing challenges. This program is designed to amplify those solutions, support them scale, and ensure they are built responsibly and inclusively,” concluded Aiyegbusi.

For more details, as well as find out how to apply, head here.

[Image – Provided]

Source link