Internet services company Google has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Google for Startups Accelerator (GFSA) programme for South African founders.

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

“The programme will offer a comprehensive support system that includes access to Google’s AI tools, resources and infrastructure, as well as access to Gemini, which is Google’s latest AI technology.”

Startup founders will receive mentorship from experienced Google engineers and AI professionals.

The eligibility criteria for companies applying include that they are headquartered in the country and are building solutions to address local challenges. These solutions should also have the potential to expand across Africa and even globally.

From a technology standpoint, the core of the startup must be AI-driven, and startups need a live, functional product on the market.

Startups should also be open to leveraging Google products and platforms, like Google Cloud, to enhance their solutions and accelerate their growth, the company adds.

Additionally, the selected startups must demonstrate a clear understanding of their target market and have a proven track record of traction and significant growth potential, Google says.

Further, startups will also gain visibility through Google’s extensive network, which provides opportunities for global exposure and will receive R1-million in equity-free funding per startup.

“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 programme, we aim to provide these companies with the resources they need to scale and make a greater global impact,” says Google Startup Ecosystem Africa head Folarin Aiyegbusi.

Startups that apply will go through a selection process to find the most promising startups in South Africa. The founding teams must have relevant experience and strong team dynamics to successfully execute their vision.

Google continues to invest in Africa’s AI and innovation ecosystem and the GFSA programme in South Africa further reinforces its commitment to providing African-led startups with the visibility, resources and expertise they need to compete and lead on the global stage, he says.

The accelerator is a key part of Google’s broader efforts to help develop a thriving AI ecosystem in South Africa that's grounded in local realities and focused on long-term sustainability.

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

Applications for the 2025 South Africa cohort are now open at https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/africa.

Meanwhile, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme has supported 106 startups across 17 African countries since its launch in 2018. These startups have collectively raised more than $263-million in funding and created more than 2 800 jobs.

Google has supported these founders with $5-million in equity-free funding and product credits, demonstrating its commitment to scaling the startup ecosystem in Africa, he says.