Groundbreaker Talents has officially opened applications for its Cohort 7 Software & AI Engineering Scholarship Program 2026, a fully funded residential opportunity designed to empower young African women with industry-ready technology skills.
The scholarship is specifically created for ambitious women from financially constrained backgrounds who want to build careers in Software Development and Artificial Intelligence but may not have access to quality tech education opportunities.
Hosted at the Groundbreaker campus in Bukerere, Uganda, the 12-month residential training program equips participants with practical software engineering and AI skills, mentorship from global professionals, career guidance, healthcare support, and direct job placement assistance.
For young Sudanese women living in Uganda, refugees, and other Ugandan residents seeking a life-changing pathway into technology, this opportunity provides a fully sponsored route into the growing digital economy.
About the Groundbreaker Talents Program
Groundbreaker Talents is a social impact initiative focused on helping young African women launch sustainable careers in technology. Through immersive residential learning, mentorship, and real-world project experience, the organization aims to bridge the digital skills gap while creating employment opportunities for women across Africa.
Since 2023, the program has already achieved remarkable impact:
- 153 talents trained
- 98% employed within 3 months after graduation
- 22× average income increase among graduates
- 93% graduation rate
- 19% employed in international companies
Participants live and learn together on campus throughout the one-year training experience, gaining not only technical knowledge but also personal development, professional exposure, and industry connections.
Scholarship Benefits
The Groundbreaker Talents Scholarship is fully funded and covers all major educational and living expenses throughout the duration of the program.
Selected participants will receive:
1. Full Software Development and AI Training
Students receive intensive training in:
- Software Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Industry-relevant digital skills
- Practical coding experience
- Real-world tech projects
Training partners include:
- Refactory Academy
- Turing College
2. Free Laptop and Internet Access
Every participant receives:
- A personal laptop
- Internet connectivity for training and future remote work opportunities
3. Fully Covered Accommodation and Meals
Participants stay on the Groundbreaker NGO campus in Bukerere, Uganda, where:
- Housing is fully provided
- Daily meals are covered
- Students learn in a collaborative residential environment
4. Mentorship from Global Tech Professionals
Students gain access to:
- One-on-one mentorship sessions
- Guidance from experienced international professionals
- Career coaching and industry insights
5. Career Support and Job Placement
Groundbreaker Talents strongly emphasizes employability. Graduates receive:
- Career readiness training
- Job search support
- Placement assistance
- Networking opportunities with employers
According to the organization, 98% of graduates secure employment within three months after completing the program.
6. Healthcare and Mental Health Support
The program also provides:
- Basic healthcare services
- Mental health and wellness support
- A safe and supportive learning environment
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet all the following eligibility requirements:
Age Requirement
- Applicants must be women aged 18–30 at the time of application.
Residency Requirement
Applicants must be:
- Ugandan residents, or
- Refugees residing in Uganda
Educational Requirement
Applicants should have:
- A credit in English at secondary school level
- A credit in Mathematics at secondary school level
Language Requirement
- Applicants must be proficient in English because all training is delivered in English.
Tech Background
- No previous coding or technical experience is required.
- Beginners are strongly encouraged to apply.
Commitment Requirement
Applicants must be willing to:
- Commit full-time for one year
- Live on campus throughout the program duration
Why This Scholarship Matters
Technology remains one of the fastest-growing career sectors globally, yet many young women across Africa face barriers accessing quality training, mentorship, and career opportunities.
The Groundbreaker Talents Scholarship addresses these challenges by:
- Removing financial barriers
- Providing fully funded education
- Creating pathways into high-demand tech careers
- Supporting women from underserved communities
- Encouraging refugee inclusion in technology education
The program offers a rare opportunity for young women to transition from limited opportunities into professional software and AI careers with global potential.
Application Process
The application process consists of five stages:
Step 1: Online Application
Applicants must:
- Complete the online application form
- Upload required documents
- Submit a 2–3 minute motivation video
Applicants are advised to compress large files before uploading to avoid technical submission issues.
Step 2: Phone Interview
Shortlisted applicants will receive:
- An SMS invitation for a phone interview
Step 3: In-Person Interview
Selected candidates will then:
- Visit the Groundbreaker campus
- Attend a face-to-face interview with the Groundbreaker team
Step 4: Final Decision
All applicants will receive:
- Notification via SMS or email regarding their application status
Step 5: Onboarding
Successful applicants will receive:
- Onboarding instructions
- Preparation guidance before the program begins
Alumni Success Stories
Groundbreaker Talents alumni have already gone on to secure professional roles in technology.
One alumna shared that the program enabled her to become financially independent and support her family and siblings through her salary as a software engineer.
Another graduate stated that she joined the campus with little knowledge of technology and later secured employment as a Software Engineer at the National Renewable Energy Platform.
These stories highlight the transformative impact of the program on young women’s lives and careers.
Important Notes
- The application process is completely free.
- No prior coding knowledge is required.
- Refugees living in Uganda are eligible to apply.
- The scholarship is fully residential and requires full-time commitment.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply through the official Groundbreaker Talents application portal.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare:
- Academic documents
- Identification documents
- Motivation video
- Contact information
Early application is highly recommended due to the competitive nature of the scholarship.
Deadline
The official application deadline has not yet been announced. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible while Cohort 7 applications remain open.
Learn more and apply
Click HERE to learn more and apply for the Groundbreaker Talents Scholarship 2026.
Explore more opportunities on OFY HERE.
