METI UniPods AI Innovation Programme Cohort 2 2026 | Apply to Build and Scale Your AI Solution

Applications are now open for Cohort 2 of the METI UniPods AI Innovation Programme, an opportunity designed to support innovators developing early-stage artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-enabled solutions.

The programme is seeking individuals and teams with promising AI ideas who are ready to move beyond the idea stage, strengthen their technical capabilities, develop their solutions and explore pathways towards bringing their products to market.

Following the first cohort, timbuktoo UniPods is opening a new opportunity for innovators who are building real AI solutions and are looking for structured technical, entrepreneurial and mentorship support.

One of the distinctive features of the programme is that applicants do not need to prepare pitch decks as part of the application. Instead, the programme is focused on innovators with real ideas, real code and the motivation to build.

Applications for Cohort 2 are open until 30 October 2026.

What Is the METI UniPods AI Innovation Programme?

The METI UniPods AI Innovation Programme is an innovation and capacity-building programme aimed at supporting early-stage innovators working on artificial intelligence and AI-enabled solutions.

The programme brings together technical learning, entrepreneurship development, mentorship and access to a wider innovation network. Through these components, selected innovators can strengthen both the technology behind their solutions and their understanding of how to develop them into viable products.

The programme is particularly relevant for innovators who already have an early-stage AI solution or are actively developing an AI-enabled product and want additional support to take it further.

Who Is the Programme Looking For?

Cohort 2 is looking for innovators developing early-stage AI and AI-enabled solutions.

Applications can be submitted by:

• Individual innovators
• Teams of innovators
• Developers and technical builders working on AI solutions
• Innovators developing AI-enabled products
• Early-stage founders and builders seeking to advance their solutions

Applicants should have a genuine interest in building and improving an AI or AI-enabled solution.

The programme places emphasis on actual development rather than presentation alone. Applicants therefore do not need a pitch deck to demonstrate their interest. The focus is on real ideas, real code and the willingness to build.

Female innovators are especially encouraged to apply.

What Will Selected Innovators Receive?

Selected participants will have access to several forms of technical, entrepreneurial and mentorship support.

1. AI Course from MIT

Participants will have access to an AI course from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

This component is intended to strengthen participants’ understanding of artificial intelligence and provide additional learning that can support the development of their solutions.

2. AI Technical Skilling

Selected innovators will receive AI technical skilling designed to help them strengthen their technical capabilities.

For innovators who are already building AI or AI-enabled products, technical development can be important for improving their solutions, addressing technical challenges and advancing their projects.

3. Entrepreneurship Programme

Participants will also gain access to Wadhwani’s 14-week entrepreneurship programme.

The programme covers important areas of entrepreneurship and product development, including:

• Customer discovery
• Business modelling
• Taking products to market
• Investment readiness

This provides innovators with an opportunity to develop not only their technology but also the business and market understanding required to take a solution beyond the development stage.

4. Technical Mentorship

Participants will have access to technical mentors who can provide guidance as they work on their AI solutions.

Mentorship can be particularly useful for innovators who are facing technical challenges or need additional guidance while developing and refining their products.

5. Access to the timbuktoo Network

Selected innovators will also gain access to the wider timbuktoo network.

Being part of a broader innovation network can provide opportunities for participants to connect with other innovators, ecosystem stakeholders and individuals working across the technology and entrepreneurship space.

6. Opportunity to Attend an In-Person Bootcamp in Addis Ababa

Participants may also have the chance to join an in-person bootcamp in Addis Ababa.

The bootcamp can provide an opportunity for selected innovators to engage directly with other participants, mentors and programme stakeholders while working on their solutions in a collaborative environment.

No Pitch Decks Needed

One of the notable aspects of the Cohort 2 application is that applicants do not need pitch decks.

The programme is looking for innovators who are actively building and experimenting with their ideas.

Rather than focusing only on presentations, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their ability and commitment through their actual work, ideas and code.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to technical builders who have begun developing a solution and want structured support to move it forward.

Why This Programme Matters for AI Innovators

Developing an AI solution requires more than having an innovative idea. Builders often need technical knowledge, customer feedback, business development skills, mentorship and an understanding of how to take a product to market.

The METI UniPods AI Innovation Programme brings several of these elements together within one programme.

Participants can therefore work on different aspects of their development journey, including:

• Improving their AI knowledge and technical capabilities
• Developing and refining their existing solutions
• Understanding their potential customers and users
• Exploring appropriate business models
• Learning how to take their products to market
• Preparing their ventures for investment
• Receiving technical mentorship
• Connecting with the wider innovation ecosystem

Who Should Consider Applying?

The programme may be particularly relevant to innovators who:

• Are developing an early-stage AI solution
• Are building an AI-enabled product
• Have started writing code for an AI-related solution
• Are looking for technical support to advance an existing project
• Want to strengthen their entrepreneurship and business development skills
• Need guidance on customer discovery and business modelling
• Want to understand how to take their product to market
• Are interested in becoming investment-ready
• Want to connect with mentors and other innovators
• Are interested in participating in the wider timbuktoo innovation ecosystem

Female innovators are especially encouraged to apply.

How the Programme Can Support Your Innovation Journey

The programme combines several stages of innovation development.

At the technical level, participants can strengthen their AI skills and work with technical mentors.

At the product level, the entrepreneurship component can help innovators better understand their customers and develop appropriate business models.

At the market level, participants can learn about taking products to market and preparing their ventures for investment.

This combination can help innovators approach their projects from both a technical and entrepreneurial perspective.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for Cohort 2 of the METI UniPods AI Innovation Programme is:

30 October 2026

Applicants should complete and submit their applications before the deadline.

How to Apply

Interested innovators should apply through the official application process for the METI UniPods AI Innovation Programme.

Applicants should ensure that the information they provide accurately represents their AI or AI-enabled solution and their development work.

Since the programme is focused on real ideas and real code, applicants should clearly demonstrate what they are building and why they are interested in taking the solution further.

Application Deadline: 30 October 2026

Conclusion

The METI UniPods AI Innovation Programme Cohort 2 provides an opportunity for early-stage AI and AI-enabled solution builders to strengthen their technical and entrepreneurial capabilities.

Selected innovators can gain access to an AI course from MIT, AI technical skilling, technical mentors, Wadhwani’s 14-week entrepreneurship programme and the wider timbuktoo network. Participants may also have the opportunity to attend an in-person bootcamp in Addis Ababa.

With applications open to both individuals and teams, and no pitch deck required, the programme is designed for innovators who are ready to demonstrate their ideas through real building and development.

Innovators developing early-stage AI or AI-enabled solutions are encouraged to review the application requirements and submit their applications before 30 October 2026.

Discover more opportunities on the OFY Webpage.