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

Overview

The METI UniPods AI Innovation Programme Cohort 2 is designed to support early-stage innovators and technical builders developing artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-enabled solutions. Presented by timbuktoo UniPods, the initiative seeks individuals and teams ready to move beyond the idea stage, enhance their technical skills, refine their solutions, and explore pathways to market. A unique feature of this application cycle is that candidates do not need to prepare a pitch deck; the programme emphasizes real ideas, actual code, and motivation to build.

Benefits

• Access to an artificial intelligence course from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
• Targeted AI technical skilling to address project development challenges.
• Participation in Wadhwani’s 14-week entrepreneurship programme covering customer discovery, business modelling, go-to-market strategies, and investment readiness.
• Guidance and support from technical mentors.
• Integration into the wider timbuktoo network and broader innovation ecosystem.
• Potential opportunity to attend an in-person bootcamp in Addis Ababa.

Eligibility

• Open to individual innovators, teams of innovators, developers, and technical builders.
• Applicants must be working on early-stage AI or AI-enabled solutions, products, or code.
• Early-stage founders and builders seeking structured mentorship and market entry support are welcome.
• Female innovators are especially encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Interested individuals and teams should complete the official online application form. Candidates must ensure their submission accurately details their AI solutions and development work, highlighting what they are building without the requirement of a pitch deck.

Deadline

Applications close on 30 October 2026.