Digitnomics 
Google has partnered with Nairobi-based venture capital firm Novastar Ventures to establish an Applied AI Lab aimed at helping African startups and researchers develop artificial intelligence solutions for critical sectors including healthcare, agriculture, and education.
The initiative, launched through Google’s AI Futures Fund with support from Google DeepMind and Google Research, is designed to give selected innovators access to advanced AI technologies, technical expertise, and commercialisation support that are often beyond the reach of early-stage startups.
Applications for the inaugural programme opened on July 1, with between five and ten startups and research teams expected to be selected. Successful applicants will be announced in September.
In addition to Google and Novastar, three prominent African venture capital firms—Ventures Platform, 4DX Ventures, and Norrsken22—will provide mentorship, operational guidance, and strategic support to participating founders.
Selected participants will gain early access to Google’s latest AI models, receive technical mentorship from AI experts, benefit from Google Cloud credits, and access go-to-market support. The programme also includes opportunities for non-dilutive funding and potential equity investment, offering one of the continent’s most comprehensive AI startup support initiatives.
According to Steve Beck, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Novastar Ventures, Africa is emerging as a global leader in applying AI to solve real-world challenges rather than simply improving productivity or entertainment.
He noted that entrepreneurs across the continent are increasingly leveraging AI to address pressing issues affecting millions of people, creating practical solutions with measurable social impact.
Novastar’s existing investment portfolio reflects that approach. Kenyan healthcare provider Penda Health uses AI-powered clinical decision support tools to improve patient diagnosis and treatment. Education technology company NewGlobe applies AI to enhance teaching quality and monitor learning outcomes at scale, while agritech startup Agrails uses AI to expand access to climate-risk insurance for smallholder farmers.
The launch comes as global technology companies continue to strengthen their AI investments across Africa despite a slowdown in overall venture capital funding. Investors are increasingly focusing on AI-driven innovations capable of addressing long-standing development challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, and other essential sectors.
Google believes Africa’s growing digital economy, youthful population, and history of rapidly adopting transformative technologies position the continent as a strategic market for the next generation of AI innovation.
For African founders, the Applied AI Lab offers a rare opportunity to work directly with Google DeepMind and Google Research while gaining access to frontier AI models, technical expertise, and commercial support that can accelerate the journey from product development to market expansion.
Applications for the programme are currently open.
