01Step
Check fit
Review the programme requirements and confirm that you meet the founder, location, and proposal criteria.
AI incubation application for founders and SMEs
Incubation programme for founders ready to build real products.
The YES AI Incubation Programme supports South African founders and SMEs looking to transform their business proposals into viable AI products that solve real-world problems. The application process takes less than 10 minutes.
Who should apply?
- 1Tech-savvy founders.
- 2South African companies that are minimum 51% black-owned (turnover less than R50 million).
- 3Preferably, at least one member of the company should be 35 years old or younger
- 4Complete the application form to join the programme.
Application process
A straightforward route from eligibility check to programme entry.
02Step
Complete the form
Submit your company, team, and proposal details through a guided four-step application designed to take less than 10 minutes.
03Step
Enter incubation
Successful applicants move into a six-month incubation journey focused on mentorship, product design, and implementation support.
Apply now
Meet the requirements and have a proposal ready? Start your application now and complete it in under 10 minutes.
6-month programme
What incubation support can unlock for successful candidates.
Mentorship and Support
Successful candidates receive guidance from experienced operators, founders, and programme partners. From a support perspective, founders will gain access to high-performance computing, lean startup coaching, monthly operating grants, office space, and investor networks.
Product Design
Refine the problem, customer value proposition, and user journey so the solution is sharper and more market-ready.
Product Implementation
Turn the proposal into a build plan with practical delivery support around execution and product decisions.
From concept to reality
The goal is not just theory. The incubation process is designed to help strong ideas become real products in market.
Ready to apply?
If you meet the criteria and already have a proposal, start your application now and complete it in under 10 minutes.
About the programme
A practical incubation path for founders who are ready to move beyond the idea stage.
YES AI Incubation Programme is positioned for founders and SMEs who can already articulate the problem they are solving, the AI-led solution they want to build, and the market they want to serve. The platform is meant to help the right applicants understand the opportunity quickly, confirm they qualify, and move straight into the application.
Questions?
Have a query about the programme or the application process?
Reach out to us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.