10 Years of YES

To founders. To innovation. To what's next.

What started in Tunis in 2016 as a student competition is now a pan-African platform active across 19 countries. Every step of that journey started with one word. This year, Open Startup marks its 10th anniversary with 10 Years of YES, a celebration of the founders, the ecosystems, and the decade of work that made this possible.

10 YEARS OF OPENING DOORS FOR AFRICAN INNOVATORS

10 YEARS OF OPENING DOORS FOR AFRICAN INNOVATORS

+1000

STARTUPS SUPPORTED

60%

SURVIVAL RATE

40%

FUNDRAISED

25%

TRIPLED THEIR VALUATION

+20

COUNTRIES SERVED

+20

COUNTRIES SERVED

+1000

JOBS CREATED

BY OUR STARTUPS

98%

EMPLOYABILITY

RATE

+300

COACHES TRAINED

A DECADE OF BUILDING

A DECADE OF BUILDING

A DECADE OF BUILDING

Our Legacy Programs

Our Legacy Programs

Our Legacy Programs

Ideation
POC to MVP
Acceleration
Ideation
POC to MVP
Acceleration

SOFT TECH

DEEP TECH

POC to MVP

SOFT TECH

Acceleration

Ideation

After 10 Years of YES

After 10 Years of YES

WHAT'S NEXT?

WHAT'S NEXT?

WHAT'S NEXT?

Introducing…

Introducing…

OPENERS INITIATIVE

OPENERS INITIATIVE

OPENERS INITIATIVE

THE SCIENCE ROAD

THE SCIENCE ROAD

THE SCIENCE ROAD

Over time, our portfolio became powerful but complex. In 2026, we simplified our offer into two clear startup journeys:

Over time, our portfolio became powerful but complex. In 2026, we simplified our offer into two clear startup journeys:

Over time, our portfolio became powerful but complex. In 2026, we simplified our offer into two clear startup journeys:

One acceleration platform.

One acceleration platform.

One acceleration platform.

Clearer pathways

Clearer pathways

Two startup tracks

Two startup tracks

Better support

Better support

The next chapter goes deeper: more science, more research, more market and investment readiness, and more YESES to the founders building what the continent needs next.

The next chapter goes deeper: more science, more research, more market and investment readiness, and more YESES to the founders building what the continent needs next.

The next chapter goes deeper: more science, more research, more market and investment readiness, and more YESES to the founders building what the continent needs next.

OUR PARTNERS OVER THE YEARS

OUR PARTNERS OVER THE YEARS

OUR PARTNERS OVER THE YEARS

OPEN STARTUP
A Global Connector for Entrepreneurial Excellence

OPEN STARTUP
A Global Connector for Entrepreneurial Excellence

OPEN STARTUP
A Global Connector for Entrepreneurial Excellence

We serve as global catalyst for entrepreneurial talent, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and expanding our reach in Africa and beyond. We connect aspiring entrepreneurs and bright minds from the MEA Region, the USA, and Europe through pan-African programs, immersive events, and a worldwide network.

OST bridges ecosystems, propelling innovation beyond borders and leaving an impact on the world stage.

We serve as global catalyst for entrepreneurial talent, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and expanding our reach in Africa and beyond. We connect aspiring entrepreneurs and bright minds from the MEA Region, the USA, and Europe through pan-African programs, immersive events, and a worldwide network.

OST bridges ecosystems, propelling innovation beyond borders and leaving an impact on the world stage.

We serve as global catalyst for entrepreneurial talent, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and expanding our reach in Africa and beyond. We connect aspiring entrepreneurs and bright minds from the MEA Region, the USA, and Europe through pan-African programs, immersive events, and a worldwide network.

OST bridges ecosystems, propelling innovation beyond borders and leaving an impact on the world stage.

  • Deep Tech Summit #2- Uganda

  • GITEX Africa 2026 - Morocco

  • Brain 5.0 - Accelerator Bootcamp - South Africa

  • OST - TAMWILCOM - MOROCCO 2030

  • Grow - Climate Tech Immersion - South Africa

  • OSTX Green Bootcamp - Tunisia

WHY CHOOSE OPEN STARTUP PROGRAMS

WHY CHOOSE OPEN STARTUP PROGRAMS

WHY CHOOSE OPEN STARTUP PROGRAMS

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES OPEN STARTUP FROM OTHER ACCELERATORS?

  • 10+ Years Supporting African Innovation Ecosystems

    For over a decade, Open Startup has been supporting entrepreneurs across Africa, with the last 5 years dedicated to building one of the continent's pioneering DeepTech acceleration initiatives alongside scientists, researchers, and DeepTech founders.

  • Proven Track Record Across Africa

    Open Startup has supported more than 600 startups across the continent, including over 40 DeepTech ventures in sectors such as HealthTech, ClimateTech, Biotech, AI, and frontier technologies, helping founders move from innovation to commercialization, fundraising, and growth.

  • Personalized, Hands-On Support

    We believe every startup journey is unique. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all curriculum, Open Startup provides tailored mentorship, one-on-one coaching, strategic introductions, talent support, and practical assistance aligned with each startup's stage, sector, and priorities.

  • Investment & Market Readiness 

    Open startup programs are designed to help startups become investment and market ready through tailored support, investor engagement, corporate connections, commercialization guidance, and fundraising preparation. Historically, a significant proportion of supported startups have gone on to raise capital, secure strategic partnerships, or accelerate their growth trajectory.

  • Gateway to Global Ecosystems and Strategic Opportunities

    Through our international network, startups gain exposure to leading innovation ecosystems across Africa, Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, creating opportunities for partnerships, customers, investors, ecosystem immersions, and market expansion.

  • Access to a Curated Community of Experts

    Founders gain access to a carefully selected network of 50+ mentors, advisors, investors, operators, researchers, and industry experts from Africa and beyond, providing hands-on guidance tailored to each startup's needs and challenges.

  • Built with Strong Strategic Partners and a Long-Term Vision

    Through our international network, startups gain exposure to leading innovation ecosystems across Africa, Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, creating opportunities for partnerships, customers, investors, ecosystem immersions, and market expansion.

10+ Years Supporting African Innovation Ecosystems

For over a decade, Open Startup has been supporting entrepreneurs across Africa, with the last 5 years dedicated to building one of the continent's pioneering DeepTech acceleration initiatives alongside scientists, researchers, and DeepTech founders.

10+ Years Supporting African Innovation Ecosystems

For over a decade, Open Startup has been supporting entrepreneurs across Africa, with the last 5 years dedicated to building one of the continent's pioneering DeepTech acceleration initiatives alongside scientists, researchers, and DeepTech founders.

Proven Track Record Across Africa

Open Startup has supported more than 600 startups across the continent, including over 40 DeepTech ventures in sectors such as HealthTech, ClimateTech, Biotech, AI, and frontier technologies, helping founders move from innovation to commercialization, fundraising, and growth.

Investment & Market Readiness 

Open startup programs are designed to help startups become investment and market ready through tailored support, investor engagement, corporate connections, commercialization guidance, and fundraising preparation. Historically, a significant proportion of supported startups have gone on to raise capital, secure strategic partnerships, or accelerate their growth trajectory.

Personalized, Hands-On Support

We believe every startup journey is unique. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all curriculum, Open Startup provides tailored mentorship, one-on-one coaching, strategic introductions, talent support, and practical assistance aligned with each startup's stage, sector, and priorities.

Gateway to Global Ecosystems and Strategic Opportunities

Through our international network, startups gain exposure to leading innovation ecosystems across Africa, Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, creating opportunities for partnerships, customers, investors, ecosystem immersions, and market expansion.

Access to a Curated Community of Experts

Founders gain access to a carefully selected network of 50+ mentors, advisors, investors, operators, researchers, and industry experts from Africa and beyond, providing hands-on guidance tailored to each startup's needs and challenges.

Built with Strong Strategic Partners and a Long-Term Vision

Through our international network, startups gain exposure to leading innovation ecosystems across Africa, Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, creating opportunities for partnerships, customers, investors, ecosystem immersions, and market expansion.

Proven Track Record Across Africa

Open Startup has supported more than 600 startups across the continent, including over 40 DeepTech ventures in sectors such as HealthTech, ClimateTech, Biotech, AI, and frontier technologies, helping founders move from innovation to commercialization, fundraising, and growth.

Personalized, Hands-On Support

We believe every startup journey is unique. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all curriculum, Open Startup provides tailored mentorship, one-on-one coaching, strategic introductions, talent support, and practical assistance aligned with each startup's stage, sector, and priorities.

Investment & Market Readiness 

Open startup programs are designed to help startups become investment and market ready through tailored support, investor engagement, corporate connections, commercialization guidance, and fundraising preparation. Historically, a significant proportion of supported startups have gone on to raise capital, secure strategic partnerships, or accelerate their growth trajectory.

Gateway to Global Ecosystems and Strategic Opportunities

Through our international network, startups gain exposure to leading innovation ecosystems across Africa, Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, creating opportunities for partnerships, customers, investors, ecosystem immersions, and market expansion.

Access to a Curated Community of Experts

Founders gain access to a carefully selected network of 50+ mentors, advisors, investors, operators, researchers, and industry experts from Africa and beyond, providing hands-on guidance tailored to each startup's needs and challenges.

Get in contact!

Get in contact!

Get in contact!

Locations:

Tunisia: THE DOT

USA: New York, NY 10027

Contact information:

hello@open-startup.org