GitHub Announces Funding Programme for Open Source AI Startups

GitHub has announced that the applications for the next cohort of GitHub Accelerator are now open, offering USD400,000 in funding for 10 open-source developers building AI-based solutions.

GitHub created GitHub Accelerator to help build more careers and companies in open source. The program is designed to provide financial support, mentorship, networking, training, and visibility to help participants take the next step in their open-source journey – whether that's securing funding, launching a product, or turning an idea into an invention. 

“We’re seeing developers across the globe use GitHub to innovate and share openly at every level of the AI stack, from training frameworks to models to responsible AI and evaluation tooling. And beyond a significant spike in the total number of generative AI projects, these projects are entering the top 10 most popular projects by contributor count," said Stormy Peters, VP, Communities at GitHub.

“But building a successful AI business in the open comes with challenges. On top of the time and funding obstacles we’re already familiar with in open source, the heightened expenses and ethical, security, and legal considerations are daunting. We see these challenges as a risk to global innovation and are hoping to help,” Peters added. 

This Accelerator cohort will focus on funding the people and projects building AI-based solutions under an open-source license to improve the world around them. Programme curriculum will include guidance on building a sustainable open-source business, with a particular focus on navigating the complexity of making AI advancements.

The 10-week Accelerator programme will start from April 22, 2024 and will include a mix of 1-to-1, group sessions, project work, and mentorships. Participants will also receive:

• $40,000 per project in non-dilutive funding
• 5-10 hours per week of live instruction, workshops, and homework
• Office Hours with GitHub team for security reviews
• Q+As with enterprise Sponsors, community members, and GitHub leaders
• Introduction to, and at least one office hour with, M12, Microsoft’s Venture Fund
• Free access to relevant GitHub products, including a full year of GitHub Copilot
• Eligible projects will receive up to $350k in free Azure AI infrastructure, including preferred access to high-end GPU virtual machine clusters.
• A shared slack channel with your cohort to collaborate and support each other