GitHub has announced applications are now open for the next cohort of its Accelerator program, which provides funding, mentoring, and other benefits for early-stage open-source projects. There is a particular focus this year on developers building AI solutions.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until 5 March 2024. Ten projects will be selected to participate in the 10-week program beginning 22 April 2024.
The 2024 GitHub Accelerator cohort focuses on the complex challenges developers face when trying to build sustainable businesses around open source AI innovations. While AI advancements rely heavily on open-source collaboration, monetising such work comes with hurdles.
“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,” writes GitHub in its program announcement.
“We see these challenges as a risk to global innovation and are hoping to help.”
Selected projects will receive $40,000 in non-dilutive funding each, as well as extensive mentoring on business strategies tailored to open-source AI startups. Participants will also get credits for AI services from Microsoft Azure and other GitHub partners.
At the conclusion of the program, projects will present their work during a demo day attended by GitHub leaders, potential investors, and community members.
To be eligible, projects must have an open-source license, clear governance strategy, focus on AI/ML/AI infrastructure, and a plan for using the provided funding.
While any stage idea can apply, GitHub says those with active users and a desire to work full-time on open-source are most likely to get selected.
The application is free. Project leaders will need to provide information about their work, team, contact details, and links to their code repositories and websites.
You can find out more about the Accelerator and how to apply here.
(Image Credit: GitHub)
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