OpenAI’s New Grove Incubator Is Building the Next Generation of AI Startups

OpenAI has unveiled its internal incubation initiative, OpenAI Grove, which, unlike traditional startup accelerators, aims to spark ideas and build networks with founders before their concepts are fully formed. Grove emphasises the early ideation stage, offering OpenAI’s technical guidance, community resources, and access to early prototyping support, talent connections, and expert mentorship.

The inaugural cohort will be hosted at OpenAI’s San Francisco headquarters, with a five-week programme accepting 15 participants, featuring in-person workshops, weekly office hours, and one-on-one mentorship with OpenAI researchers. Participants will also gain exclusive early access to unreleased OpenAI tools and models.

Applications are open to both individuals and teams, with the deadline set for 24 September 2025, and applicants must provide details about their field, current projects, prior experience, and the resources they hope to gain. Importantly, participants are not required to use the OpenAI API, nor to pursue fundraising or continue collaborating with OpenAI after the programme ends.