OpenAI is opening its doors to the next wave of AI founders.
The company today announced OpenAI Grove, a five-week, in-person program in San Francisco designed for individuals at the very start of their company-building journey. Unlike traditional accelerators, Grove focuses on pre-idea founders—offering mentorship, access to new tools, and a tight-knit community.
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI launches Grove for early AI founders, pre-idea stage included.
- Five-week San Francisco program offers workshops, office hours, and mentoring.
- Participants gain early access to OpenAI tools before general release.
- Only ~15 spots in first cohort; applications due September 24, 2025.
OpenAI Grove is a five-week program for individuals at the very beginning of their AI company journey. Hosted at OpenAI’s San Francisco HQ, it offers mentorship, workshops, peer networking, and early access to OpenAI tools. Applications for the first 15-person cohort close on September 24, 2025.
A new kind of AI founder program
OpenAI has announced Grove, a program targeting individuals curious about building AI companies but still at the “pre-idea” stage. Unlike accelerators that expect teams or working prototypes, Grove is designed for raw technical talent with ambition but without a polished startup yet.
The program begins with a five-week residency at OpenAI’s San Francisco headquarters, featuring in-person workshops, weekly office hours, and direct mentorship from OpenAI technical leaders.
What makes Grove different
Unlike OpenAI for Startups or its Pioneers initiative, Grove isn’t about scaling an existing product. Instead, it’s a launching pad for exploration. Founders can experiment with early concepts, connect with peers, and get hands-on with unreleased OpenAI tools and models.
Importantly, Grove positions itself not as an accelerator or incubator, but as an on-ramp—a dense network of talent and resources designed to shorten the gap between idea spark and startup launch.
Who can apply and how
Applications are open to individuals from all backgrounds and disciplines, with no requirement to already be working with OpenAI APIs. Teams can also apply together.
The first cohort will accept roughly 15 participants, with an application deadline of September 24, 2025. The program itself will run for five weeks at OpenAI HQ, starting later this year.
For many applicants, Grove offers a unique benefit: early access to OpenAI’s newest tools, sometimes even before public release. That gives participants a potential first-mover advantage in building new applications.
Why it matters in the AI ecosystem
The launch comes as competition for AI startup talent intensifies globally. While venture capital has poured billions into scaling generative AI products, there’s been less structured support for individuals still exploring how to start. Grove aims to fill that gap.
By lowering the barrier to entry, OpenAI is signaling that the next generation of AI breakthroughs may come from outside the usual circles of serial entrepreneurs.
How Grove Fits Into OpenAI’s Strategy
Programs like Grove could reshape how early talent enters the AI space. Instead of waiting for polished products, OpenAI is betting on curiosity, raw skill, and community as the key ingredients for future breakthroughs.
That approach also serves OpenAI’s long-term strategy: by cultivating deep ties with emerging founders, the company could influence how the next wave of AI applications are built—potentially ensuring its models remain at the core.
Next Steps for Participants
After completing Grove, participants will have the option to raise outside funding or explore further opportunities with OpenAI’s network. Some may go on to join Pioneers or OpenAI for Startups, while others may pursue independent ventures.
Either way, the program represents a strategic funnel for early-stage talent—one that could shape the global AI founder pipeline.
Conclusion
With Grove, OpenAI isn’t just building technology—it’s building the builders. For those still searching for their AI startup idea, this program could be the rare chance to gain community, mentorship, and a head start.