OpenAI announced the launch of OpenAI Grove, a new program designed for technical talent who are just beginning their journey in company-building. The initiative is intended for individuals in the pre-idea phase who are “deeply curious about building in AI.”
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
OpenAI Grove is not a traditional accelerator or startup program. It provides participants with a dense network, access to OpenAI researchers, and resources to accelerate their early idea development. Members of Grove will explore nascent concepts and receive counsel from the OpenAI team and access to a community of peers.
The program begins with five weeks of content and programming hosted at OpenAI’s San Francisco headquarters. Core components include in-person workshops, weekly office hours, and mentoring by OpenAI technical leaders. Participants will also have hands-on access to new OpenAI tools and models before they become publicly available.
After the initial phase, participants will have options to pursue raising capital or exploring other paths either inside OpenAI or externally.
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COHORT, ELIGIBILITY, AND APPLICATIONS
The first Grove cohort will consist of approximately fifteen participants. OpenAI recommends applicants from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and levels of experience.
Applications are due by September 24, 2025. The program runs from October 20, 2025, to November 21, 2025. In-person attendance is required during the first and last week; the intervening weeks will include approximately 4-6 hours per week of asynchronous work.
OpenAI Grove welcomes individual applicants as well as small teams. Participation does not require building a product that uses OpenAI’s APIs.
BENEFITS
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Mentorship and technical leadership from OpenAI executives
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Access to new tools and models prior to their general release
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Community interaction with peers navigating similar early-stage challenges
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Opportunities for funding introductions and credits for tools and resources
DIFFERENTIATION
OpenAI Grove is designed for founders at the very earliest stages whether pre-idea, just starting, or preparing to launch. It is distinguished from programs such as OpenAI for Startups and OpenAI Pioneers, which are oriented toward more fully formed companies or specific domains.