Converge 2: OpenAI’s Startup Fund
OpenAI invites aspiring startup founders to apply for a $1 million funding opportunity through its Startup Fund called Converge 2. Successful applicants will receive educational resources and support over a six-week program, dedicating up to six hours per week.
Individuals from any background, field, or experience level are urged to apply, even without prior AI system experience. The initiative is enthusiastic about hearing from founders from underrepresented backgrounds and those residing outside the United States.
The OpenAI Startup Fund Converge 2 is built on two key beliefs. First, that advanced AI systems will fuel a wave of innovative startups. Second, these startups will greatly enhance human creativity by using AI as a tool. Converge was introduced in December 2022 to speed up startups at the forefront of this AI evolution. AI has since fascinated the world, with creators using it to transform vital industries. Moreover, AI models are rapidly improving, and the cost of developing new AI products is decreasing.
The application deadline for Converge 2 is Friday, January 26, 2024, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. The cohort will consist of 10–15 companies. The product doesn’t need to be built on OpenAI’s APIs; the program is open to anyone currently building or interested in building with AI. The program is scheduled for six weeks, from Monday, March 11, 2024, until Friday, April 19, 2024. Furthermore, participants are expected to commit approximately 4–6 hours per week. While the first and last week will be in San Francisco (with covered travel costs), the other weeks can be completed remotely, although attending in person for those is strongly recommended.
