Introducing Converge

A five-week program for founders building transformative AI companies

  • PublishedNovember 2, 2022
  • Written byOpenAI Startup Fund Team

The OpenAI Startup Fund was founded on the belief that powerful AI systems will spark a Cambrian explosion of new products, services, and applications. We also believe that the most enduring and impactful of these companies will use emerging AI capabilities to revolutionize existing markets and create entirely new ones, rather than simply enhance what’s already possible.

To help usher in this new era, we’re launching a program to accelerate founders as they build transformative companies powered by AI.

We call it Converge.

Converge is a highly selective, five-week program for exceptional engineers, designers, researchers, and product builders using AI to reimagine products and industries.

Participants will receive a $1 million equity investment from the OpenAI Startup Fund, as well as early access to OpenAI models and programming tailored to AI companies. Converge will offer workshops, office hours, and events with practitioners from the OpenAI team and beyond, with a focus on ways to navigate the challenges—and opportunities—of building in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. You’ll also join a community of fellow founders building on this frontier.

Our aim is to share a glimpse into the future of powerful AI, give early access to the newest systems, and empower you to build transformative applications.

The first Converge cohort will consist of approximately ten founding teams, and we’re excited to meet groups across all phases of the seed stage, from pre-idea solo founders to co-founding teams already working on a product.

Founders from all backgrounds, disciplines, and experience levels are encouraged to apply, and prior experience working with AI systems is not required.

To apply, please submit the form below before November 25, 2022.

FAQ

When is the application deadline?

The deadline to apply for the first cohort is November 25, 2022.

What are the program dates?

The program runs December 5, 2022 to January 27, 2023. Expect 2 weeks of programming in December, a break for the holidays, and then another 3 weeks of programming in January starting Monday January 9, 2023.

Is the program in person?

The program can be completed remotely, although participants should plan to spend the final week of the program in San Francisco. We will cover travel costs for participants.

Does my current or future product need to be built on top of OpenAI’s APIs?

No. The program is for anyone building (or aspiring to build) on cutting edge AI models.

What is the time commitment?

Time commitment will be approximately 6 hours per week.

Apply

Applications for Converge are now closed.