A Fresh Pathway for Early Builders
On September 12, OpenAI unveiled Grove, a new initiative designed for individuals who may not yet have a fully formed startup idea but want to explore opportunities in AI. Unlike traditional accelerators, Grove is tailored for “pre-idea” innovators, providing them with a community, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge tools to ignite their journey.
What Makes Grove Different
The program will run for five weeks at OpenAI’s headquarters in San Francisco, offering in-person workshops, weekly office hours, and direct mentorship from OpenAI’s researchers and leadership team.
Unlike typical accelerator programs that require applicants to arrive with a business plan or prototype, Grove welcomes participants from all backgrounds—engineers, researchers, designers, and thinkers—who are still in the idea formation stage. OpenAI describes it as a way to “equip talent before the spark turns into a startup.”
Early Access to OpenAI Tools
A highlight of Grove is the opportunity to experiment with new OpenAI models and tools before they are publicly released. This hands-on experience aims to help participants understand how to apply advanced AI technology to real-world problems, while shaping their own future projects.
The first cohort is expected to include around 15 participants, who will also gain access to OpenAI’s talent network—a dense ecosystem of experts, mentors, and peers who can provide guidance and feedback during the process.
What Comes After Grove
Upon completing the program, participants will have multiple paths: they may seek external capital, explore opportunities within OpenAI, or pursue entirely independent ventures. OpenAI emphasized that Grove is not a one-size-fits-all program but rather a launchpad for individuals at the earliest stages of building.
Applications for the inaugural cohort are open until September 24 through OpenAI’s website.
Building on Previous Initiatives
Grove complements OpenAI’s earlier initiatives like Pioneers and OpenAI for Startups, both of which were announced earlier this year.
- Pioneers Program: Focuses on deploying AI in real-world use cases by collaborating with companies on applied challenges and scaling their impact.
- OpenAI for Startups: Aimed at founders with established products, offering engineering resources, “live build hours,” AMA sessions, case studies, and even venture-backed perks such as API credits and exclusive event access.
Together, these initiatives form a layered support system for innovators—starting from pre-idea individuals in Grove to established startups ready to scale with OpenAI for Startups.