San Francisco – OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has announced the launch of Grove, a new mentorship program designed to nurture “pre-idea” individuals who want to build in the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Unlike traditional startup accelerators, Grove is focused on guiding technical talent at the earliest stages of their entrepreneurial journey, even before a concrete startup idea has been formed.
A New Pathway for AI Innovators
The five-week program will take place at OpenAI’s headquarters in San Francisco, running from October 20 to November 21, 2025. Participants will benefit from in-person workshops, weekly office hours, and one-on-one mentorship with OpenAI leaders and researchers. Grove’s inaugural cohort will include around 15 participants, selected from diverse backgrounds and experience levels.
What sets Grove apart is its emphasis on providing participants with exclusive access to OpenAI’s latest tools and models before they are released to the public. In addition, attendees will receive technical assistance, hands-on support, and entry into a thriving AI-focused community.
Beyond Mentorship: Opportunities for Growth
At the end of the program, participants will have the chance to explore funding opportunities or pursue collaborations either within OpenAI or externally. Applications for the first cohort are open until September 24, 2025, via OpenAI’s official website.
“Grove is not a traditional accelerator—it’s a place for talent to explore, experiment, and build with guidance from our experts and community,” OpenAI noted in its official announcement.
Grove Joins OpenAI’s Expanding Entrepreneur Support Network
Grove is the latest addition to OpenAI’s expanding lineup of initiatives aimed at fostering innovation in AI. Earlier this year, OpenAI introduced:
- Pioneers Program: Focused on helping companies apply AI to real-world problems by working directly with OpenAI’s research teams.
- OpenAI for Startups: Designed for early-stage founders, this program provides access to AI tools, live build sessions, technical demos, AMAs, case studies, and in-person meetups. Startups backed by partner VC firms like Sequoia, a16z, Thrive Capital, and Kleiner Perkins also receive perks such as free API credits and exclusive event invites.
Competitive Landscape in AI Mentorship
OpenAI’s initiative comes at a time when major tech giants are investing heavily in AI-focused mentorship and accelerator programs. Google launched its Startups Cloud AI Accelerator in 2024, while Microsoft for Startups partnered with PearlX earlier this year to support pre-seed ventures.
Industry momentum continues to surge. A J.P. Morgan report revealed that AI startups accounted for 71% of U.S. venture funding in 2025, up sharply from 45% the previous year. This surge highlights the increasing appetite among investors and entrepreneurs to participate in the AI revolution.
Building the Future of AI, One Idea at a Time
By launching Grove, OpenAI is doubling down on its mission to democratize AI innovation. With its unique focus on pre-idea individuals and access to cutting-edge tools, Grove is positioned to become a launchpad for the next wave of AI-driven startups.
Applications are currently open, and OpenAI is encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs from all domains to apply and seize this opportunity to shape the future of AI.
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