OpenAI has begun accepting applications for the second phase of its program called Grove, aimed at individuals who want to build a company in the field of artificial intelligence but do not yet have a specific idea. The program is not a traditional startup accelerator and is aimed at participants in the early stages of interest.
The editorial board reports that the program will last for 5 weeks at OpenAI's headquarters in San Francisco, and approximately 15 participants will be selected. Applications close on January 12, 2026, and the program will run from January 22 to February 27.
Participants will receive mentorship from OpenAI researchers and technical leads, and will gain early access to new models and tools not yet released to the public. Within the framework of the program, API credits totaling 50,000 US dollars are provided, which removes financial barriers for testing technologies.
After the program concludes, participants will have the opportunity to attract investment, start operations at OpenAI, or continue their projects independently. This initiative is evaluated as part of OpenAI's strategy to shape the artificial intelligence ecosystem from the idea stage and build early relationships with future entrepreneurs.