OpenAI Grove is a 5-week founder program for pre-idea AI builders. Apps close Sept 24, 2025. Learn who should apply, timeline, and how to stand out.
OpenAI’s new Grove program is aimed at the very earliest stage of company-building: when you don’t yet have a co-founder, a product, or even a fully baked idea. For five weeks, selected founders will get access to mentorship from OpenAI technical leaders, a curated community of peers, and early access to unreleased AI models and tools. Announced on September 12, 2025, this initiative targets technical talent ready to explore AI innovation from scratch. With applications closing on September 24, 2025, this is the moment for globally ambitious builders to ask: Am I the profile they’re looking for? And how do I stand out? Here’s the full breakdown, from eligibility to a week-by-week playbook, designed as a global founder guide to help you navigate this opportunity.
Program Scope
OpenAI Grove stands out in the crowded startup ecosystem by focusing on “day-zero” founders—those pre-idea or just dipping their toes into AI company-building. Unlike traditional accelerators that demand a polished pitch deck or prototype, Grove is a five-week intensive program emphasizing exploration, collaboration, and resource access to spark innovation. The inaugural cohort, limited to about 15 participants, runs from October 20 to November 21, 2025, blending in-person sessions in San Francisco with asynchronous work.
At its core, the program offers mentorship from OpenAI experts, workshops on AI applications, and early access to cutting-edge models before public release. Participants will co-build prototypes with OpenAI researchers, gaining hands-on guidance to refine concepts. The structure includes required in-person bookends: the first week (October 20–24) and last week (November 17–21) in San Francisco, where OpenAI covers travel costs for international applicants. In between, expect 4–6 hours weekly of asynchronous activities, such as office hours, seminars, and peer collaborations.
This setup fosters a dense talent network, connecting diverse builders from around the world. OpenAI welcomes individuals or small groups (up to a few people), making it accessible for solo technical talent or early teams. The goal? Accelerate your journey by providing tools, counsel, and a vetted community that extends beyond the program, potentially aiding fundraising or scaling. For global founders, Grove represents a low-barrier entry to OpenAI’s ecosystem, emphasizing AI’s role in solving real-world problems without requiring prior startup experience.
Eligibility
Grove is explicitly designed for technical talent at the very start of their entrepreneurial path—no idea required, no minimum experience needed. OpenAI seeks individuals from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and experience levels who are passionate about building with AI. Whether you’re a software engineer exploring side projects, a researcher transitioning to entrepreneurship, or a domain expert in fields like healthcare or finance eyeing AI applications, this program fits if you’re pre-idea and eager to learn.
Key signals for eligibility include a strong technical foundation—think coding skills in Python, familiarity with machine learning basics, or experience with APIs like those from OpenAI. You don’t need a business plan, but demonstrating curiosity about AI’s potential through past projects or self-study is a plus. Global applicants are encouraged; the program’s in-person elements are supported with travel reimbursement, leveling the playing field for builders outside the U.S.
Importantly, Grove isn’t for established startups. It’s for aspiring founders who want to ideate in a supportive environment. OpenAI reviews applications holistically, prioritizing those who show potential to contribute to and benefit from the community. If you’re a student, career switcher, or international talent without a visa, note that participants handle their own travel logistics, but OpenAI’s support makes it feasible. In short, if you’re technically inclined and ready to commit to five weeks of growth, you’re in the running for this selective cohort.
Application Process
Applying to Grove emphasizes your portfolio over a traditional pitch deck, reflecting the program’s focus on raw potential rather than polished ideas. Head to the OpenAI website’s application form, where you’ll submit details about your background, technical skills, and motivations. The process is straightforward: no fees, no lengthy essays—just targeted responses highlighting your experience.
Reviewers look for authenticity and fit. Instead of a business proposal, upload a portfolio showcasing your technical work: GitHub repos, personal projects involving AI (even simple ones like chatbots or data analysis), or contributions to open-source. Explain why Grove appeals—perhaps how early access to models could help you prototype an AI tool for sustainability or education. For groups, indicate your team size and dynamics in the form.
To stand out, tailor your submission to OpenAI’s mission: Emphasize how you’ll use AI for positive impact, and demonstrate self-awareness about your early-stage status. Selection signals include clear communication, evidence of learning agility (e.g., online courses in AI), and a collaborative mindset. Avoid hype; reviewers value humility and genuine enthusiasm. Applications are due by September 24, 2025, with decisions expected shortly after. This portfolio-first approach democratizes access, favoring diverse global talent over venture-backed pitches.
Timeline
Timing is tight for Grove’s first cohort, so mark these dates to stay ahead. Applications opened on September 12, 2025, following the announcement and close on September 24, 2025—giving you just over a week from now (as of September 16) to prepare and submit.
The program kicks off Monday, October 20, 2025, with the in-person kickoff week in San Francisco, immersing participants in workshops and networking. Weeks 2–4 (October 27–November 14) shift to asynchronous mode, allowing flexibility for global participants to balance work or studies with 4–6 hours of weekly engagement, like virtual office hours or tool experiments. The cohort wraps Friday, November 21, 2025, with a final in-person session focused on reflection, next steps, and community building.
Post-program, the network persists through ongoing events and resources, but the core five weeks are the intensive phase. OpenAI plans to expand Grove globally in future cohorts, but this inaugural run is U.S.-based with international welcome. Budget time for travel: Book flights early if selected, as OpenAI reimburses but doesn’t cover incidentals. This compressed timeline ensures momentum, helping pre-idea founders transition quickly to actionable insights.
Playbook: How to Maximize Value
To make the most of Grove, treat it as a high-commitment sprint with long-term payoffs. First, commit the time: Block 4–6 hours weekly for async work, plus full availability for in-person weeks. Use this to dive deep into provided tools—experiment with early model access to build prototypes, iterating based on mentor feedback.
Leverage the peer network: Grove’s small cohort (15 people) means rich collaborations. Actively participate in discussions, share your explorations, and form co-founder connections—many breakthroughs happen through these interactions. Week-by-week, expect: Week 1 (in-person) for ideation workshops and tool intros; Weeks 2–3 for hands-on prototyping with async check-ins; Week 4 for peer reviews; and Week 5 (in-person) for pitching concepts and planning post-program steps.
Stand out by asking thoughtful questions and contributing to group sessions. Post-Grove, apply learnings immediately—use the vetted network for advice on funding or scaling. For global founders, document your experience to build credibility back home. Ultimately, success metrics aren’t just outputs but personal growth: Emerge with clearer ideas, stronger skills, and lasting ties in the AI world.
OpenAI Grove is a rare launchpad for pre-idea technical talent, blending mentorship, tools, and community to fuel global AI innovation. With applications closing September 24, 2025, now’s the time to assess your fit and craft a standout portfolio. If you’re ready to explore without the pressure of a full idea, this five-week journey from October 20 to November 21 could be your catalyst. Dive in, build boldly, and join the next wave of AI founders.
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