Grove by OpenAI: New Mentorship Program Empowering AI Startups

OpenAI has announced the launch of a new mentorship initiative, “OpenAI Grove,” designed to support early-stage tech entrepreneurs exploring artificial intelligence (AI). Unlike OpenAI’s earlier Pioneer Program introduced in April, Grove is tailored for founders at the pre-idea to pre-seed stage of business development.

Grove Program: 5-Week Mentorship for AI Innovators

The Grove program will run for five weeks (October 20 – November 21, 2025), offering participants direct mentorship from OpenAI’s technical leaders. Entrepreneurs will gain early access to new AI tools and models, alongside in-person workshops at OpenAI’s San Francisco headquarters.

The first cohort will include around 15 participants, with applications open until September 24, 2025. Graduates of Grove will also have the opportunity to continue collaborating with OpenAI after the program ends.

Growing Trend of AI Accelerator Programs

OpenAI’s Grove joins a wave of AI-focused mentorship and accelerator initiatives. Google and Microsoft have recently launched similar programs, reflecting the surge in AI startup investments, which accounted for 71% of U.S. venture funding in 2025, up from 45% the previous year (J.P. Morgan analysis).

With Grove, OpenAI aims to nurture the next generation of AI entrepreneurs, providing them with resources, mentorship, and community support at the earliest stages of their journey.