Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 1/26/2027
In short
Converge 2 is a six-week program from the OpenAI Startup Fund for AI startups, offering a $1 million investment and community access.
OpenAI Startup Fund
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 1/26/2027179 days left
$1 million
Investment per company
6 weeks
Program duration
10-15
Companies per cohort
San Francisco / Remote
Program format
Overview
The OpenAI Startup Fund established Converge to support transformative AI companies that leverage new, powerful AI systems to amplify human ingenuity and creativity. The program aims to accelerate startups at the forefront of applied AI, recognizing the dramatic expansion of model capabilities and decreasing costs of building AI products. Converge 2 is the second iteration of this six-week program, targeting exceptional engineers, designers, researchers, and product builders who are using AI to reimagine the world. Participants engage in tech talks, office hours, social events, and discussions with leading practitioners to explore opportunities and challenges in cutting-edge AI. Founders accepted into the program receive a $1 million investment from the OpenAI Startup Fund and gain access to a community of builders. The program encourages applications from founders of all backgrounds, disciplines, and experience levels, with no prior AI experience required. There is a specific interest in founders from underrepresented backgrounds and those based outside the United States.
Prizes
All participants
Investment from the OpenAI Startup Fund, participation in a six-week program including tech talks, office hours, and social events, and access to a community of builders.
$1,000,000
Key dates
- Application deadlineFriday, January 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific
- Program startMonday, March 11, 2026
- Program endFriday, April 19, 2026
Eligibility
Founders from all backgrounds, disciplines, and experience levels are encouraged to apply. Prior experience working with AI systems is not required. Founders from underrepresented backgrounds and those based outside the United States are specifically encouraged.
How to enter
- Submit the application form before the deadline.
Sponsors & partners
OpenAI Startup Fund
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
When is the application deadline?
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Friday, January 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific.
How many companies are in the cohort?
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10–15 companies.
Does my product need to be built on top of OpenAI’s APIs?
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No. The program is for anyone building or aspiring to build with AI.
What are the program dates?
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The program runs for six weeks, from Monday, March 11, 2026 to Friday, April 19, 2026.
What is the time commitment?
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Approximately 4–6 hours per week.
Is the program in person?
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The first and last week of the program take place in San Francisco. Travel costs for these weeks will be covered. Other weeks can be completed remotely, though attending in person is strongly recommended.