OpenAI Opens Applications for Grove: A Selective Five-Week Initiative for Next-Gen AI Builders

In a strategic move to cultivate the next wave of artificial intelligence pioneers, OpenAI has officially opened applications for the latest cohort of its highly selective Grove program. This initiative, which diverges from traditional startup accelerators, is designed specifically for technical talent at the very inception of their entrepreneurial journey. The artificial intelligence leader is seeking approximately fifteen candidates who demonstrate exceptional curiosity and a drive to build within the AI ecosystem, regardless of their professional background or discipline. Unlike many industry programs that require a minimum viable product or a crystallized business plan, Grove welcomes "pre-idea" individuals, offering them a unique environment to explore early concepts under the guidance of world-class researchers.

The program is structured as a five-week immersive experience based at OpenAI’s headquarters in San Francisco, combining rigorous in-person workshops with virtual mentorship. Participants will benefit from weekly office hours and direct counseling from OpenAI’s technical leaders, providing a rare opportunity to co-build alongside the minds behind GPT-4 and other frontier models. Beyond mentorship, the cohort will gain exclusive hands-on access to unreleased OpenAI tools and models, allowing them to experiment with the latest advancements before they reach the general public. This early exposure is intended to lower the barrier to entry for innovators and foster a long-term network of founders who are deeply integrated into the AI research community.

As the global race for AI talent intensifies, OpenAI’s Grove represents a broader shift toward nurturing talent at the most foundational stage. Following the five-week curriculum, which runs from late January through February 2026, participants are empowered to choose their own path whether that involves raising venture capital, joining internal OpenAI teams, or pursuing independent ventures. This flexibility underscores the program’s mission to act as a catalyst for innovation rather than a rigid corporate pipeline. With the application deadline set for January 12, 2026, the tech community is closely watching how this small but potent cohort will influence the future trajectory of AI-driven enterprise.