> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://incubator.ersilia.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://incubator.ersilia.io/welcome-to-the-ai-incubator.md).

# Welcome to the AI Incubator!

<mark style="color:$primary;">We're excited to have you here. Let's contribute to build the future of African-led drug discovery together!</mark>

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="What is it?" icon="1" %} <mark style="color:$primary;">A hands-on mentoring program designed to support scientists who want to apply open-source AI tools to their drug discovery projects for infectious diseases.</mark>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Who is it for?" icon="2" %} <mark style="color:$primary;">If you are a PhD, Lead Researcher or Principal Investigator based at an African institution, working on the drug discovery space, then this AI Incubator is designed for you!</mark>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="What will you learn?" icon="3" %} <mark style="color:$primary;">You'll gain hands-on expertise in open-source AI/ML tools and advance in your scientific project, guided by AI and drug discovery experts — all while connecting with a community of fellow scientists from across the continent.</mark>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

<mark style="color:$primary;">The AI Incubator is designed to be an annual program, with the first round running from February to July 2027. Applications for the first round are open from the</mark> <mark style="color:$primary;"></mark><mark style="color:$primary;">**17th August to the 19th October**</mark><mark style="color:$primary;">, 2026. Please follow the instructions in the</mark> [<mark style="color:$primary;">How to Apply</mark>](/how-to-apply/application-requirements.md) <mark style="color:$primary;">section to submit your proposal.</mark>

### 📁 <mark style="color:$primary;">Resources</mark>

&#x20;<mark style="color:$primary;">The following pages provide all the necessary information about the program:</mark>

* [<mark style="color:$primary;">Program overview</mark>](/program-overview.md)
* [<mark style="color:$primary;">Community</mark>](/resources/community.md)
* [<mark style="color:$primary;">Frequently Asked Questions</mark>](/resources/faqs.md)
* [<mark style="color:$primary;">Policies</mark>](/resources/ai-policy.md)

### 🤝 <mark style="color:$primary;">Partners</mark>

<mark style="color:$primary;">The AI Incubator is organized by</mark> [<mark style="color:$primary;">Ersilia Open Source Initiative</mark>](https://ersilia.io/) <mark style="color:$primary;">and the</mark> [<mark style="color:$primary;">H3D Foundation</mark>](https://h3dfoundation.org/) <mark style="color:$primary;">in partnership with</mark> [<mark style="color:$primary;">AITHYRA</mark>](https://aithyra.at/)<mark style="color:$primary;">.</mark>&#x20;

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="image">Cover image</th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td><td data-object-fit="contain"><a href="/files/mDRKwO6JV2aawwUeIdOl">/files/mDRKwO6JV2aawwUeIdOl</a></td><td><a href="https://ersilia.io/">https://ersilia.io/</a></td></tr><tr><td></td><td data-object-fit="contain"><a href="/files/OO1CcsGKAo0PQKhnDRVz">/files/OO1CcsGKAo0PQKhnDRVz</a></td><td><a href="https://h3dfoundation.org/">https://h3dfoundation.org/</a></td></tr><tr><td></td><td data-object-fit="contain"><a href="/files/Qudof76l5m1hGBB2Cmlh">/files/Qudof76l5m1hGBB2Cmlh</a></td><td><a href="https://aithyra.at/">https://aithyra.at/</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

<mark style="color:$primary;">We would also like to thank</mark> [<mark style="color:$primary;">Splunk</mark>](https://www.splunk.com/) <mark style="color:$primary;">(a Cisco company) for supporting the AI Incubator as a funder and technology partner.</mark>


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