Kenya’s Satlyt has been selected among 10 startups joining the inaugural Google Africa Applied AI Lab cohort, gaining access to Google’s artificial intelligence models, technical mentorship and venture capital guidance to accelerate the development of its satellite computing technology.
Satlyt is developing technology that transforms satellites into connected computing nodes, enabling data processing in orbit rather than relying entirely on transmitting information back to Earth for processing. The approach is designed to expand how satellite infrastructure handles data and supports emerging applications in space-based computing.
The Kenyan startup joins companies from Nigeria, Uganda and Senegal, alongside Pan-African businesses selected for the programme, which aims to accelerate African-led artificial intelligence products addressing challenges across the continent.
Google announced the inaugural cohort on November 11, following an application process launched in July that attracted thousands of submissions from startups across more than 45 African countries. Applications closed on August 31, with the selected companies assessed on their technical plans and business traction.
The other startups selected are AethexAI and Agrails, both operating across multiple African markets; Uganda’s Crane AI Labs; Nigeria’s Intron, Termii and Vendy; Senegal’s Tolbi; and Pan-African companies Smile ID and Viamo.
The companies are developing AI applications across financial services, agriculture, healthcare, telecommunications, identity verification and digital commerce.
