FAQ - GROW AI Accelerator

1. What is an impact organization?

An impact organization provides solutions connected to the goals set forth by the Sustainable Development Goals, with a mission to achieve positive social, economic and environmental developments, in adherence with the EU operational definition of social enterprise as an operator in the social economy:

whose primary objective is to achieve social impact rather than generating profit for owners and shareholders;
which uses its surpluses mainly to achieve these social goals;
which is managed in an accountable, transparent and innovative way, in particular by involving workers, customers and stakeholders affected by its business activity.

2. Who is the Grow AI program for?

The Grow AI is designed for impact organizations that leverage Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to pursue a positive impact across the SDGs sectors. We are looking for established organizations with an existing MVP demonstrating traction or that are currently developing one.

3. What types of business entities do you accept in the program?

We accept all registered business entities (excluding nonprofits) that meet all requirements and pursue an impact mission aligned with the UN SDGs, operating as social enterprises, ex-lege or de facto. Applicants must sign a pledge in the application form to reinvest at least 50% of 2025 profits into the project or confirm that surpluses are primarily reinvested in the organization or social goals by law.

4. What types of projects is Grow AI looking for?

We are specifically seeking applicants where Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are central to the solution, not merely add-ons. We are interested in innovative projects where AI/ML drives the core functionality and value proposition while pursuing a positive social or environmental impact, in alignment with the UN SDGs.

5. Is the program participation and grant limited to sectors aligned to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Yes. You can find more information about SDGs here.

6. Can I apply even if I only have an idea to use AI / ML ?

No, we require applicants to have at least a strong start in their MVP development.

7. Can I apply even if I am still in the process of registering the organization in one of the eligible countries?

No, we ask all applicants to have registered entities in one of the EU countries, Ukraine or United Kingdom.

8. What is the geographical scope of the program?

Applicants need to have a registered company in one of the EU countries, Ukraine or United Kingdom.

9. If I have already participated in a Social Tides program, can I still apply?

Yes - this will not impact the evaluation process.

10. In which language can the application form be filled out?

The application form as well as the video and pitch deck must be in English.

11. Until when can I submit my application?

You can submit your application until December 16th (23:59 CET). We do not accept applications past deadline and invite all applicants not to wait till the very last minute to submit their application.

12. What will be asked in the application form?

To receive the application form, please fill out this expression of interest.

13. What is the selection process and timeline?

Interested social enterprises/ impact organisations can submit their application until the 16th of December (23.59 CET). The applications will be reviewed and the ones best satisfying the criteria will be invited for an interview. Then, the shortlist will be consolidated thanks to a panel of experts from INCO and the finalists will be selected. Results will be announced by the end of February. The program will start in March 2025.

14. When will I get contacted for an interview?

We review applications on a rolling basis. We invite you to be on the look out for an interview invitation and check your spam folder as well.

15. If my project was not selected in the first cohort, can I apply for the second one?

Yes, if your project was not selected in the first cohort, you can apply for this one. We are looking forward to receiving your application!

1. When will the program run?

The second cohort of the program will run from March to September 2025.

2. How is the program structured?

Grow AI features a blended learning experience, with a mix of 1-to-many learning sessions, peer sessions, mentoring and guest talks, where selected participants will receive tailored support from experienced business and tech experts. All sessions (1-2 per week) will be online.

3. What is the course language?

The course (and all communication) is in English.

4. How often will sessions be scheduled throughout the program?

Program sessions will be held once or twice per week throughout the program.

5. What are the technical requirements to participate in the program?

The course is online so you need to have a computer with an Internet connection. You need to have a camera and headphones in order to participate in video conferences.

6. Are the live sessions recorded?

No, the live sessions are not recorded. This ensures participants' privacy and encourages spontaneous interaction.

7. Can our team participate in the different training meetings with different staff persons selected according to the topic of the training? Or should there be one representative per organization?

We do require at least a founder to participate in all sessions of the program, and we strongly recommend having all other appropriate or interested team members joining the sessions relevant to their area of operations. We accept max. 3 people per company in a session.

8. Will I be able to participate in the program if I work full time?

It depends on the nature of your work and commitments. Program activities will take place during working hours.

9. What happens if I cannot finish the program or do not meet the attendance requirements to access the grant?

Every case is unique and will be assessed individually but you will not be eligible for the grant.

1. What can we spend the grant on?

Expenses must align with project goals and impact. The grant can cover various needs, not limited to AI/ML development, but must be legal and cost-effective; no sumptuary expenses are allowed. It should follow the final budget projection submitted at the end of the program, confirming or adapting the provisional budget from the application. More guidelines and support will be provided during the program.

2. When will I receive the grant?

The grant will be transferred in two instalments: 30% of the grant will be transferred within 2 months by the end of the 3rd module of the program. The remaining 70% within 2 months after the end of the program (provided that all requirements are met and the provisionary budget is accepted by the Social Tides Team).

3. How long do I have to use the grant?

You will have up to a year after receipt of the grant.

4. Do all participants in the program receive a grant?

Yes, all selected participants will receive a grant, provided that they will actively participate in the required program activities (80% minimum participation to the program sessions is required). You will be informed about the amount of the grant upon selection.

5. Is the grant subject to VAT, and what should grantees consider regarding tax obligations?

The grant is deemed to be outside the scope of VAT, as no direct or indirect consideration to the benefit of INCO has been requested in exchange for the payment. However, grantees are responsible for any taxes or legal obligations associated with the receipt of the grant. We strongly advise all beneficiaries to verify the tax implications of the grant with their local taxation authorities.

6. What are the conditions to get the grant?

To get the grant, the minimum requirement for each participant is to successfully finish the program. We expect you to fully and actively participate in at least 80% of the curriculum time to the program, complete the assigned tasks to reach your social enterprise's milestones and to participate in the live sessions, but of course we do understand that sometimes there are unexpected events that may prevent you from joining a class.

7. How will the exact amount of the grant be decided?

After evaluation of your project by INCO and Google experts, the exact amount of the grant will be decided depending on the nature of the project, that will be evaluated according to the selection criteria and the grant request breakdown that will be provided at the submission of the application, reaching up to $250.000. Once the finalists are selected, the allocated grant will be communicated to each participant and a contract will be signed.

8. Why did I receive a smaller grant than the one I have asked for?

When awarding grants, we take into consideration your stage of development and the following criteria:

1) innovation and impact of the solution

2) ethical use of AI/ML technology

3) relevance to an environmental / societal problem related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

4) skills and talent of the team, their educational/professional/project background and motivation

5) MVP testing and actions taken towards development

6) business model sustainability and scalability.

Read more about the selection criteria in the program page.

9. Do you take equity?

No, the Grow AI program is equity free and completely free.

10. If I am accepted to the program, will we sign a contract?

Yes, a signed "Grant Agreement" contract will be mandatory in order to secure the grant payment at the end of the program.

11. Are we are allowed to change the shareholding structure of the company during the program?

Yes, but this will need to be communicated to the Social Tides team.

12. What are the requirements in terms of grant usage reporting?

All grantees will be required to report on the expenses covered by the grant by providing relevant invoices and filling out a reporting sheet provided by the Social Tides team within the deadlines indicated in the "Grant Agreement" signed upon selection. Detailed guidelines that will be shared during the program.

FAQ - GROW AI Accelerator

Still have questions? If you have more questions, please send an email to socialtides@learning.inco-group.co

Still have questions?

If you have more questions, please send an email to
socialtides@learning.inco-group.co