OpenAI Opens Applications for Grove: A Pre-Idea Residency for AI Builders

OpenAI has officially launched applications for the next cohort of OpenAI Grove, a specialized residency designed for technical talent at the very beginning of their company-building journey. This unique program targets individuals who are in the pre-idea or inception stages, offering a space to explore the frontiers of artificial intelligence. Interested candidates must submit their details by January 12, 2026, to be considered for the upcoming winter session.

The residency is scheduled to run from January 22 through February 27, 2026, operating on a hybrid model that blends intensive in-person sessions with remote flexibility. Participants are required to attend programming at the OpenAI San Francisco headquarters during the first and last weeks of the term. To support a global applicant pool, the organization covers travel and lodging costs for these mandatory residency weeks.

A core component of the Grove is the opportunity for participants to co-build alongside OpenAI researchers and technical leaders. This includes hands-on access to new tools and models, such as Sora, prior to their general availability. This early exposure allows builders to experiment with state-of-the-art capabilities that are not yet accessible to the broader developer community. The program is distinctly different from traditional startup accelerators like OpenAI Converge, as it focuses on individuals rather than established companies. With a cohort size limited to approximately fifteen participants, the initiative fosters a dense network of high-potential talent. The curriculum emphasizes mentorship and community building through weekly office hours and collaborative workshops.

Participants are encouraged to apply regardless of their specific background or discipline, provided they possess a deep curiosity for building in the AI sector. The application process involves detailing previous technical builds and outlining what the candidate hopes to achieve through the residency. Groups are also permitted to apply together, provided they indicate their team status in the entry form.

Following the conclusion of the five-week program, graduates have the flexibility to pursue various professional avenues. This may include raising venture capital for a new startup, pursuing a role internally at OpenAI, or continuing their development externally. The ultimate goal is to establish a long-term network of founders who are native to the OpenAI ecosystem and its evolving technology stack.