OpenAI opens applications for Grove Cohort 2, a 15-person founder program

OpenAI opened applications for the second cohort of OpenAI Grove on January 2, targeting technical builders at the earliest stage of company formation. Applications for Cohort 2 are due by January 12, 2026 via the OpenAI Grove entry form.

OpenAI says the cohort will include approximately 15 participants and begins with five weeks of programming hosted at OpenAI’s San Francisco headquarters. The schedule runs from Thursday, January 22, 2026 to Friday, February 27, 2026, with required in-person sessions during the first and last week and an additional 4–6 hours of asynchronous work per week in between.

OpenAI lists weekly office hours, in-person workshops, and mentoring from OpenAI technical leaders as part of the program, and notes participants may get hands-on access to new OpenAI tools and models before general availability. OpenAI also states teams can apply together, participation does not require building on OpenAI’s APIs, and travel costs are covered for the in-person weeks in San Francisco.