The Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region is proving itself as a leading regional hub for AI innovation, witnessing radical transformations and tremendous potential across various sectors. PwC estimates that AI’s contribution to the global economy could reach $15.7 trillion by 2030, while McKinsey predicts that the Gulf countries alone could generate up to $150 billion, equivalent to 9% or more of their GDP. Indeed, regional governments have already begun adopting effective initiatives to accelerate the development of AI in the region.
Wamda’s 2023 and 2024 reports show accelerated growth in AI investments across the region, with startup funding more than doubling between 2023 and 2024, with AI’s contribution to the region’s economy expected to increase by 20% to 30% annually. In a related context, PwC predicts that the region will account for 2% of the total global economic value of AI by 2030, equivalent to $320 billion.
Given this tremendous potential and building on the successes of our previous programs, today we are announcing the launch of the second edition of the Google for Startups: AI First Accelerator program in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey . The 12-week program aims to empower seed and Series A startups developing AI solutions, providing them with the infrastructure, tools, and expertise needed to grow and scale.
Your journey into the world of artificial intelligence begins with Google Cloud.
The Google for Startups: AI First Accelerator program in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey targets startups in the seed and early-stage funding stages, providing them with:
- Google Cloud Credit: Eligible startups will receive Google Cloud credit that can be used to develop and deploy AI-based solutions.
- Technical Consulting: A number of Google Cloud engineers and solution developers will share their expertise to help companies enhance the efficiency of their cloud infrastructure to keep pace with the demands of artificial intelligence.
- AI Workshops: These workshops aim to explore Google Cloud’s capabilities in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and serverless computing, and enhance your technical skills.
- Market Expansion Strategies: Workshops on product design, business growth, and leadership development will be available to help startups strengthen their market position.
Networking Opportunities: The program provides a window into a select network of investors, potential partners, and industry leaders to help you grow and innovate.
The Google for Startups: AI First accelerator in the Middle East and North Africa played a significant role in MLNetworks’ success. The experts provided exceptional support and spared no effort in guiding us and sharing their expertise. They also opened doors for us to connect with the right people from within and outside Google, which greatly contributed to refining our plans and accelerating our growth.” – Jawad Maaloum, CEO of MLNetworks
“As a startup founder, I can assure you that this accelerator has been a game-changer for us. Through Google Cloud’s expertise in optimizing heat map models, we have increased our efficiency and scalability by five times, significantly improving our forecasting accuracy and reducing our operating costs. The consultations and opportunities with Google Cloud have been extremely beneficial and have paved the way for us to improve our models and operational efficiency through advanced data analytics tools and the deployment of AI solutions. Demo Day was an excellent platform to connect with leading investors and entrepreneurs and build strategic partnerships.” – Jay Siddiq, CEO of FortyGuard
Build the future of AI with Google! Applications close on June 16.
If you have a Seed or Series A startup in the MENA and Turkey region building AI-powered solutions, we invite you to participate in the Google for Startups: AI First Accelerator. Apply by June 16 for the chance to join a select group of innovators as they build the future of AI with Google.