There is a golden opportunity for startups in Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia to participate in this year’s Google Accelerator programme as calls for applications for the tech giant’s first Middle East and North Africa (MENA) startup accelerator programme opens. Made known in October as part of the Grow Stronger with Google regional programme, the Google for Startups Accelerator: MENA is a three-month digital programme for seed to Series A tech startups in the MENA region.
Startups in other MENA region countries such as Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Yemen are also invited as theirs will run virtually from January and will include between 10 and 15 startups.
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Those selected will be paired with relevant experts from Google and the industry to solve challenges they are facing in their businesses. They will also receive mentorship on both technical and business challenges as well as access to workshops covering machine learning technologies, product design/UX, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders. To qualify, the companies must be based in the MENA region and should have already raised seed funding. Google will consider the problem the tech startup is trying to solve, how it creates value for users and how it addresses a real challenge for their home city, country or the MENA region broadly.
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Google will also look at whether the startup aims to use artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning technology in their product, service or operations to help solve current business challenges and successfully scale in the long run. Organisers say that the applications are open until December 31.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry