Google opens second AI First Accelerator for MENA & Türkiye
Google's twelve-week programme targets promising regional AI startups
#UAE #accelerators - Google has announced the launch of its second "Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First" programme for the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye region. The 12-week, equity-free initiative is designed to support Seed to Series A startups developing AI-driven solutions, providing cloud infrastructure credits, technical mentorship, and access to Google's engineering expertise. Applications are open until 16th June 2025, targeting the region's rapidly expanding artificial intelligence sector.
SO WHAT? - The continuation of the AI First programme reflects Google's recognition of the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye region's emerging significance in global AI innovation. With regional AI investment share more than doubling year-over-year from 2023 to 2024, Google is positioning itself to support and potentially influence the next generation of regional AI leaders. The equity-free structure removes traditional barriers for early-stage startups while creating a pipeline of potential future Google Cloud customers.
US tech firm Google has launched its second "Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First" programme specifically for Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye startups, offering 12 weeks of comprehensive support without taking equity.
The programme targets Seed to Series A startups building AI-first solutions, providing Google Cloud credits, technical mentorship from Google Cloud engineers and solution architects, and AI-focused workshops covering machine learning capabilities and data analytics.
Regional AI investment momentum is accelerating rapidly, with startup funding share for AI companies more than doubling year-over-year from 2023 to 2024, according to research firm Wamda reports.
The programme includes Go-To-Market strategy workshops covering product design, business growth, and leadership development, alongside extensive networking opportunities with curated investors, potential partners, and industry leaders.
Startups can apply via the Google for Startups website, with participants gaining access to Google's cloud infrastructure and technical expertise to scale their AI-driven solutions globally. Applications close on June 16, 2025.
ZOOM OUT - This accelerator builds on the success of its inaugural programme that supported 15 promising startups across diverse sectors. The first cohort demonstrated the region's AI innovation breadth, featuring companies like Craniocatch (Turkey) revolutionising dental diagnostics through X-ray analysis, Deepecho (Morocco) advancing prenatal care with accessible ultrasound technology, and Egrobots (Egypt) deploying autonomous farming solutions. The diversity of applications—from Biliki.AI's eco-travel recommendations to MLnetworks' telecommunications optimisation—illustrated the region's capacity to develop AI solutions for both local challenges and global markets, establishing a foundation for continued expansion of Google's regional AI ecosystem support.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]
LINKS
Apply here (AI First Accelerator)