AI First

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Middle East, North Africa, Turkey - Hybrid
10 weeks
Seed to Series A

A 10-week equity-free accelerator program for Seed to Series A startups based in MENA and Turkey. The accelerator aims to connect the best of Google's products and people to empower startups to scale their business, towards success in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and technology.

A group of people sitting around tables are looking in front.
Middle East, North Africa, Turkey - Hybrid
10 weeks
Seed to Series A

Applications are now closed

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About the program

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About the program

Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First is a 10-week, equity-free hybrid program for Seed to Series A, AI First startups. In partnership with Google Cloud, the AI First program helps high-potential startups based in MENA and Turkey grow with the best of Google through a mix of in-person and virtual activities, 1:1 mentoring, and group learning sessions.

In addition to mentorship and technical project support, the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program features deep dives and workshops focused on product design, business growth, and leadership development. Selected startups will also benefit from dedicated Google AI technical expertise and receive credits via the Google for Startups Cloud Program.

Key benefits

  • Equity-free support

    Equity-free support: For duration of program.

  • Mentoring

    Dedicated mentoring from Google teams.

  • Training

    Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google where offered.

  • Access to experts

    Access to Google's network of industry experts.

  • Google product credits

    Eligible startups receive product credits.

  • Early access

    Access to new Google products and tools as relevant.

  • Strategic support

    Support on company and product strategy.

  • Technical project partnership

    Work hand in hand with experts from Google on your biggest tech challenges.

Entry Criteria

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Entry Criteria

  • Startups demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stage
  • Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model
  • Deeply technical, preferably leveraging technologies like machine learning and AI
  • Commitment from CTO and/or technical roles to participate and engage in required program sessions
  • We are committed to building accelerator classes that are diverse and inclusive, and encourage applications from qualified startups with founders of all backgrounds

Key dates

  • June 17, 2024

    Applications Open

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  • August 18, 2024

    Applications Close

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  • October, 2024

    Program Kick-off

  • December, 2024

    Graduation

  • January, 2025

    Demo Day

Meet the Cohort

Vinayak Shrivastav Co-Founder & CEO, Magnifi (Videoverse) Vinayak Shrivastav Co-Founder & CEO, Magnifi (Videoverse)

We have received invaluable support and guidance to help us navigate both the technical and business challenges that come with our mission. From mentorship and technical project support to workshops on product design, business growth, and leadership development, this program has truly been a game-changer.

Asrar Damdam Founder and CEO of Uvera

Frequently asked questions

Do you take equity or a fee to be a part of this program?

The Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program is completely free for all participating startups, and Google does not take any equity. Please note that we do require all founders (CEO & CTO) and appropriate team members to be available to join all elements of the program.

What is the structure of the program?

Through a combination of 1-to-1 and 1-to-many learning sessions, startups will receive technical support and mentoring from experienced engineers and business experts from Google and the wider ecosystem throughout the program. This support will be specifically tailored to the needs of the startups' businesses. Along with being paired with specialized Startup Success Managers (SSM) from Google, participants will also receive further training on how to use our best practices, tools, and personnel. At the end of the program, the cohort will present their achievements in a Demo Day in front of Google teams, mentors, investors, partners and key stakeholders from the EMEA startup ecosystem. After the program ends, startups will continue to receive support via the Google for Startups Accelerator Alumni program and network.

When will the program run?

The program runs in a hybrid format for MENA-T. The events will take place in the UAE and KSA, with an in-person kick-off in October 2024, followed by virtual training bootcamps, 1:1 mentoring, and experiences, and an in-person demo day and graduation in January 2025.

Will startups receive Google Cloud Platform (GCP) credits?

Selected startups will be eligible for the Google for Startups Cloud Program, with your first year of Google Cloud and Firebase usage covered with credits up to 350k$ (subject to terms and conditions).

What are the criteria to receive product credits, and what does "eligible for product credits" mean?

Startups must meet specific criteria to be eligible for Google product credit offerings. To learn more about the Google Cloud credit eligibility requirements, please visit the Google Cloud startup page.