29 September, UAE – Google has announced the launch of the third edition of ‘Google for Startups Accelerator: Middle East and North Africa’ program which provides mentorship and support by Google experts. Google has called on interested technology startups to apply to the program that is set to start in January next year. Applications should be submitted through the Google for Startups Accelerator: Middle East and North Africa’s website by October 14th.

‘Google for Startups Accelerator: MENA’ is a three-month digital accelerator program for Seed to Series A technology startups based in the region, and will run virtually starting January 2022. Selected startups for the third cohort will be announced by the end of November this year.

Google recently celebrated the end of the second edition of the program through a virtual Demo Day, where the 12 graduating startups presented their ideas and business profiles to a range of investors and representatives from Egypt Venues and Morocco’s Digital Development Agency (ADD). 

Salim Abid, Google’s Regional Lead of Developer Ecosystem in MENA, commented on the program, saying “It’s always an honour to witness the level of passion and confidence the startups have as they work towards making their dreams a reality. On behalf of Google, I’d like to congratulate the 12 graduating startups from the second cohort: Bankiom (UAE), Ejaro (Saudi Arabia), ElCoach (Egypt), FreshSource (Egypt), Hekouky (Egypt), Invygo (UAE), Mawsuah (Jordan), MyTindy (Morocco), OTO (Saudi Arabia), Sabbar (Saudi Arabia), SINC (Bahrain) and Zammit (Egypt). We’re  looking forward to seeing how they continue to use technology to solve challenges in their communities and, most importantly, their sustainable growth in the tech ecosystem”

Eligibility criteria for interested startups in MENA

When applying, Google considers the problem the startup is trying to solve, how it creates value for users and how it addresses a real challenge for the startup’s home city, country or the MENA region broadly. Google also looks at whether the startup aims to use AI/ML technology in the product, service or operations to help solve current business challenges and successfully scale in the long run. Companies must be headquartered in the Middle East and North Africa. 

Throughout the program, participating startups receive mentorship on both technical and business challenges as well as workshops covering machine learning technologies, product design/UX, customer acquisition, and leadership development. Participants will also have access to 1:1 coaching by our experts and from other tech companies, to help them pitch to investors after the program ends.

Interested startups can apply by visiting: http://g.co/AcceleratorMENA. The deadline for applications is October 14th 2021.