US tech giant Meta has partnered with Startupbootcamp to invigorate the startup ecosystem in the MENA region. Startupbootcamp is a premier startup accelerator that has supported over 1,600 successful startups. This strategic alliance aims to equip local startups with advanced AI technologies through the Llama Design Drive program, tailored to address the region’s specific needs.
The program features three four-week sprints across the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. These cohorts will engage in intensive capacity-building workshops and mentorship sessions to enhance the skills of participating startups. Partnerships with industry leaders like the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Chalhoub Group, and Dubai Holding will help define design challenges and explore innovative AI solutions.
Meta and Startupbootcamp’s collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between established companies and the dynamic world of AI startups, fostering home-grown innovation. The Llama Design Drive program allows MENA startups to utilise Meta’s open-source large language model, Llama 3.1, to develop products that address real-world challenges in sectors such as mobility, aviation, energy distribution, retail, and real estate.
This initiative presents a mutually beneficial opportunity for both startups and corporations. Startups gain valuable experience working on real-world challenges with leading companies while leveraging Llama 3.1 to create cutting-edge solutions. Corporations, on the other hand, get the chance to co-create solutions to their most pressing problems using AI technology. The goal is to demonstrate the power of open-source collaboration to create meaningful impact and unlock business value.
Ibrahim “Abe” Seksek, CEO MENA at Startupbootcamp, remarked, “Our programme not only promotes the adoption of AI technologies to develop solutions for corporate challenges but also facilitates connections between startups, corporates, and industry experts to expand networks and gain valuable knowledge and technical skills.“
Participants in the program will have the opportunity to fast-track into a global Meta-sponsored initiative, with the potential to receive up to $500,000 to further develop their products.
Joulan Abdul Khalek, Policy Programmes Manager for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey at Meta, said that there is a global enthusiasm for the ways AI can enhance people’s lives. “Llama Design Drive is a great example of how open source can bring people together to co-create meaningful AI solutions,” added Joulan.
The MENA region is strategically positioned for the adoption of AI, as both governments and businesses increasingly acknowledge the worldwide transition towards AI and advanced technologies. By 2030, the Middle East is projected to capture 2% of the total global benefits of AI, with an expected annual growth rate of 20-34% in AI’s contribution to the region’s GDP.
