Google has announced the launch of its second ‘Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First’ program targeting early-stage startups across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENA-T). This 12-week, equity-free initiative is designed for Seed to Series A companies developing Artificial Intelligence solutions, providing them with access to Google’s infrastructure, tools, and specialized mentorship to accelerate the scale and deployment of their technology.
The MENA-T region is rapidly emerging as a hub for Artificial Intelligence innovation with increasing regional investment and rising adoption across multiple industries. According to PwC, Artificial Intelligence could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with Gulf Cooperation Council countries slated to see significant gains. Regional funding for Artificial Intelligence startups more than doubled between 2023 and 2024, and PwC forecasts approximately 2 percent of the worldwide economic impact of Artificial Intelligence will benefit the region by the end of the decade.
Selected startups will receive Google Cloud credits supporting development and deployment of their Artificial Intelligence solutions. The accelerator offers technical mentorship from Google Cloud engineers and solution architects, workshops on Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, serverless computing, and training on go-to-market strategies, leadership, and product development. Additionally, participants gain valuable networking opportunities with investors, industry experts, and potential partners. Startups operating in the MENA-T region are encouraged to apply by 16 June 2025. Google’s ongoing commitment, highlighted by regional managing directors Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban and Anthony Nakache, is to provide robust cloud infrastructure and guidance to ensure pioneering companies can optimize Artificial Intelligence workloads and achieve international scale.
