Latest news with #AbdulRahmanAlThehaiban
Arabian Business
23-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Google launches second ‘AI First' accelerator for MENA-T startups amid AI investment boom
Google announced the launch of its second 'Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First' programme for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkiye (MENA-T). The 12-week, equity-free programme is designed to empower the most promising 'Seed to Series A' startups that are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, providing them with the essential infrastructure, tools, and expertise to scale and succeed. The programme will provide selected eligible startups with Google Cloud credits to accelerate the development and deployment of their AI solutions, the company said. Participants will benefit from expert technical mentorship from Google Cloud engineers and solution architects to optimise cloud infrastructure for AI workloads. The programme also includes AI-focused workshops on Google Cloud's AI/ML capabilities, data analytics, and serverless computing, alongside workshops on Go-To-Market strategies covering product design, business growth, and leadership development. 'The incredible momentum of AI development in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkiye region presents a unique opportunity to foster a new wave of technological advancement,' said Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Managing Director, MENA-T, Google Cloud. 'Our aim is to equip these pioneering companies with the cloud infrastructure and expertise necessary to optimise their AI workloads and accelerate their growth trajectory in this dynamic field,' he said. Anthony Nakache, Managing Director, Google MENA, said: 'With the 'Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First' programme, we are dedicated to providing targeted support to innovative startups, helping them access Google's best resources to solve complex challenges and scale their impactful AI-driven solutions globally.'
Fintech News ME
23-05-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Google Launches Second AI Accelerator for MENA-T Startups
Google has announced the launch of its second 'Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First' programme for the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENA-T). The 12-week, equity-free initiative is aimed at supporting promising Seed to Series A startups that are developing AI solutions, offering access to infrastructure, tools, and expert guidance to help scale their technologies. The MENA-T region is increasingly being recognised as a growing centre for AI innovation, with broad applications across a range of industries. According to PwC, AI could contribute up to US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. McKinsey estimates that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries alone could see gains of up to US$150 billion. Investment in AI across the region is also on the rise, with Wamda reporting that the share of AI-related startup funding more than doubled between 2023 and 2024. PwC further forecasts that the region could benefit from US$320 billion, approximately 2 percent of the global economic impact of AI, by 2030. Commenting on the programme, Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Managing Director for MENA-T at Google Cloud, said: 'The incredible momentum of AI development in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkiye region presents a unique opportunity to foster a new wave of technological advancement. Google Cloud is committed to providing a robust and scalable platform for AI innovation. Our aim is to equip these pioneering companies with the cloud infrastructure and expertise necessary to optimise their AI workloads and accelerate their growth trajectory in this dynamic field.' Anthony Nakache, Managing Director at Google MENA, added: 'With the 'Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First' programme, we are dedicated to providing targeted support to innovative startups, helping them access Google's best resources to solve complex challenges and scale their impactful AI-driven solutions globally.' Startups selected for the programme will receive Google Cloud credits to support the development and deployment of their AI technologies. The programme includes technical mentorship from Google Cloud engineers and solution architects, focusing on optimising cloud infrastructure for AI workloads. It also offers workshops on Google Cloud's AI and machine learning tools, data analytics, and serverless computing, alongside sessions on go-to-market strategy, product development, and leadership. Participants will also have access to a network of investors, industry experts, and potential partners. apply by 16 June 2025.
TECHx
22-05-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Google Launches AI First Program for MENA-T Startups
Home » Startups » Google Launches AI First Program for MENA-T Startups Google has announced the launch of its second 'Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program. The initiative targets startups in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkiye (MENA-T). This 12-week, equity-free accelerator supports Seed to Series A startups. It aims to help those using artificial intelligence to scale and succeed. The program offers selected startups access to essential infrastructure, tools, and expertise. Google Cloud will provide AI-specific support to help participants grow. The MENA-T region is quickly becoming a major hub for AI innovation. PwC estimates AI could contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. McKinsey projects up to $150 billion of that could come from the GCC. Regional AI investment is also rising. According to Wamda, its share of total startup funding more than doubled from 2023 to 2024. PwC further reported that MENA-T could gain $320 billion, or 2% of global AI benefits, by 2030. Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Managing Director of MENA-T, Google Cloud, revealed that the region's AI momentum presents a major opportunity. He said Google Cloud is committed to offering a scalable platform for innovation. He added that the goal is to help startups optimize AI workloads and accelerate growth. Anthony Nakache, Managing Director of Google MENA, stated the program offers targeted support. He said it helps startups access Google's top resources to solve complex challenges. Startups accepted into the program will receive: Google Cloud credits to develop and deploy AI solutions Expert mentorship from Google Cloud engineers and architects In addition, the program will include AI-focused workshops. Topics will cover machine learning, data analytics, serverless computing, and go-to-market strategies. Leadership and business growth sessions will also be provided. Participants will also get networking access to investors, partners, and industry leaders. Google has encouraged eligible startups to apply for the AI First program by June 16, 2025. Applications are open on the Google for Startups website.
Web Release
22-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Google Announces Second 'AI First' Accelerator for Startups in Middle East, North Africa, and Turkiye to Bolster Regional AI Innovation
Google announced the launch of its second 'Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First' program for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkiye (MENA-T). The 12-week, equity-free program is designed to empower the most promising Seed to Series A startups that are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, providing them with the essential infrastructure, tools, and expertise to scale and succeed. The MENA-T region is rapidly emerging as a significant hub for AI innovation, driving transformative change across various industries. Highlighting this potential, PwC estimates AI could contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with McKinsey projecting up to $150 billion for GCC countries alone. Regional AI investment is also accelerating, with its share of total startup funding more than doubling year-over-year from 2023 to 2024, according to Wamda reports. PwC further expects the region to accrue US$320 billion, or 2 percent of the total global benefits of AI, by 2030. 'The incredible momentum of AI development in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkiye region presents a unique opportunity to foster a new wave of technological advancement,' said Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Managing Director, MENA-T, Google Cloud. 'Google Cloud is committed to providing a robust and scalable platform for AI innovation. Our aim is to equip these pioneering companies with the cloud infrastructure and expertise necessary to optimize their AI workloads and accelerate their growth trajectory in this dynamic field.' Anthony Nakache, Managing Director, Google MENA, said: 'With the 'Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First' program, we are dedicated to providing targeted support to innovative startups, helping them access Google's best resources to solve complex challenges and scale their impactful AI-driven solutions globally.' The 'Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First' MENA-T program provides selected eligible startups with Google Cloud credits to accelerate the development and deployment of their AI solutions. Participants will benefit from expert technical mentorship from Google Cloud engineers and solution architects to optimize cloud infrastructure for AI workloads. The program also includes AI-focused workshops on Google Cloud's AI/ML capabilities, data analytics, and serverless computing, alongside workshops on Go-To-Market strategies covering product design, business growth, and leadership development. Crucially, the accelerator will offer extensive networking opportunities with a curated network of investors, potential partners, and industry leaders. Seed to Series A startups in the MENA-T region building AI-first solutions are encouraged to apply for the 'Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First' MENA-T program by June 16th, 2025, through the Google for Startups website. For further details on the program and the announcement, please refer to the official Google Arabia blog post:
