Google Opens Applications for its MENA Accelerator: What's in Store for the Chosen Startups?

Announced in October as part of its ‘Grow Stronger with Google’ initiative, Google has opened applications for its much anticipated ‘Google for Startups’ accelerator in the MENA region. 

Targeting tech startups that sit in on the scale between Seed and Series A, the three-month programme  will begin (virtually) in January 2021 and will select 10-15 MENA-headquartered startups.

The chosen view will be asked to outline challenges that face their startup, before being paired with relevant experts from both within Google and from the startup’s sector. Mentorship will address both business and technical challenges alike, while specially curated workshops will focus on machine learning tech, product design/UC, customer acquisition and leadership development.

Among the factors that Google will look at when making its choice are the problem that each given startup is trying to solve, how said startup creates value for users and how, on a larger, scale the startup can address challenges in their home country or MENA in general.

“The MENA region is rich in homegrown entrepreneurs which during the pandemic have stepped up to solve for unexpected challenges with innovative technology and resilience,” said Salim Abid, Google’s Regional Lead of Developer Ecosystem in MENA.  “I’m thrilled to announce that the application window for the first ‘Google for Startups Accelerator’ in MENA is now open, and looking forward to working with the next innovators.”

Applications will remain open until December 31st. Click here for more information.