Kuwaiti Telecoms Giant Zain Launches 6th Edition of its ‘Zain Great Idea’ Accelerator Programme

Despite being forced into going virtual, the sixth edition of the Zaid Great Idea accelerator programme is now accepting applications, as the telecoms and digital services provider seeks the most innovative tech startups in the country.

This year held in collaboration with Kuwait's Brilliant Lab and the Silicon Valley-based Mind the Bridge, the first phase of the programme will see the chosen startups take part in a four-week bootcamp that will consist of workshops, training sessions, panel discussions, and more with experts from the likes of IE Business School, MT and Stanford.

In addition, all participants will get the chance to gain a $50K cash investment to fund their operational and commercial costs, by pitching to an investment committee that has been formed with Rasameel Investment and Brilliant Lab, prior to the start of the bootcamp. The programme will conclude with the virtual Zain Demo Day event, where finalists will pitch to investors and partners.

Though it’s open to entrepreneurs of all nationalities, priority will be given to Kuwaiti-owned startups, while applicants must be 21 years of age or over.

The Kuwaiti ecosystem has been impacted by the pandemic like so many others, but for Zain, it made the continuation of the accelerator programme all the more vital in the face of so many obstacles.

“The pandemic was not a barrier that prevented us from renewing our commitment to Kuwait’s entrepreneurial community,” explains Zain Kuwait’s Chief Corporate Communications and Relations Officer, Waleed Al Khashti. “On the contrary, we took it as a challenge to reintroduce the program more exceptionally than ever. We at Zain are the first to believe in technology’s excellence as an effective and high-efficient tool to develop skills and train talents.”

Applications are open till January 15th. Click here for more information.