How Google is accelerating the rise of AI startups in the Middle East and North Africa

Google has announced the launch of the second edition of its "Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First" program, targeting startups based in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENA-T). This intensive twelve-week program, offered with no equity requirement, is designed to support the most promising early-stage companies in the region that leverage artificial intelligence to drive innovation. Google will provide them with the infrastructure, technological tools, and expert guidance needed to scale effectively.

This initiative comes at a time when the regional context is particularly conducive to AI innovation. The MENA-T region is increasingly establishing itself as a strategic hub for artificial intelligence, with growing influence across various sectors. AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. McKinsey estimates that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries alone could capture up to $150 billion of that total.

AI investment in the region is accelerating rapidly: according to Wamda, the share of AI in total startup funding more than doubled between 2023 and 2024. Furthermore, PwC forecasts that the MENA region will generate approximately $320 billion in economic benefits from AI by 2030, representing nearly 2% of the global total.

According to Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Managing Director of Google Cloud for the MENA-T region, this rapid development of AI presents a historic opportunity. “The explosive growth of artificial intelligence in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey offers a unique opportunity to catalyze a new wave of technological advancement,” he said. “Google Cloud is committed to providing a robust and scalable platform to support this innovation. We aim to equip these startups with the resources they need to optimize their AI workloads and accelerate their growth trajectory.”

Participants in the program will receive Google Cloud credits to help develop and deploy their AI solutions. They will also benefit from tailored technical support provided by Google Cloud engineers and solutions architects. The program will feature workshops covering Google's AI/ML capabilities, data analytics, serverless computing, as well as go-to-market strategies, including product design, business growth, and leadership development.

“With the 'Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First' program, we aim to deliver targeted support to innovative startups in the region,” said Anthony Nakache, Managing Director of Google MENA. “We’re offering them the best of Google’s resources to help solve complex challenges and scale their AI-based solutions globally.”

Finally, the program will provide participants with valuable networking opportunities, connecting them with a curated ecosystem of investors, potential partners, and key players in the tech industry.

Applications for the second edition of the program are open until June 16, 2025. Interested startups can apply via the Google for Startups website.

Caroline Haïat