Communicate spoke with Salim Abid, Google’s Regional Lead of Developer Ecosystem in MENA, to learn more about Google's first startup accelerator program in the region.
How does the Google for startups accelerator program tie with the wider program you had announced earlier this year?
We announced last month ‘Grow Stronger with Google’, our regional program to accelerate the MENA region’s economic recovery through digital transformation, by offering digital tools, training, and financial grants to support local businesses and job seekers. Since startups are primed to develop solutions for the unique challenges we face today, we are committed to supporting them in that effort. This is why the ‘Google for Startups Accelerator: MENA’ is an essential element in our wider program.
How does the selection process work?
‘Google for Startups Accelerator’ is open for Seed to Series A technology startups based in the MENA region. Startups can apply by submitting an online form that describes their business, products, services or operations, business vision, and the problem they wish to solve throughout the program. We will then evaluate all applications submitted before December 31st, and some startups will be requested to do a virtual discussion with a member of Google’s team to elaborate on their application. In early January, we will announce 10-15 selected startups to join the first cohort virtually which will last for three months. We hope to launch upcoming cycles of the accelerator in the MENA region.
What issues/problems should startups in the region be focusing on?
In this accelerator, we’re looking for startups who are solving for the challenges communities face today: whether that is a startup looking at new healthcare, education, or logistics solutions considering the social distancing restrictions; using AI/ML, or using technology to make the world more inclusive, or amplifying data analysis in meaningful ways to help solve current business challenges and successfully scale in the long run.
Trying to look at things from a positive perspective, do you think the pandemic aided in any way to boost the growth of the startup economy in MENA?
Of course. Our region is rich in homegrown entrepreneurs, [many of whom have] have stepped up during the pandemic to help solve unexpected challenges with innovative technology and resilience. We are very excited to work with the next innovative startups, to continue building on the rapid acceleration of tech adoption we’ve seen during the crisis, despite the fundamental changes in the ecosystem.
