Meta, a tech giant, collaborates with Startupbootcamp MENA to promote AI use cases in MENA businesses. Startupbootcamp (SBC) is a global network of accelerators that connects startups to mentors, partners, and investors worldwide.
The alliance will use Meta’s Llama 3.1 open-source Large Language Model (LLM) for innovation and product development to meet regional business concerns. Startups selected for the program may be fast-tracked into a Meta-sponsored global program to get up to $500,000 to develop their products.
Meta, an international technology company, and Startupbootcamp, a leading startup accelerator with over 1,600 successful firms, aim to improve MENA’s startup environment. This strategic alliance launches Llama Design Drive, a MENA-specific program, to empower local companies with cutting-edge AI technologies.
The programme will include three four-week sprints in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. To empower companies, these cohorts will offer intense capacity-building courses and mentorship. RTA (The Roads and Transport Authority), Chalhoub Group, and Dubai Holding have partnered to define design challenges and explore AI-based solutions.
Meta and Startupbootcamp’s curriculum bridges the gap between established companies and AI startups to support homegrown AI innovation. MENA companies can leverage Meta’s open-source big language model, Llama 3.1, to develop products that solve real-world mobility, aviation, energy distribution, retail, and real estate problems with Llama Design Drive.
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Llama Design Drive benefits startups and companies. Startups learn from leading firms and use Llama 3.1 to solve real-world problems.
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This AI technology allows corporations to investigate and co-create answers to their biggest problems. Therefore, the effort intends to show how open-source collaboration amongst ecosystem participants may create meaningful influence and financial value.
Startups selected for the program may be fast-tracked into a Meta-sponsored global program to get up to $500,000 to develop their products.
“Our programme not only promotes the adoption of AI technologies to develop solutions for corporate challenges but also facilitates connections between startups, corporates, and industry experts to expand networks and gain valuable knowledge and technical skills,” explains Ibrahim “Abe” Seksek, CEO MENA at Startupbootcamp.
Governments and businesses in MENA are seeing the worldwide movement toward AI and sophisticated technologies, making them ready to implement AI. The Middle East is predicted to get 2% of the worldwide advantages of AI in 2030, with a 20-34% yearly growth in AI’s GDP contribution.
“The whole world is excited to see how AI can add value to people’s lives,” said Joulan Abdul Khalek, Policy programmes Manager, Africa Middle East and Turkiye at Meta. “Llama Design Drive is a great example of how open source can bring people together to co-create meaningful AI solutions. By doing so, we hope to cultivate a thriving community of tech talent across the region, working with them to unlock the potential of these exponential technologies to address real-world challenges.”
About Meta
Meta develops tools to connect, form communities, and grow enterprises. When Facebook began in 2004, it transformed communication. Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp empowered billions worldwide. Meta is pushing beyond 2D displays into immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to advance social technology.
About Startupbootcamp
Startupbootcamp is a global industrial accelerator network. Startups gain global access to the best partners, investors, and mentors in their sector through their network.
