Google has launched a cleantech accelerator program for Middle Eastern and African entrepreneurs.
Google for Entrepreneurs Accelerator is a 10-week, equity-free hybrid program for Seed to Series A entrepreneurs addressing Climate Change with technology.
The Middle East and Africa program, in collaboration with Google Cloud, assists high-potential startups based in the Middle East and Africa in growing with the best of Google through a mix of in-person and virtual events, 1:1 mentoring, and group learning sessions.
“As more organizations navigate the necessary, sustainability-driven business transformations on the horizon, they’re looking for new tools and technology to help them,” said Joyce Baz, Google’s Head of Communications. We believe that the global startup ecosystem is critical to driving their success, which is why we’re thrilled to launch 2023 with Google for entrepreneurs Accelerator: Climate Change programs and invite entrepreneurs throughout the Middle East and Africa to apply. These programs will focus on identifying, supporting, and scaling entrepreneurs developing climate-change-fighting technology. This is the first time we are operating the program in MENA, and we are excited to welcome participants in our region at a vital time when technology can unlock and accelerate economic decarbonization.”
The Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program includes deep dives and seminars on product creation, business growth, and leadership development, in addition to mentorship. Selected firms will also receive credits and specific Google Cloud technical expertise through the Google for firms Cloud Program.
Throughout the program, companies will receive mentoring from seasoned engineers and business professionals from Google and the wider ecosystem through a combination of 1-to-1 and 1-to-many learning sessions. This assistance will be customized particularly to the needs of the entrepreneurs’ businesses. Participants will receive further training on how to use our best practices, tools, and employees in addition to being connected with specialized Startup Success Managers (SSM) from Google.
At the end of the program, the cohort will present their achievements in a Demo Day in front of Google teams, mentors, investors, partners and key stakeholders from the Middle East and Africa startup ecosystems. After the program ends, startups will continue to receive support via the Google for Startups Accelerator Alumni program & network
Eligibility criteria include-
-Startups demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stage.
-Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model.
-Focusing on sustainable technology climate solutions, cleantech and green energy.
-Deeply technical, preferably leveraging technologies like Machine Learning and AI.
-Commitment from CTO and/or technical roles to participate and engage in required program sessions.
