Startupbootcamp teams up with Meta to support startups in the MENA region.

Meta, a global technology giant, and Startupbootcamp, a prominent startup accelerator with over 1,600 successful startups, have joined forces to invigorate the MENA startup ecosystem. Their strategic partnership is set to launch the Llama Design Drive, a program specifically tailored to meet the needs of the region’s startups by equipping them with advanced AI technologies.

The program will feature three intensive four-week sprints held across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. These sprints will include capacity-building workshops and mentorship sessions aimed at empowering participating startups. Strategic alliances have been formed with industry leaders like the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Chalhoub Group, and Dubai Holding to help define design challenges and explore innovative AI-driven solutions.

This initiative by Meta and Startupbootcamp addresses a vital need—bridging the gap between established corporations and the rapidly evolving world of AI startups to foster local innovation. Llama Design Drive will enable MENA startups to harness Meta’s open-source large language model, Llama 3.1, to develop solutions for real-world challenges in sectors such as mobility, aviation, energy distribution, retail, and real estate.

The program presents a mutually beneficial opportunity: startups gain hands-on experience working with leading companies on practical challenges while utilizing Llama 3.1 to create innovative solutions. In turn, corporations gain the chance to collaborate on and co-create AI-powered solutions to some of their most pressing issues. Ultimately, the initiative aims to showcase the power of open-source collaboration within the ecosystem, driving meaningful impact and unlocking business potential.