Meta and Startupbootcamp to support MENA startups with Llama Design Drive

Global tech giant Meta and startup accelerator Startupbootcamp have joined forces to bolster the MENA startup ecosystem. The collaboration, known as the Llama Design Drive, aims to empower local startups (digital health companies included) by equipping them with state-of-the-art AI technologies tailored to meet the unique needs of the region.

How does it work?

The Llama Design Drive will span three intensive four-week sprints across the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Each cohort will engage in rigorous capacity-building workshops and mentorship sessions designed to enhance their capabilities. Partnering with industry leaders like RTA, Chalhoub Group, and Dubai Holding - the program aims to define key design challenges and develop innovative AI-driven solutions.

Startups will leverage Meta's open-source large language model, Llama 3.1, to address real-world problems in sectors such as mobility, aviation, energy distribution, retail, and real estate — though we hope some of those solutions will also be used to tackle the healthcare sector.

The initiative provides a hands-on opportunity for startups to collaborate with established corporations, fostering an environment of mutual growth and learning.

Why does it matter?

The collaboration between Meta and Startupbootcamp is pivotal in bridging the gap between established companies and emerging AI startups. By facilitating the adoption of advanced AI technologies, Llama Design Drive aims to cultivate home-grown innovation and drive significant business value.

"Startups gain invaluable experience collaborating with leading companies on real-world challenges while leveraging Llama 3.1 to develop cutting-edge solutions," said Ibrahim "Abe" Seksek, CEO MENA at Startupbootcamp.

This mutually beneficial relationship is meant to help startups grow while also enabling corporations to explore innovative solutions to their pressing challenges.

The context

The MENA region is poised for substantial AI adoption, with both governments and businesses recognizing the global shift towards advanced technologies. By 2030, the Middle East is projected to capture 2% of the total global benefits of AI, with an annual growth rate of 20-34% in AI's contribution to GDP across the region.

"Our program 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," added Seksek.

Joulan Abdul Khalek, Policy Programs Manager for Africa, Middle East, and Turkey at Meta, highlighted the initiative's broader impact: "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."

The Llama Design Drive is more than just a program — it is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration in the MENA region. By harnessing the power of AI and facilitating partnerships between startups and established corporations, Meta and Startupbootcamp are paving the way for a more technologically advanced and innovative future.