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Meta & Startupbootcamp Program Will Promote MENA Startups
The initiative will encourage AI adoption through a series of workshops and bootcamps and offer $500,000 to support product development.
Facebook and Instagram owner Meta has begun a collaboration with Startupbootcamp, a startup accelerator responsible for over 1,600 successful launches.
The strategic partnership aims to boost the MENA region’s startup scene using cutting-edge AI technologies through its Llama Design Drive initiative.
The program consists of three four-week sprints that will take place across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Llama Design Drive highlights include workshops and mentorship sessions and strategic partnerships with industry thought leaders.
The program by Meta and Startupbootcamp hopes to bridge the gap between established companies and the dynamic AI startup sector. To that end, Llama Design Drive will promote the use of Meta’s open-source large language model, Llama 3.1, helping companies develop products that tackle “real-world challenges in mobility, aviation, energy distribution, retail, and real estate”.
Startups recruited into the Llama Design Drive program will get the opportunity to be fast-tracked into a global initiative sponsored by Meta and have the chance to win up to $500,000 to support future product development.
“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,” explained Ibrahim “Abe” Seksek, CEO MENA at Startupbootcamp.
Also Read: The Most AI-Proof Career Opportunities In The Middle East
“The whole world is excited to see how AI can add value to people’s lives,” added Joulan Abdul Khalek, Policy Programs Manager, Africa Middle East and Turkey 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”.
The MENA region — and the Middle East in particular — is ideally positioned for AI sector dominance, with both governments and businesses scrambling to adopt advanced technologies. In real terms, the Middle East as a whole is expected to reap 2% of the total worldwide benefits of AI by 2030, with annual growth surging to 20-34% across the region.
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Ericsson And e& Join Forces To Bring Superfast 5G To Egypt
The partnership aims to deliver fast, reliable connectivity to private users and enterprises while supporting cross-sector digital innovation.
At GITEX GLOBAL 2024, Ericsson and e& Egypt announced a groundbreaking partnership to roll out 5G technology across Egypt, promising users enhanced connectivity with faster speeds, reduced latency, and expanded bandwidth. The collaboration will cater to the growing demand for advanced mobile services for both consumers and enterprises alike.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will deliver its energy-efficient 5G product suite to establish the new network. This comprehensive 5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN) portfolio, implemented through the Ericsson Radio System, is designed to support diverse traffic conditions and site types. It aims to provide reliable performance as networks grow across mobile generations, equipping Egypt with a stable, high-capacity infrastructure to foster digital innovation.
The adoption of 5G is expected to provide Egyptians with seamless connectivity and increased network resilience. The expanded bandwidth and lower latency brought by this new infrastructure will support not only faster internet for users but also enhance industry operations and contribute to society as a whole.
“We are thrilled to bring 5G to Egypt with our technology partner, Ericsson. Through this partnership, e& Egypt will be able to provide faster connectivity speeds, larger bandwidth, and lag-free user experience to our customers, unlocking many opportunities for consumers and enterprises,” said Amr Fathy, Chief Technology and Information Officer of e& Egypt. “With Ericsson’s cutting-edge 5G solutions, we are paving the way for a more connected and innovative future for Egypt”.
Also Read: Wi-Fi 7, The Next Generation Of Wireless Internet, Is Here
Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit for e& at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, also reflected on the longstanding collaboration: “Our storied partnership with e& Egypt dates back nearly two decades, with two generational shifts in mobile technology. Like previous generational shifts, our ambition with 5G is to extend e& Egypt’s technology position”.
Ericsson and e& Egypt have collaborated successfully for years, achieving notable milestones in network innovation, customer experience, and sustainable development.