11 African Startups to benefits from Google AI First Programme
Google on Thursday said the inaugural cohort of its “Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First” program will include 11 African businesses.
The 11 firms were chosen from a large pool of creative talent utilizing state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to a statement from the head of the startup ecosystem for Africa, Folarin Aiyegbusi.
According to him, these start-ups deployed cutting-edge AI to solve both the problems in Africa and more general global problems.
Aiyegbusi stated that in addition to receiving $350,000 in Google Cloud Credits and access to Google’s AI expertise, the 11 chosen businesses will participate in a 10-week accelerator program.
He said that networking possibilities, technical advice, and mentoring sessions will help the entrepreneurs expand their audience and influence.
“Google has been working on AI for over a decade, and has shown how useful AI is in our products and for developers.
“AI is not only a powerful enabler, it is also a major platform shift. Which is why Google is focused on making it easy and scalable for others to innovate with AI.
‘”Our chosen startups for the ‘AI First’ programme embody this vision, leveraging AI in pioneering ways to address both local and global challenges.
“The transformative power of AI in Africa is highlighted by a McKinsey report which suggests that AI could add $1.3 trillion to Africa’s Gross Domestic Product by 2030,’’ he said.
He claims that since 2017, Google has regularly helped entrepreneurs in Africa through a variety of initiatives.
According to him, these firms had raised $263 million overall and produced nearly 2,800 new jobs.
Adeola Ayoola, Co-Founder of one of the chosen start-ups from Nigeria, Famasi Africa, commented on the choice, saying that Famasi Africa was growing AI-powered digital health solutions to reach more underserved populations.
Joining the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program, according to Ayoola, was a big step in realizing that ambition.
‘’With Google’s mentorship, we are confident of scaling our solutions, reaching more pharmacies, and ultimately improving healthcare outcomes.”
Co-founder, Dial Afrika, Kenya, Japheth Dibo, said that Dial Afrika was revolutionising customer support in Africa with cutting-edge AI-powered solutions.
Dibo said that being selected for the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First programme would allow the startup leverage advanced AI technology to make its vision a reality.
“With this support and mentorship, we aim to revolutionise customer support and equip businesses across the African continent with the tools to thrive and excel,” he said.
The selected startups include Avalon Health, South Africa; Chatbots Africa, Ghana; Dial Afrika Inc, Kenya; Famasi Africa, Nigeria; Fastagger Inc, Kenya; Garri Logistics, Ethiopia; Lengo AI, Senegala and Izifin, Nigeria among others.
