GOOGLE has unveiled the first cohort for its groundbreaking ‘Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First’ programme in Africa. This inaugural group comprises 11 innovative startups harnessing the power of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence to tackle critical challenges faced not only on the continent but also globally.
Over the next 10 weeks, these selected startups will embark on an enriching accelerator journey that offers them access to Google’s extensive AI expertise. The programme includes an array of valuable resources, such as $350,000 in Google Cloud Credits, mentorship from industry experts, technical guidance, and exclusive networking opportunities.
The chosen startups for the programme are as follows:
- Avalon Health (South Africa): Simplifies online healthcare access for patients and provides digital tools to enhance doctor care.
- Chatbots Africa (Ghana): Empowers SMEs with AI-driven online storefronts, ushering them into the Social Commerce era.
- Dial Afrika Inc (Kenya): Customizes customer support tools tailored to the needs of global businesses, with a particular focus on African SMBs.
- Famasi Africa (Nigeria): Pioneers the development of the operating system (OS) for pharmacies in emerging markets.
- Fastagger Inc (Kenya): Utilizes AI to amplify sales and enhance customer loyalty for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- Garri Logistics (Ethiopia): Digitizes freight brokerage and transport services to streamline operations.
- Izifin (Nigeria): Offers an end-to-end credit infrastructure via API to support small businesses.
- Lengo AI (Senegal): Introduces the first Data-Driven OS designed for the Informal Sector.
- Logistify AI (Uganda): Focuses on minimizing inventory losses in industrial facilities through AI-driven solutions.
- Telliscope (Ethiopia): Provides an AI-enabled business intelligence platform for data-driven insights.
- Vzy (Nigeria): Revolutionizes website building with AI-driven tools, enabling rapid site creation.
Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa, expressed Google’s unwavering commitment to simplifying AI innovation and making it scalable for startups. These chosen startups, each leveraging AI to address local and global challenges, will receive support from Google to amplify their impact.
Adeola Ayoola, CEO/Co-founder of Famasi Africa (Nigeria), underscored the significance of joining the programme, expressing confidence that it will facilitate the scaling of AI-powered digital health solutions and ultimately improve healthcare outcomes.
Google’s support for African startups dates back to 2017, with these initiatives collectively raising a remarkable $263 million and generating over 2,800 job opportunities, highlighting Google’s enduring dedication to fostering innovation and economic growth in the region.