Google has taken a bold step into a new era of fostering innovative solutions for global and local challenges, announcing the first 11 African startups for its inaugural ‘Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First’ program. This strategic initiative underscores the tech giant’s commitment to enhancing the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the continent.
The AI First Accelerator Program
The AI First Accelerator is a 10-week immersive journey where startups will delve deep into the world of AI, courtesy of Google’s unparalleled expertise. The participating startups will also be propelled by a robust $350k allocation in Google Cloud Credits. Furthermore, the program offers a wealth of mentorship sessions, tactical guidance, and networking opportunities aimed at magnifying their impact and market reach.
The Chosen Ones
The selected startups weaving the future of AI in Africa include:
- Dial Afrika Inc (Kenya): Crafting customer support tools tailored for global businesses, with a pivotal focus on African SMBs.
- Fastagger Inc (Kenya): Employing AI to skyrocket sales and loyalty, supporting the growth trajectory of MSMEs.
- Logistify AI (Uganda): Strategizing to minimize inventory losses in industrial facilities through intelligent solutions.
- Garri Logistics (Ethiopia): Digitizing freight brokerage and transport services, ensuring a streamlined logistics landscape.
- Telliscope (Ethiopia): Presenting an AI-enabled business intelligence platform, fostering data-driven decision-making.
- Chatbots Africa (Ghana): Pioneering the transition of SMEs into the Social Commerce epoch with AI-driven online storefronts.
- Famasi Africa (Nigeria): Developing a holistic OS for pharmacies in emerging markets, underpinned by AI.
- Izifin (Nigeria): Delivering comprehensive credit infrastructure via API for burgeoning small businesses.
- Vzy (Nigeria): Revolutionizing website building with intuitive, AI-driven tools that bring visions to life within minutes.
- Lengo AI (Senegal): Unveiling the first Data-Driven OS tailored for the Informal Sector, sparking a new wave of digital transformation.
- Avalon Health (South Africa): Scaling digital healthcare, enhancing patient-doctor interactions via innovative digital tools.
Looking Ahead
Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa, expressed enthusiasm and optimism for the future. He highlighted that “AI is not only a powerful enabler but also a major platform shift. We at Google are committed to ensuring it is easy and scalable for others to innovate with AI”.
This initiative by Google is indeed a significant stride towards realizing their vision of scaling AI-powered digital health solutions with the mentorship provided by the Google for Startups Accelerator. It’s an exciting time for African startups as they embark on this transformative expedition.
