Here Is The MENAT's Inaugural Cohort For Google's "AI First"

Google has revealed the 15 artificial intelligence(AI)-focused startups that make up the inaugural cohort from the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) for its Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program.

The program's launch event, held at the Dubai Future Foundation Auditorium, highlighted startups applying AI in fields like healthcare, agriculture, sustainability, finance, and accessibility. 

The 10-week equity-free hybrid program has been designed for AI startups ranging from the seed to Series A stages. It will offer the selected startups access to Google’s technology, a network of industry professionals, and a community of entrepreneurs. 

Here is an overview of the startups:

• Biliki.AI: Supports eco-conscious travelers with AI-driven travel recommendations aimed at reducing carbon footprints.

• Craniocatch: Provides AI tools for dentistry, automating diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient follow-up through X-ray analysis to improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Deepecho: Offers technology to enhance prenatal care, making fetal ultrasound more accessible to healthcare providers and mothers.

• Egrobots: Utilizes AI and autonomous robots to provide precision agriculture tools, aimed at improving farming practices in the region.

• Enable Tech: Delivers an AI-based, no-code B2B SaaS platform that integrates physical and digital commerce for enhanced business experiences.

• EyeCheckup: Uses AI for non-invasive detection of eye, heart, and kidney diseases, making essential health screenings more accessible.

• Forest Hero: Applies predictive analytics and monitoring to support forest productivity and health.

• FortyGuard: Uses AI to provide temperature data for urban cooling, offering tailored solutions for cities.

• Lucidya: Delivers a platform with natural language processing capabilities to support customer experience management.

• MLnetworks: Provides telecommunications companies with an AI-based data platform to assist in designing, operating, and optimizing networks.

• SDM: Aids healthcare providers in improving chronic disease diagnosis and detection through AI.

• Smart Bricks: Develops an AI tool to assist in more informed real estate purchasing decisions.

• StrategyConnect: Offers accessible advisory services for businesses through an AI-supported consulting platform.

• VAIS: Supplies farmers with AI tools to address climate change and water scarcity, aiming to improve agricultural practices.

• WeAccess.Ai: Creates digital tools that use AI to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities or special needs.

At the event, Anthony Nakache, Managing Director of Google MENA, spoke on AI’s impact in the region, while also emphasizing Google’s commitment to startups leveraging AI to create meaningful solutions. “As we witness the potential of AI to shape industries and economies worldwide, the Middle East and North Africa stand at a pivotal juncture," he said. "With the UAE leading the charge, the region is positioned to use AI to support innovation, economic growth, and societal progress." 

In addition, Baris Yesugey, Google's Head of Accelerator and Startup Ecosystem, MENA-T, noted that the program's support will center on practical problem-solving and growth strategies to help the startups reach their goals. "The goal is to help the cohort develop and scale to their full potential," Yesugey said. "Our comprehensive support will focus on problem-solving, refining business strategies, and identifying new avenues for growth and development”.