Google Offers $4 Million to Palestinian Startups

Google is offering $4 million in financial assistance to early-stage startups and small businesses in Palestine, the company announced on its blog yesterday. ^[1]

 The Big Tech company will provide loans and grants to 1,000 small businesses in Palestine in coordination with local and global non-profits. The funds can be used for inventory, equipment, or to cover operating costs. Google will provide seed grants to 50 tech startups that currently operate in Palestine. Businesses can apply for the grants through local organizations that support entrepreneurs. 

In July 2023, Google launched the Palestine Launchpad program, which aims to address gaps in talent and employment in Palestine. ^[2]    

Palestine's nascent tech industry in Gaza and the West Bank has been largely decimated by the ongoing war in Gaza. In response, the tech community has become increasingly vocal about the need to support tech workers. In early January, a coalition of 40 founders, engineers, product managers, community builders, investors, and tech employees formed Tech for Palestine, an initiative to promote a free Palestine and end tech's support for the Israel war on Gaza and the West Bank. Almost a week later, OpenAI chief Sam Altman called on the tech community to support Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian tech workers, many of whom are afraid to speak out about their experiences out of fear of retaliation. 

Also this month, the Palestine Technopark launched the Palestine Diaspora Network--a global coalition of Palestinian professionals that aims to channel their collective expertise to create positive change in Palestine's technology and innovation sectors.