Meta And Startupbootcamp Launch Llama Design Drive 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 edition of the Llama Design Drive, a three-month program targeting early-stage startups across the MENA launched by global technology company Meta in partnership with the global network of startup accelerators, Startupbootcamp.

The program will provide startups with the tools to build agentic artificial intelligence (AI) applications—autonomous assistants and chatbots that solve real-world problems—using Meta’s open-source Llama models. Startups accepted into the program will receive technical mentorship from Meta’s engineering teams and AI experts, business development support, and up to US$25,000 in Amazon Web Services (AWS) compute credits to power the development of AI agents tailored to regional priorities.

Additionally, participating startups will gain access to pathways for global exposure, and may be fast-tracked into Meta’s global ecosystem, where they may qualify for additional funding, partnerships, and scaling support.  

In a statement, Joulan Abdul Khalek, Policy Programs Manager at Meta, said, "At Meta, we believe in the transformative power of open-source AI. Through Llama Design Drive, we're co-creating it with the region's most promising founders, building AI agents that reflect the priorities, challenges, and opportunities of the MENA region." 

Hani Murad, CEO of Startupbootcamp, added, "From conversational healthcare bots to digital tutors and public service assistants, agentic AI is uniquely positioned to unlock regional potential. We've seen startups in our past cohorts deliver impactful solutions, and this year we're doubling down on that vision." 

Now in its second year, Llama Design Drive targets founders addressing challenges across sectors such as mobility, aviation, healthcare, education, energy, public services, and retail.  

In addition to intensive workshops, 1:1 guidance, and capacity-building sessions, participating startups will gain early access to real-world industry problem statements and co-design opportunities with program partners. They will receive ongoing guidance to develop, deploy, and scale agentic AI products for their markets.  

To qualify, startups must be based in or actively serving markets within the MENA region and should be developing AI-powered solutions that either leverage Meta’s Llama models or are open to adopting them. Eligible solutions must also demonstrate a clear and measurable social or economic impact. 

Llama Design Drive 2024 attracted over 200 applications from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and saw 43 startups selected across two cohorts. 2024 cohort winners included Indigo Hive, Transcend Technologies, and Carbon Sifr from the UAE, and Labib Technologies and Mugafi from Saudi Arabia. Previous program partners include industry leaders such as Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA), Chalhoub Group, Emirates Airline, Dubai Holding, and MBC Group. 

The 2025 cohort will culminate with the Llama Summit, where selected startups will showcase their agentic AI solutions to regional stakeholders, potential partners, and global audiences. 

Applications for the Llama Design Drive 2025 will be accepted until May 22, 2025, and interested candidates may apply here.  

Pictured in the lead image is the 2024 cohort of Llama Design Drive. Photo courtesy Meta and Startupbootcamp.