15 startups will participate in the first cohort of the Microsoft GrowthX Accelerator program. They will work to co-create technology solutions with partners such as Etihad Airways, Unilever, Flow, IKEA, KPMG and Akbank. The startups will spend 12-weeks of virtual and physical workshops and training in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to Microsoft for Startups’ partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
Startups are now in the driver’s seat to fulfilling their potential says Roberto Croci, Managing Director, Microsoft for Startups, MEA. “Alongside our partners, we look forward to enabling our first cohort of B2B startups to compete at the highest level. And in hopes of transforming the region into a globally leading hub for technology and entrepreneurship.”
The accelerator program is designed to bridge the gap between corporates and B2B startups across the Middle East and Africa. By connecting startups with large corporations with specific problem statements they are looking to solve. The 12-week program will empower the B2B startups with technology, mentoring and market access.
GrowthX Accelerator startups
Here are the 15 startups from across the Middle East and Africa region participating in the Microsoft GrowthX Accelerator program.
Spitch – a global provider of B2B and B2C Conversational AI solutions.
Gener8 – enables users to control and be rewarded from their own data.
Poltio – helps the world’s top brands engage and learn from their users with interactive content.
Getbee – an ecommerce platform that engages with customers on a more human and immersive level.
OPLOG – a pioneer in e-logistics, simplifying the cost, time and resources for supply chain operations.
Fero – shaping the future of digital freight with technology to automate the logistics industry,
Urbantz – a SaaS solution to transform last mile delivery and logistics across industries.
Hi55 – a digital payroll scheme to empower individuals and businesses with cashflow.
Nym Card – provides dynamic and secure building blocks for building fast and easy card programs.
Artiwise – an AI and NLP startup that provides cloud-based analytics solutions to enterprises.
B2Brain – delivers tailored analytics to automate research and intelligence to improve conversations.
Alpha Sense – an intelligence platform that helps businesses make data-driven decisions.
NexDegree –enables brick & mortar retail stores to improve customer experience and sales.
Udentify – reduces the need for manmade market research, utilizing body tracking technologies.
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Check out other stories making the news in the technology ecosystem in Africa and the Middle East.
Microsoft is announcing that applications for its GrowthX Accelerator Program is now open to startups with ground-breaking solutions. The program under Microsoft for Startups initiative hopes to bridge the gap between corporates with challenges and startups with solutions.
It is part of a larger strategic partnership between Microsoft and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). To accelerate opportunities in the emirate for startups. The program will empower B2B startups with technology, mentoring and market access.
The GrowthX Accelerator Program will include 12-weeks of virtual and physical workshops and training. Mentorship from domain experts, technical support and guidance and social and alumni events. As well as a series of “demo days” and networking events. Where startups can showcase their visions to both venture capitalists and Microsoft’s regional customers.
“Startups are essential to any economy. They catalyse innovation and new technologies that drive tremendous impact for all. Abu Dhabi is focused on creating a nurturing environment for startups and acting as a launchpad for them to bring fresh ideas to life here, make the most of opportunities across the region and scale globally,” said H.E. Dr. Tariq Bin Hendi, Director General of ADIO. “As the founding partner of the GrowthX Accelerator, we are excited to work with Microsoft to unlock Abu Dhabi and the region’s rich economic potential. And empower these homegrown innovators with the tools they need in order to succeed in the new digital economy.”
Kindly click here to apply now or find out more about the Microsoft for Startups GrowthX Accelerator program. Application ends on the 7th of July 2021 with the cohort starting August to November 2021.
“Across the region, Microsoft customers across all industries and sizes are hungry for innovative solutions that will empower them to compete in what is now a truly global digital economy,” says Roberto Croci, Managing Director, Microsoft for Startups, MEA.
“The global Microsoft for Startups program was created to support the creators of these solutions and connect them with the technology and purposeful partnerships they need to succeed. Our work with Abu Dhabi Investment Office on the GrowthX Accelerator program will lay important groundwork for that vision in the region by working to transform Abu Dhabi and the region into a global technology and entrepreneurship hub.”
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Microsoft leaders meet with Nigeria tech innovators at a founders dinner in Lagos.
Microsoft for Startups team meets with innovators and leaders of technology organizations from across Nigeria that are “disrupting the way Nigerians experience payments, healthcare, transportation and education“.
The special drinks and dinner meetup brought together over forty innovators, founders and leaders in the Nigerian Tech ecosystem. The event was hosted by the Microsoft for Startups team and organized by TechCircle Nigeria.
Microsoft leaders at the event include, Microsoft Startup Advocacy lead and Cloud Developer Advocate, Simona Cotin, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana Country Manager, Akin Banuso and Gafar LawalMicrosoft Africa Development Center Managing Director.
Simona Cotin shared Microsoft’s desire to deepen its relationship with the emerging tech scene in Africa. As well as work with communities in the area.
The team visited Nigerian startups OPay Nigeria, Paystack, PiggyVest and Flutterwave earlier in the day. Learning about the developer ecosystem. Simona and other Microsoft advocates also spoke at Concatenate developer conference in Lagos, where Microsoft was a platinum sponsor.
In February 2018 Microsoft announced Microsoft for Startups. A new program and platform for startups to grow, build and connect. Giving qualified startups access to technology, market and a community.
Microsoft is celebrating seven years of its 4Afrika initiative in Africa. Noting it has supported over three hundred startups providing them with business development support, access to markets and potential customers.
What do you think about Microsoft’s move into the African Tech scene. Share your thoughts with us.
