Announcing the newest cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator: Middle East, North Africa & Turkey

Overview

Google has announced the newest cohort of its Startups Accelerator program for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey, featuring 15 AI-first startups. The program, starting June 1, aims to support these companies with tailored mentorship and resources to navigate regional challenges and drive digital growth.

Key Takeaways

The new cohort includes 15 startups focusing on AI-driven solutions across various sectors.
The program offers over three months of intensive technical support and mentorship from Google experts.
The previous cohort achieved significant milestones, including a startup that closed a $9.2 million Series A funding round.
Startups will receive training on AI security, generative design, and strategic business modeling.
The accelerator aims to foster resilience and innovation in the MENA-T region.

Stats & Key Facts

#15 startups selected for the new cohort
#230 hours of mentorship provided to the previous cohort
#80% faster operations achieved by COGNNA after program participation
#$9.2 million Series A funding raised by COGNNA

Announcing the newest cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator: Middle East, North Africa & Turkey

Introduction to the Accelerator Program

Google's Accelerator program is designed to support startups in high-growth markets.

›Focuses on AI-First startups in the MENA-T region.
›Aims to help founders thrive in challenging environments.
›The new cohort begins on June 1, 2026.

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible. In the MENA-T region, this mission is fulfilled by supporting startups that leverage AI technology to build innovative solutions. The latest cohort consists of 15 selected companies that will participate in a comprehensive three-month program.

Meet the New Cohort

The selected startups are tackling various challenges with innovative AI solutions.

›BioTwin: Creates virtual twins from health data.
›Coral: Automates sustainability processes.
›Hakeem: Provides real-time clinical guidance.
›Repzo: Transforms field data into natural language reports.

Each startup in the cohort brings unique solutions to the table. For instance, BioTwin utilizes health data to create virtual twins that help in risk detection, while Coral focuses on automating sustainability processes to enhance efficiency. These companies represent a diverse range of sectors, showcasing the potential of AI in addressing real-world challenges.

Curriculum and Support

The accelerator program offers a robust curriculum tailored to startup needs.

›Intensive technical support and stack audits.
›One-on-one mentorship from industry experts.
›Focus on AI security and generative design.

Starting June 1, the accelerator will provide a tailored curriculum designed to empower founders. This includes intensive technical support, comprehensive stack audits, and personalized mentorship sessions. The program emphasizes the importance of balancing advanced technical training with strategic business planning to ensure startups can scale effectively.

Impact of Previous Cohorts

The previous cohort set a benchmark for success in the region.

›14 AI-first startups participated in the last cohort.
›Achieved measurable growth and technical milestones.
›Notable success story: COGNNA's $9.2 million funding.

The previous cohort, which concluded in November 2025, achieved remarkable success. With 14 startups from 8 different countries, they received extensive mentorship that led to significant technical and business advancements. COGNNA, for example, improved its operational efficiency by 80% and secured a substantial $9.2 million Series A funding round, showcasing the accelerator's impact.

Looking Forward

The accelerator program aims to foster resilience and innovation in the MENA-T region.

›Focus on navigating geopolitical challenges.
›Encouraging sustainable digital growth.
›Support for startups to maintain momentum.

As the new cohort begins, the accelerator is committed to helping startups navigate the unique challenges posed by the region's geopolitical landscape. By providing additional resources and training, Google aims to foster sustainable digital growth and empower startups to maintain their momentum in an ever-changing environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Google for Startups Accelerator?

The Google for Startups Accelerator is a program designed to support early-stage startups with mentorship, resources, and training to help them grow and succeed.

When does the new cohort start?

The new cohort of the accelerator program starts on June 1, 2026.

How many startups are selected for the cohort?

This cohort includes 15 startups from various sectors focusing on AI-driven solutions.

What kind of support do startups receive?

Startups receive intensive technical support, one-on-one mentorship, and training on AI security and business modeling.

What were the results of the previous cohort?

The previous cohort achieved significant milestones, including a startup that improved operational efficiency by 80% and raised $9.2 million in funding.

The accelerator continues to drive innovation in the MENA-T region.