DUBAI, 25th September 2024 (WAM) — Meta and the Dubai Future Foundation have announced the launch of the inaugural cohort of the Llama Design Drive, a regional AI accelerator powered by Startupbootcamp, aimed at corporates and startups throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
This first cohort features 22 startups alongside 8 AI development professionals dedicated to addressing significant industry challenges related to AI.
As a pioneering initiative, the program is designed to accelerate the creation of innovative AI solutions utilizing Meta’s open-source large language model, Llama 3.1. It aims to foster collaboration between startups and major corporations in the UAE, thereby significantly enhancing the AI ecosystem and aligning with the nation’s strategic goal of becoming a global leader in AI technology.
The Llama Design Drive’s first cohort will embark on a 4-week AI design sprint that connects cutting-edge AI startups with real-world business challenges posed by four prominent UAE companies: Emirates airline, The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Holding, and Chalhoub Group. Participants will gain access to complex business problems these companies face, allowing them to conceptualize, develop, and pitch AI-driven solutions that offer both commercial and social benefits, all while leveraging Meta’s open-source AI models.
Startups chosen for the Llama Design Drive will collaborate closely with Meta’s engineering teams and may be fast-tracked into a global program sponsored by Meta, potentially receiving up to $500,000 in funding to aid in the development of their AI products. This initiative aims not only to drive innovation but also to create tangible impact and reinforce the UAE’s status as a leader in the AI sector.
