Meta partners with Startupbootcamp to launch AI accelerator program helping startups build intelligent solutions in Dubai

Meta has teamed up with Startupbootcamp, a renowned startup accelerator, to launch a new edition of the Llama Design Drive program.

This exciting initiative, based in Dubai, UAE, is set to empower startups across the MENA region to create cutting-edge AI applications that can tackle real-world challenges.

Empowering Startups with Tools and Mentorship

The Llama Design Drive program spans three months and focuses on helping startups build advanced agentic AI applications, such as intelligent assistants and chatbots, using Meta’s Llama models.

These open-source, multimodal large language models will be the foundation for addressing key regional challenges in sectors like mobility, healthcare, aviation, energy, retail, education, and public services.

Startups participating in the program will gain valuable resources, including mentorship from industry experts, technical guidance from Meta’s engineering team, and compute credits to help develop their AI solutions.

A Platform for Regional Innovation

The program will culminate in the Llama Summit, where selected startups will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions to a global audience.

In addition to the technical and mentorship support, participants will receive up to $25K in AWS credits for developing compute-intensive products, further enhancing their ability to scale and deploy their AI solutions in the local market.

Founders will also engage in intensive workshops, capacity-building sessions, and ongoing guidance to refine their products and bring them to market.

Collaborating with Industry Leaders

Meta and Startupbootcamp are collaborating with major industry players to design real-world challenges that will guide the program.

Previous partners have included the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Chalhoub Group, Dubai Holding, Emirates Airline, and MBC Group, ensuring that the startups are tackling problems that truly matter to the region.

Building on Past Success

The Llama Design Drive builds on the success of its 2024 edition, which saw over 200 startup applications from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The program selected 43 startups across two cohorts—30 from the UAE and 13 from Saudi Arabia—focusing on areas like sustainability, content creation, accessibility, and predictive analytics.

Notable winners included startups like Indigo Hive, Transcend Technologies, and Carbon Sifr from the UAE, and Labib Technologies and Mugafi from Saudi Arabia.

What’s Next for Meta and Startupbootcamp?

As the partnership continues to grow, this year’s edition of the Llama Design Drive promises to support even more startups in developing impactful AI solutions.

With the backing of a global network of mentors, partners, and investors, participants are set to make significant strides in shaping the future of AI in the MENA region.

Meta, the company behind Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, continues to push the envelope in fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.