Zain has successfully concluded the international acceleration phase of its award-winning Zain Great Idea (ZGI) tech startup program. Held in Silicon Valley, the global hub of entrepreneurship, the program brought together over 50 Kuwaiti tech startup entrepreneurs to explore cutting-edge advancements in flight safety, aeronautical information systems, and digital transformation.
The global acceleration phase provided an in-depth program featuring masterclasses, one-on-one consultations, and visits to major tech companies, aiming to give participants a hands-on experience in the startup ecosystem. Attendees were able to network with startup founders, pitch their ideas to investors, and gain valuable insights into the global digital landscape.
A key highlight of the journey was the visit to NVIDIA’s headquarters, where the participants met Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, whose leadership has driven the company to a $3.58 trillion market value. The visit allowed the Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to gain firsthand insights into AI technologies and how to integrate them into their startups for sustainable success.
The program also included visits to other influential companies and institutions, including IDEO, Stanford University, Berkeley, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), Google, SAP, and Zendesk. These visits provided valuable exposure to the innovation ecosystem, offering knowledge on enterprise software, AI, cloud solutions, and venture capital.
ZGI participants also engaged in masterclasses led by industry experts, covering topics ranging from market strategies, sales techniques, and human resources to financial modeling, AI product development, and pitching to investors. These sessions aimed to develop the participants’ skills and prepare them for successful business ventures.
In addition to acquiring knowledge and skills, participants presented their startups at the final business pitch event, utilizing the tools and expertise gained throughout the program. Startups such as BLU DOT, Akrem, MAWADA, DAWRATY, and Nextbite were among those presented, focusing on innovations in space access, secure tipping, gifting platforms, education, and dining experiences.
The ZGI program was launched in partnership with Rasameel Investment Company and has continued its mission for over 14 years, empowering Kuwait’s tech startup ecosystem and fostering innovation-driven growth. Zain’s commitment to supporting emerging businesses is a key aspect of its diversification and sustainable growth strategy in a competitive market.
Through its successful accelerator program, Zain aims to bridge the gap between Kuwait’s ambitious entrepreneurs and global tech ecosystems, positioning itself as a key player in fostering economic and social impact through innovation.
