Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit backed 11 startups across MENA, South Asia, and Hong Kong with $100,000 each, focusing on innovation in logistics, fintech, mobility, and more. The program supports Saudi Vision 2030, scaling solutions that address regional challenges while connecting founders to global markets and investment networks.
Algerian innovators dominated competitions at IATF-2025, with start-up Qareeb winning best technological innovation for its smart farming solution, while young entrepreneurs earned recognition in healthcare and women’s health projects. The results highlight Algeria’s growing role in Africa’s digital and entrepreneurial transformation.
MENA startups are attracting strong investor interest, with Intella ($12.5m Series A), WheelsOn ($12.5m), Munify ($3m), Seraya ($1.8m), Sheba Joy ($293k), Justyol ($1m), and Addvocate.AI securing new funding. Basata announced a $7m expansion plan, while QIA joined Anthropic’s $13bn Series F.
AyaHQ graduated eight startups at its Accra Demo Day after selecting from over 300 applicants across Africa. With grants, mentorship, and innovation hubs, AyaHQ supports blockchain entrepreneurs in building sustainable ventures while fostering indigenous wealth creation and reducing reliance on foreign aid.
Zain Group has expanded its flagship Zain Great Idea (ZGI 2025) accelerator to six regional markets for the first time. Powered by Zain Ventures and ZainTECH, the program offers mentorship, investment opportunities, and a Silicon Valley intensive to help startups in fintech, AI, and digital services scale globally.
StartUp Bahrain hosted its latest Pitch series with Tamkeen and partners, awarding Wajba first place and Jaras second. The event showcased innovative Bahraini startups across e-commerce, education, food tech, and fitness, supporting Tamkeen’s 2025 priorities of enterprise growth, digitization, and private sector competitiveness.
The 47th round of Egypt’s Start IT programme has selected eight startups across health-tech, education, logistics, fintech, and e-commerce. Each will receive EGP480,000 support, while the newly launched Start IT Perks platform provides discounted digital tools and services to enhance efficiency and scaling potential.
Hypeo AI, a Moroccan AI startup, has secured investment from Renew Capital to expand its automated influencer marketing platform. Known for creating Kenza Layli—the world’s first Miss AI 2024 winner—Hypeo AI will scale operations, onboard more creators, and diversify into wellness coaching, bridging African and global markets.
Coraly.ai has raised $2M in pre-seed funding led by Salica Oryx Fund to expand its AI-powered real estate automation platform. The Dubai startup plans to grow in Saudi Arabia, launch pilots in France and the US, and deepen AI capabilities to help agents cut time and close deals faster.
Morocco has entered the MENA startup top five after Ora Technologies’ $7.5 million raise pushed it past Egypt in July 2025. The month saw record funding of $783 million across the region, with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iraq leading. Morocco’s momentum highlights its growing role as a rising tech hub.