Zain, a leading telecom operator in the Middle East and Africa, has officially launched the first regional edition of its flagship accelerator program, Zain Great Idea (ZGI). This significant expansion marks a new chapter for one of the region’s most established startup platforms, opening participation to entrepreneurs in Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The initiative aims to provide emerging tech companies with unparalleled opportunities for growth, mentorship, and global exposure.
A New Regional Mandate
For over 15 years, Zain Great Idea was an exclusive program within the Kuwaiti market. This year’s regional launch represents a landmark shift, underscoring Zain’s commitment to fostering technological innovation and entrepreneurship across the broader MENA ecosystem. The new vision seeks to empower a wider pool of founders to develop impactful, sustainable business models and prepare them for both regional and international competition.
Intensive Training and Expert Guidance
The program’s initial phase kicked off with a series of intensive training bootcamps for the participating entrepreneurs. These sessions were led by a curated group of international, regional, and local experts who provided deep dives into strategic pillars crucial for startup success, including marketing, finance, operations, and digital transformation. The curriculum is designed to accelerate the growth trajectory of the startups and equip them to enter new markets with confidence and efficiency.
Strategic Support from Zain Ventures and ZainTECH
This year’s program is significantly bolstered by the active involvement of Zain’s corporate arms. Zain Ventures, the company’s venture capital fund, will be actively scouting for promising investment opportunities among the participating startups. Concurrently, ZainTECH, the regional digital and ICT solutions provider, will offer strategic support to the selected companies. This includes providing access to advanced solutions in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and other cutting-edge technologies to enhance their business operations and scalability, particularly for those chosen for the program’s Silicon Valley immersion trip.
Jordan Kicks Off Local Selections
Zain Jordan, through its ZINC innovation platform, spearheaded the program’s rollout in the kingdom. After a competitive selection process that attracted 120 applicants, 17 startups were chosen to join the initial local phase. The intensive training focused on refining business models and perfecting investor pitches. The local stage concluded with a pitch day before a distinguished judging panel that included Tamer Al-Salah, General Manager of Endeavor Jordan; Tambi Jalouqa, Founder and General Partner at Maza Ventures; Saad Al-Jasser, Digital Investment Manager at Zain Ventures; and Ahmed Ibrahim, Head of Entrepreneurship at Zain Jordan.
About Zain Great Idea
Zain Great Idea (ZGI) is one of the MENA region’s longest-running and most successful startup accelerator programs. Launched by Zain, the initiative is designed to identify, nurture, and accelerate promising technology startups. Through intensive bootcamps, expert mentorship, and international exposure, including a trip to Silicon Valley, ZGI empowers entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and compete on a global stage. The 2025 edition marks its first expansion to a regional format, welcoming participants from six countries.
Source: Shaab News