Zain Group has announced the regional expansion of its flagship startup accelerator, Zain Great Idea (ZGI) 2025, which will now be open to innovators and entrepreneurs in Iraq for the first time in its 15-year history. The move marks a significant boost for the Iraqi startup ecosystem, providing local founders with unprecedented access to a global network, mentorship, and potential capital.
A Gateway to Silicon Valley for Iraqi Founders
The expansion means that Iraqi startups now have a direct pathway to participate in one of the region’s most established accelerator programs. A selected shortlist of up to 15 startups from the six participating countries will be flown to Silicon Valley for an intensive two-week international program, receiving expert guidance from mentors and industry leaders. The initiative is powered by Zain Ventures, the Group’s venture capital arm, and ZainTECH, its regional digital solutions enterprise.
A Legacy of Success and a Commitment to the Region
Since its launch in 2010, Zain Great Idea has become a powerful force in the regional entrepreneurial scene. The program has upskilled over 7,000 entrepreneurs and has helped its participating startups raise $135 million in funding from regional investors over the past five years alone.
“Expanding ZGI across our footprint is a natural evolution of our commitment to nurturing regional talent and driving meaningful change,” said Bader Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice-Chairman and Group CEO. “Through the collaborative efforts of ZGI, Zain Ventures and ZainTECH, we aim to support startups that have the potential to have a marked and lasting impact on technological innovation and job creation across the region.”
Strategic Support from Zain Ventures and ZainTECH
The expansion provides a multi-layered support system for Iraqi startups. Zain Ventures will be actively looking to invest in and capitalize on the most promising startups from the program. Meanwhile, ZainTECH will work closely with the selected startups, providing strategic advisory and technical support in areas like Cloud, AI, and other emerging technologies to help them grow.
Looking Ahead
The arrival of a major, well-funded corporate accelerator like ZGI signals growing international confidence in the Iraqi startup scene. It provides a much-needed platform for local innovators in sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and AI to scale their businesses and connect with the global market. Applications for the program are open until September 20, 2025.
Source: Iraq Business News
