Zain, a leading regional telecommunications operator, has officially launched the first phase of its newly expanded Zain Great Idea (ZGI) program, transforming its long-standing initiative into a regional powerhouse for tech startups. For the first time in its 15-year history, the accelerator is welcoming entrepreneurs from Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, marking a significant commitment to fostering innovation across the MENA region.
Intensive Bootcamp Gathers Global Expertise
The program kicked off with a series of intensive training bootcamps for participating entrepreneurs, bringing together an elite group of international, regional, and local experts. The initial weeks focused on strategic pillars crucial for startup growth, including marketing, finance, operations, and digital transformation. The curriculum was designed to equip founders with the skills needed to scale their businesses and confidently enter global markets.
Guidance was provided by a distinguished lineup of mentors, including Professor Paris de l’Etraz of Spain’s prestigious IE Business School, who also serves as the Managing Director of IE Venture Lab. Other key figures included Paul Marca, CEO of Parallax Global Advisors and former Associate Vice Provost at Stanford University; Gaelle Abou Abdo, a human resources and innovation expert and CEO of Ivy & Company; and Nourhan Al-Zan, founder of Noor Coaching, who has advised over 450 startups across six countries.
Strategic Expansion Across Six MENA Markets
The expansion represents a landmark evolution for the ZGI program, which was previously exclusive to the Kuwaiti market. This regional launch aims to provide entrepreneurs from six key MENA countries with unprecedented access to world-class mentorship, funding opportunities, and global experiences. In Kuwait, an introductory meeting connected participants with program partners, including executives from ZainTECH, Zain Ventures, and successful local founders, outlining the roadmap for the regional season.
Zain Ventures and ZainTECH Drive Program Growth
The regional program is heavily supported by two of the group’s key entities: Zain Ventures and ZainTECH. Zain Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm, will actively scout for promising investment opportunities among the participating startups. Concurrently, ZainTECH, the group’s regional digital and ICT solutions provider, will offer strategic support and advanced technology solutions—such as cloud computing, AI, and data analytics—to selected startups, particularly those chosen for the program’s Silicon Valley immersion trip.
About Zain Great Idea
Zain Great Idea (ZGI) is one of the region’s most established and successful startup accelerator programs. Launched by Zain, it is designed to identify, nurture, and accelerate the growth of promising technology startups. For over 15 years, the program has provided entrepreneurs with intensive training, mentorship from global experts, networking opportunities, and access to potential investment, empowering them to scale their businesses and compete on a regional and international level.
Source: Kuwait News
