Google Opens Applications for Its 2026 MENA Startup Accelerator

Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of the Google for Startups Accelerator: Middle East, North Africa programme, a ten-week, equity-free accelerator aimed at Seed to Series A startups building scalable, technology-driven products across the region. The application deadline is the 30th of January 2026, with the programme set to begin in April and conclude with a demo day in June.

The accelerator targets startups with clear market traction and a strong technical foundation, particularly those working with artificial intelligence and machine learning. Selected companies typically have a defensible growth model, a sizeable addressable market, and an engaged technical leadership team able to commit time to the programme’s core sessions. Each cohort brings together around 10 to 15 startups from across the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and neighbouring markets.

Over the ten weeks, participating founders work closely with Google engineers, product specialists and external industry mentors to tackle specific technical and business challenges. The format blends remote and in-person sessions, combining one-to-one mentoring, group workshops and focused sprint projects. Alongside technical problem-solving, the programme includes practical deep dives into product design, customer acquisition and founder leadership.

Startups accepted into the accelerator receive equity-free support for the duration of the programme, along with access to Google’s global expert network. Eligible participants can apply for Google Cloud credits, gain early access to selected Google AI products through trusted tester and early access programmes, and receive short-term access to Cloud TPUs to support machine learning research and development.