ISLAMABAD: Google has announced the launch of a new program called the AI Academy to aid the growth of artificial intelligence startups in Pakistan and the Asia-Pacific, a press release said on Monday.
The move is aimed at sparking new cross-border innovations and partnerships that would allow the exchange of ideas, expertise, and resources to accelerate the development of AI solutions, helping the APAC region become a “global hub” for AI development, Google’s PR agency said in a press release.
“Google for Startups has today introduced a new program called AI Academy to help and accelerate the growth of artificial intelligence startups in Pakistan and the APAC region,” the press release said. “The program will bring together more than 20 startups that are developing AI-based technologies.”
The AI Academy would get access to Google’s global AI experts for individual guidance and support and a Google Cloud Credit of up to $350,000 would also be added to the account of the startup for the promotion of AI development and experimentation. The press release said opportunities to network and collaborate with other AI startups in the region would also be provided.
Google said the AI Academy was designed to fast-track startups to market so they could develop a “proof of concept” and product roadmap, rapidly validating their artificial intelligence solutions. The accelerated process “will not only accelerate their path to success but also demonstrate the tangible value of their innovation in the field of artificial intelligence.”
Google Pakistan Country Director Farhan S Qureshi said the new AI Academy program was a testament to Google’s commitment to promoting the development of artificial intelligence across Asia-Pacific.
“With Pakistan being an important market, we hope that local startup companies will take advantage of this opportunity to improve their AI solutions and further strengthen the AI ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.
The press release concluded that the application for the program could be submitted until August 16.
