INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Software for Business
Flapmax and Intel launch FAST Accelerator programme for African startups offering AI on Azure
Flapmax . com , an artificial intelligence company , announced strategic partnership with Intel , to foster AI innovation and drive economic empowerment in Africa . The collaboration will provide technology access , training , mentorship , and funding opportunities to entrepreneurs in emerging markets , starting with Africa , through the FAST Accelerator programme .
FAST is designed to help startups that are building cloud-based and AI-enabled products and services supporting Africa ’ s communities , companies , and governments .
“ Flapmax has been working with Intel to develop sustainable digital solutions that readily expand AI accessibility in underserved communities , and we are excited to build on our momentum with the FAST Accelerator programme ,” said Dr Dave Ojika , Founder and CEO of Flapmax .
“ Bridging the knowledge gap in technological advancement is key to creating meaningful social impact . Through this partnership with Intel , Flapmax will bring cutting-edge technology and advanced curricula , including generative AI , robotics , and deep tech , to innovators in Africa and other technologically underserved communities .”
Programme participants will collaborate closely with Intel through extensive mentorship and coaching , ranging from coinnovation projects to sales and marketing support and go-to-market enablement to expand their reach to a broader audience . Members of the Flapmax engineering team will help startups apply new Intel-optimised AI hardware and software solutions as well as scale and fine-tune their AI models on Microsoft Azure cloud platform .
Participants will benefit from additional benefits , including Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub , up to $ 150,000 of cloud credits and Azure OpenAI , including ChatGPT , DALL · E 2 , and other Large Language Models releases , as well as access to Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 developer sandboxes .
Created by Flapmax in partnership with Microsoft , FAST Accelerator combines business development , AI integration , funding , and community building opportunities designed to enable startups to scale more rapidly and sustainably . More than 800 startups from 25 + countries applied to join the inaugural programme .
Startup vendors are encouraged to apply to this year ’ s FAST Accelerator programme . The top startup participants will embark on an enriching five-week programme in Silicon Valley , California , forging relationships with industry experts , potential investors , and global partners through Flapmax ’ s vibrant ecosystem of over 600 corporate partners .
“ Intel ’ s mission to shape the future of computing and enable a more intelligent , connected , and productive world aligns perfectly with Flapmax ’ s vision to bring AI technology to all aspects of life , inclusive of underserved populations in Africa and other emerging markets ,” said Michael Campbell , General Manager , Education Client Division , Intel Corporation .
“ The partnership with Flapmax will greatly accelerate AI adoption for these communities , driving scalable business growth , optimised operations , and contributing to a more sustainable world .” p
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