The Fast Accelerator program aims to bolster Africa’s digital ecosystem by supporting startups on their journey to growth and expansion.

After conducting a 2-week Online Bootcamp with over 60 tech companies and experienced mentors, the FAST Accelerator’s 12 chosen startups will proceed to a comprehensive 5-week acceleration experience in Silicon Valley, California, starting in October.

Microsoft is a key partner in this endeavor, recognizing the potential of African startups and SMEs in contributing to the continent’s digital economy. Mame-Fatou Gueye, SME Program Manager at Microsoft Africa Transformation Office, emphasized the significance of African entrepreneurs in addressing local societal and economic challenges.

The FAST Accelerator program received an overwhelming response, with over 1200 applications from 35 African countries spanning various industries such as Financial Services, Healthcare, Agriculture, Transportation & Logistics, Clean Technology & Energy, and Creative Media & Entertainment. These applicants offered cloud-based solutions harnessing AI to drive innovation and efficiency while addressing critical challenges.

Dr. Dave Ojika, founder and CEO of Flapmax, highlighted their mission to create impactful AI-driven solutions and facilitate global-scale growth opportunities for African startups, SMEs, and enterprises through partnerships with Microsoft and Intel.

The FA23 cohort, selected based on their readiness to scale within Africa and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), comprises diverse startups from various sectors:

1. Zeeh Africa: AI-powered open banking platform
2. Sumundi: Intelligent eCommerce platform
3. Cotrust Equity: Micro-lending platform
4. Trucki: AI-powered haulage infrastructure
5. Orange VFX: Animation and visual effects studio
6. 10mg Pharma: AI-driven medication cost savings
7. Wallx: Payment and business solution for small businesses
8. Moosbu: SME empowerment with AI
9. KCG Aquatec Fish Farming: Sustainable aquaculture infrastructure
10. Aibanc: AI-powered banking for high earners
11. Zendawa Africa: Enabling online sales for neighborhood pharmacies
12. Greenbii: AI-driven asset financing and software management

Starting from October 23, the FA23 cohort will embark on various activities, including training, AI integration, business development, fundraising, and more. Intel and Microsoft will collaborate with these startups on co-innovation projects, providing sales and marketing support and enabling go-to-market strategies. Additionally, the Flapmax engineering team will assist in optimizing Large Language AI models on Microsoft Azure and Intel platforms.

Flapmax has also introduced the FAST Portal, a digital matching platform designed to connect investors with startups within the FAST Accelerator community, facilitating introductions and collaborations to empower entrepreneurs and innovators in underserved markets.

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With Africa as the first point of contact, the alliance seeks to provide entrepreneurs in emerging markets with access to technology, training, mentorship, and funding opportunities through the innovative FAST Accelerator program.

The FAST Accelerator program, jointly developed by Flapmax and Microsoft, offers a comprehensive suite of services including business development, AI integration, funding, and community building opportunities. 

Designed to propel startups towards sustainable growth, the program received an overwhelming response, with over 800 startups from 25+ countries vying for a spot in the inaugural cohort.

Dr. Dave Ojika, Founder and CEO of Flapmax, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing commitment to expanding AI accessibility in underserved communities. He believes that bridging the knowledge gap in technological advancement is crucial to creating meaningful social impact. 

Through this collaboration with Intel, Flapmax seeks to equip innovators in Africa and other technologically underserved regions with cutting-edge technology and advanced curricula, including generative AI, robotics, and deep tech.

Intel’s General Manager of Education Client Division, Michael Campbell, praised the alignment of their mission with Flapmax’s vision. Intel’s focus on shaping the future of computing and driving intelligent, connected, and productive solutions perfectly complements Flapmax’s efforts to democratize AI technology and make it accessible to all aspects of life, including underserved populations in Africa and other emerging markets.

The FAST Accelerator program offers participants a unique opportunity to scale rapidly and sustainably. Top startups selected for the program will embark on an enriching five-week journey in Silicon Valley, California, where they will interact with industry experts, potential investors, and global partners within Flapmax’s extensive ecosystem of over 600 corporate partners.

Intel will play a crucial role in supporting program participants through extensive mentorship and coaching. They will collaborate closely with the startups, engaging in co-innovation projects, providing sales and marketing support, and enabling successful go-to-market strategies to reach a broader audience.

Moreover, the Flapmax engineering team will assist startups in applying Intel-optimized AI hardware and software solutions and fine-tuning their AI models on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. As part of the program, participants will benefit from additional perks, including cloud credits from Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub (up to $150,000) and access to Azure OpenAI, featuring ChatGPT, DALL·E 2, and other Large Language Models (LLM) releases. Additionally, participants will gain access to Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 developer sandboxes.

With this robust partnership between Flapmax and Intel, the future of AI adoption in underserved communities looks promising. The program’s comprehensive support, cutting-edge technologies, and invaluable mentorship will undoubtedly pave the way for scalable business growth, optimized operations, and a more sustainable world. Aspiring startup leaders are encouraged to apply to this year’s FAST Accelerator program and seize the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the AI landscape.

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