- Intel has joined forces with Nigerian AI training firm Flapmax to provide hardware, software, mentorship and skills to startups.
- These startups are those taking part in the Flapmax FAST Accelerator programme.
- Launched in July 2023, the next phase of the programme will see African startups take part in a wide-ranging AI training bootcamp.
A new partnership between international PC parts maker Intel and Nigerian artificial intelligence firm Flapmax helps bring advanced AI hardware and other solutions to participants of the Flapmax AI bootcamp, a programme looking to enable African startups to access the latest AI technologies.
Flapmax, which provides AI training to African entrepreneurs hopes that the collaboration will boost economic empowerment in emerging markets and foster innovation on a continent that many believed AI has left behind.
Together, the two firms are looking to provide technology access, training, mentorship, and funding opportunities to entrepreneurs through the FAST Accelerator program, an education initiative designed to help startups build cloud-based and AI-enabled products and services for Africa’s communities, companies, and governments.
In particular, Intel will provide AI hardware and software solutions, as well as scale and fine-tune its AI models on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, all for the benefit of participating startups in the FAST Accelerator.
The partnership with Intel and a previous one with Microsoft brings additional boons, 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: LLM releases), as well as access to Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 developer sandboxes.
“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, in a press release sent to Hypertext.
“The partnership with Flapmax will greatly accelerate AI adoption for these communities, driving scalable business growth, optimized operations, and contributing to a more sustainable world,” he enthuses.
Program participants will collaborate closely with Intel through mentorship and coaching, ranging from co-innovation projects to sales & marketing support and go-to-market enablement to expand their reach to a broader audience.
“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 program,” 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.”
The next edition of the Flapmax FAST Accelerator was set to begin in July, with over 800 startups showing interest in taking part, according to the training firm. As part of the Accelerator, the top 10 startups selected will have an opportunity to travel to Silicon Valley and get training from partner firms in the top echelon of tech.
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