e27 has proudly assumed the role of Regional Programme Partner in the newly launched Meta AI Accelerator Programme. This marks a significant milestone in fostering technological innovation across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. e27’s involvement includes strategic planning, programme development, and proposal selection. In effect, this ensures startups receive the essential guidance to thrive in the competitive AI landscape. This collaboration builds on a five-year history of partnership with Meta, focused on various community initiatives that have established a robust relationship.

As part of its commitment to the Meta AI Accelerator Programme, e27 played a pivotal role in mentoring and judging 13 participating teams from diverse countries. e27 facilitated the careful curation of proposals. This ensured that only the most impactful ideas advanced. This also thereby highlighted innovations capable of transforming industries. 

The organisation orchestrated both online and hybrid pitch competitions. This offered a platform for emerging talents to showcase their innovations and fostered a sense of community among participants. During the pitch sessions, proposals demonstrated impressive use cases for Llama, Meta’s open-source AI model. This illustrated how AI can drive socio-economic change and tackle critical challenges in education, public services, and economic development. On pitch day, five mentors from e27’s leadership team provided invaluable feedback to refine proposals from a business perspective. This complemented the technical guidance from Deloitte and ensured comprehensive support for participants.

Also read: Meta launches AI Accelerator programme for APAC, announces Singapore incubator for 100 startups

The AI Accelerator Programme launch

Meta officially announced the AI Accelerator Programme on 3 October 2024 during the Meta APAC AI Accelerator Pitch Finals held in Singapore. The programme aims to empower startups in the APAC region to integrate Llama into their products. This provides participants with access to cutting-edge open-source models. This also gives them resources to foster innovation that shapes the next wave of technological advancements.

The launch event featured notable figures, including Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, and Meta President of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg. Their presence underscored the importance of this initiative within the broader context of AI development in Singapore and beyond.

Looking ahead: Incubator programme for Generative AI

During the event, Clegg unveiled plans for a Singapore-focused incubator programme. The programme is aimed at supporting 100 enterprises in enhancing their understanding of Generative AI and Llama. It will connect 20 selected participants with experts who will mentor them throughout the development and launch of Llama-powered solutions.

Philbert Gomez, Executive Director of Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), emphasised the programme’s alignment with Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0, which promotes AI development among businesses and startups. He stated, “Meta’s AI Incubator programme exemplifies Singapore’s commitment to cutting-edge technologies and innovation.”

Also read: How e27 helped empower APAC communities through Meta

Celebrating innovation

The event showcased submissions from over 720 companies and developers across the region, highlighting impactful use cases of Llama. Among the top finalists was Traversaal.ai from Pakistan, which secured the title of winner at the regional finals and a grant of US$100,000 for its groundbreaking work in creating a state-of-the-art Urdu Llama model. This innovation aims to connect 250 million Urdu speakers worldwide, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of AI technologies.

Hamza Farooq, the founder of Traversaal.ai, expressed his excitement: “It’s a great honour to represent Pakistan at this level, and we are extremely grateful to Meta for enabling us to turn our dreams into reality.” His sentiment reflects the aspirations of many entrepreneurs eager to leverage AI to address real-world problems.

Supporting the AI ecosystem

Meta continues to advance AI innovation through partnerships with governments and AI associations. The company recently introduced the Llama Impact Innovation Awards, recognising startups that utilise Llama to tackle social challenges. A notable recipient was AiSee, developed by the National University of Singapore. AiSee created an affordable wearable device to assist visually impaired individuals. Thus, this exemplifies how AI can make a tangible difference in lives.

During the event, Minister Teo and Clegg engaged in a fireside chat discussing responsible AI development and Singapore’s role in fostering AI innovation. Minister Teo highlighted the importance of collaborations with industry leaders like Meta in realising Singapore’s vision of AI for the Public Good.

Clegg remarked on the vibrant developer community in APAC and the supportive government environment, emphasising the importance of open-sourcing AI to broaden access and opportunities. “Open-sourcing AI ensures more people can access the opportunities that AI provides, and this is evident in the strong submissions we have received,” he stated.

A commitment to innovation with the Meta AI Accelerator Programme

Through its partnership with the Meta AI Accelerator Programme, e27 reaffirms its commitment to fostering innovation and empowering the next generation of AI solutions across the Asia Pacific region. This initiative not only strengthens the ecosystem of startups but also sets the stage for a future where AI can address pressing societal challenges.

As the programme unfolds, e27 looks forward to witnessing the transformative impact of these innovative projects. It also looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Meta to drive the next wave of technological advancements in the region. Together, they are not just shaping the future of AI. They are empowering a generation of entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality.

—

This article is produced by the e27 team.

We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Reach out to us here to get started.

The post Empowering innovation: e27 collaborates with Meta for the AI Accelerator Programme appeared first on e27.