Flapmax and Intel to Accelerate Artificial Intelligence Innovation in Africa through the FAST Accelerator program
Flapmax, a pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) firm, announced today a strategic alliance with Intel, the world’s leading technology corporation, to support AI innovation and economic empowerment in Africa. Through the FAST Accelerator program, the alliance will give technology access, training, mentorship, and investment options to entrepreneurs in emerging markets, beginning with Africa. FAST is intended to assist startups developing cloud-based and AI-enabled products and services that benefit Africa’s communities, businesses, 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 program,” stated Dr. Dave Ojika, Founder and CEO of Flapmax. “Bridging the knowledge gap in technological advancement is critical to making a significant social impact.” Flapmax will provide cutting-edge technology and advanced courses, such as generative AI, robotics, and deep tech, to entrepreneurs in Africa and other technologically challenged communities through this cooperation with Intel.”
FAST Accelerator, developed by Flapmax in collaboration with Microsoft, combines business development, AI integration, investment, and community building possibilities to help entrepreneurs scale more quickly and sustainably. Over 800 businesses from over 25 countries applied to participate in the first program. This year’s FAST Accelerator program encourages startup leaders to apply. Through Flapmax’s strong network of over 600 corporate partners, the top startup participants will go on an immersive five-week program in Silicon Valley, California, developing contacts with industry experts, possible investors, and global 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 of bringing AI technology to all aspects of life, including underserved populations in Africa and other emerging markets,” said Michael Campbell, Intel Corporation’s General Manager, Education Client Division. “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.”
Participants in the program will work closely with Intel through substantial mentorship and coaching on initiatives ranging from co-innovation to sales and marketing support and go-to-market enablement in order to reach a larger audience. Flapmax engineers will assist entrepreneurs in implementing new Intel-optimized AI hardware and software solutions, as well as scaling and fine-tuning their AI models on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. Participants will also have access to Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 developer sandboxes, as well as the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub (up to $150,000 in cloud credits) and Azure OpenAI (containing ChatGPT, DALLE 2, and other Large Language Models: LLM releases).
