Meta, Hugging Face, and Scaleway have announced the launch of a new artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator program aimed at European startups. The goal is to integrate open-source models into their products, thus boosting the EU’s AI ecosystem and fostering the next wave of innovation.
The “AI Startup Program” will focus on offering a select group of startups access to advanced AI models and resources. Interested startups can submit their applications until August 16, 2024.
A Strategic Collaboration for Innovation
The program has been designed to accelerate the adoption of open-source AI solutions in Europe. Meta, Hugging Face, and Scaleway, leaders in their respective fields, have joined forces to provide participating startups with cutting-edge resources. This joint effort is part of the initiative to strengthen the European tech ecosystem.
Selected startups will take part in the program from September 2024 to February 2025, based at STATION F in Paris, the world’s largest startup campus. With the support of the HEC incubator, the program will focus on accelerating five startups in the MVP or product stage.
Benefits for Startups
Selected startups will receive technical mentoring from Meta’s FAIR research teams, access to Hugging Face’s tools and platform, and Scaleway’s computing power. These resources will enable startups to develop and scale their services based on open-source AI technology.
Boosting European Innovation
José Luis Zimmermann, Meta’s Public Affairs Director in Spain, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Through this program, we can help European developers innovate faster, bringing growth to their markets and boosting the European ecosystem.”
Clément Delangue, CEO and co-founder of Hugging Face, commented: “The success of Meta’s first AI program for startups attests to the incredible AI talent in Europe.”
Damien Lucas, CEO of Scaleway, added: “We are delighted to once again join forces with Meta and Hugging Face for this new edition of our shared program for AI-based startups.”
A Promising Future for AI in Europe
Roxanne Varza, director of Station F, expressed her excitement for the program: “With all the momentum and enthusiasm around AI right now, Meta’s program at STATION F quickly became one of the most sought-after on the campus. We are thrilled to hear that Meta – along with partners Hugging Face and Scaleway – are planning to take the program to a European level.”
The deadline for applications is open until August 16, 2024. Interested startups can submit their applications through the program’s website.
This program represents a unique opportunity for European AI startups to access first-class resources and support, accelerating their development and positioning Europe as a leader in technological innovation.