Meta Introduces AI Accelerator Program to Drive Open Source AI Solutions in Asia Pacific

Singapore, October 4, 2024 – Meta has unveiled its new AI Accelerator programme aimed at fostering innovation within startups across the Asia Pacific region. This long-term initiative is designed to support companies and developers by integrating Llama, Meta’s open source AI model, into their products and solutions. Through access to cutting-edge open source models and AI resources, Meta is helping these enterprises advance the next wave of innovation.

The launch took place at Meta’s APAC headquarters in Singapore, coinciding with the Meta APAC AI Accelerator Finals. The event was attended by Mrs. Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, and Mr. Nick Clegg, Meta’s President of Global Affairs.

During the event, Clegg revealed plans for a Singapore-focused incubator programme, which will guide 100 businesses in exploring the potential of GenAI and Llama. As part of this initiative, 20 participants will work closely with technical and business mentors to develop, refine, and launch AI-powered solutions for their operations. This initiative, which has the support of Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), is in line with Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0 (NAIS 2.0), which aims to encourage AI adoption and development across local enterprises.

Philbert Gomez, Executive Director of DISG, commented, “Meta’s AI Incubator program is an excellent example of how Singapore remains committed to assisting businesses in embracing transformative technologies like generative AI. By equipping local firms with both technical knowledge and expert guidance, this program drives innovation and opens new opportunities through AI. We are proud to partner with Meta in this initiative, which directly supports our National AI Strategy 2.0 to enhance AI capabilities and strengthen Singapore’s role as a leading AI hub in the region.”

Minister Teo and Clegg also engaged in a fireside discussion at the event, focusing on the responsible development and deployment of AI, including GenAI. They explored Singapore’s proactive approach to fostering AI innovation and how collaborations with key industry players, such as Meta, contribute to Singapore’s broader vision of AI for the Public Good, in line with the country’s renewed Smart Nation strategy.

Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs, Meta, remarked, “It’s truly inspiring to witness the groundbreaking work that startups are achieving with our Llama models to tackle significant societal challenges in the Asia Pacific region. By open sourcing AI, we are ensuring that more individuals can benefit from the opportunities it offers, as demonstrated by the impressive submissions we’ve received. I’m particularly heartened by the thriving developer community in APAC and the welcoming stance of governments towards AI innovation and its positive impact on the region.”

More than 720 companies and developers from across Asia Pacific, including Singapore, submitted projects showcasing impactful uses of Llama to address challenges in education, public services, and economic development. Top finalists from 13 different markets gathered at Meta’s Singapore headquarters to present their solutions and compete for grants to further their efforts.

Traversaal.ai, a company from Pakistan, won the regional finals and received a $100,000 USD grant for its innovative application of Llama to develop an advanced Urdu Llama model, aimed at connecting 250 million Urdu speakers worldwide. The first and second runners-up, from Indonesia and New Zealand, respectively, were awarded grants of $15,000 USD and $10,000 USD to continue developing their proposals.

Hamza Farooq, the founder of Traversaal.ai, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are incredibly honoured to represent Pakistan at this level. It’s a privilege to be here in Singapore, the hub of technological innovation, and we are deeply grateful to Meta for helping us turn our vision into reality.”

Meta has been actively supporting AI innovation globally through numerous initiatives, collaborating with governments, AI associations, and incubators. The company also awarded Llama Impact Innovation Awards to startups worldwide that have incorporated Llama 2 or 3 as a core component in addressing challenges for social good. One notable recipient was AiSee, from the National University of Singapore, which developed an affordable AI-powered wearable device to assist visually impaired individuals by helping them “see” through AI technology.