As a result of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and subsequent economic slowdown across the Palestinian territories, the tech ecosystem has been impacted significantly with Palestinian youth at the heart of it. In partnership with Google, Udacity and SPARK, as well as Palestinian partners, Gateway, TAP and Intersect Innovation Hub, we have reactivated the fully funded scholarships for Palestinians to gain valuable tech skills, including AI, data analysis and web development.

Moreover, new partnerships have been kicked off with 4 universities in the West Bank; Hebron University, Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie, Birzeit University and An-Najah National University. Students and professors alike saw how the programme stands out in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry demands, while offering real-world relevance and practical training opportunities.

An overwhelming 3,000+ applications were received , and underwent a technical assessment review. Almost 1000 students have successfully been accepted to the programme. We are looking forward to launching with a new cohort of students in the near future.

Tech skills: why now?

Alongside our committed partners, SPARK remains determined to support Palestinian youth to foster a better future for themselves and their communities in the face of adversities. The Palestine Launchpad with Google programme is uniquely positioned to address the needs of young people in Palestine to access education, skills development and jobs, whilst also meeting global demand for tech skills.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report, training workers to utilise AI and big data ranks among the top three skills training priorities in the next five years. Additionally, over 75% of companies are looking to adopt technologies such as big data, cloud computing and AI within the next five years, highlighting the increasing importance of these skills in the workforce.

However, according to the Anera report on The Tech Ecosystem in Palestine 2022, “The majority of tech graduates come out of school with only a basic or intermediate understanding of their chosen field. According to one of the tech leaders interviewed for this report, about 50% of graduates struggle to find jobs in local and global companies due to the gap between studies and market needs.”

What does the Palestine Launchpad with Google programme offer?

Fully funded scholarships for Nanodegrees specialising in AI programming, data analysis and web development enable young Palestinians to upskill in much-needed tech specialisms, giving them greater access to local and international jobs. The project’s technical partners, Gateway, TAP and Intersect Innovation Hub, offer students flexible self-paced learning schedules, access to top-tier mentorship and job placement assistance, which allows students to gain hands-on experience in these high-demand fields.

Additionally, participants have the opportunity to network with local, regional and international employers, further enhancing their prospects in the global tech talent pool. By participating in the Palestine Launchpad programme, individuals can solidify their skills for the digital tech economy and position themselves as leaders in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

What do graduates have to say?

In September, 2023, over 150+ successful graduates received their certificates from Udacity having completed their Nanodegree journey. “The Launchpad programme helped me shift my career from the mobile programming field to the data science field! I was really satisfied by the decision,” said one graduate.

“The Palestine Launchpad with Google programme provided valuable AI knowledge, bridging my community’s expertise gap and making online AI learning easy for me,” remarked another graduate.

The programme’s emphasis on countering the disadvantages faced by Palestinian tech students has helped to bridge the gap between university education and practical, specialised skills, to better align with market needs. Ultimately, enhancing the tech ecosystem in Palestine.

The Palestinian tech ecosystem continues to face numerous challenges as the ongoing conflict unfolds. However challenged, the Palestinian youth remain a huge source of talent and the greatest asset to the developing tech ecosystem; often highly educated, with many speaking international languages like English fluently, as well as possessing the drive and ambition to improve their economic situations. All of which indicate fertile ground for such initiatives as the Palestine Launchpad with Google that enhance young people’s existing skills and make them even stronger assets for global markets.

The programme will continue to equip Palestinian tech talents with the technical and soft skills necessary for employment within the sector. Throughout 7 cohorts, in collaboration with our partners and local implementation partners, we are energised to deliver high value education that elevates youth’s tech careers and helps them become a driving force in Palestine’s tech ecosystem.

Are you a tech student, graduate or young professional looking to enter the tech industry? Keep an eye out for the third cohort open application to be announced soon.