Riyadh — Dec 16, 2025 — Propeller, the venture capital firm focused on AI infrastructure with operations across MENA and the United States, announced today the launch of Kernel Camp, an annual AI infrastructure technology and deep-tech residency designed to accelerate the region’s most ambitious early-stage technology founders. The inaugural program will take place in San Francisco, Silicon Valley in April–May 2026, bringing together a cohort of MENA-based builders into the epicenter of the global AI and infrastructure ecosystem.
Kernel Camp gives founders from the MENA region a platform to refine their ideas, pressure-test their products, and expand their networks in the global hub of AI innovation with engineers, investors, and operators shaping the deep-tech landscape. Ideal applicants are technically strong, developing demo-ready products, and working full-time on companies that show early signs of traction.
The residency provides fully sponsored housing, curated workshops, weekly guest sessions, one-on-one office hours with world class builders, and site visits to leading technology companies and venture firms. The program concludes with a demo day for Propeller’s Silicon Valley community.
“Kernel Camp is a statement of our belief in the extraordinary talent emerging from the MENA region,” said Zaid Farekh, Founder & Managing Partner at Propeller. “This residency gives founders the chance to accelerate their product’s development. It places them in an environment where global deep-tech thinking, engineering excellence, world-wide distribution, and ambitious company-building come together every day to solve challenges with frontier technologies”.
Hani Azzam, Partner at Propeller, highlighted the importance of community and environment in shaping early deep-tech companies. “Founders don’t build alone. Kernel Camp connects MENA’s strongest builders with the networks, operators, and infrastructure thinkers that shape Silicon Valley. Our goal is to help founders re