Mateen Program
How the Mateen Program Works
Mateen is SAIF's project-based applied AI research and talent-development program. Real challenges submitted by institutions are scoped and reviewed, and where they qualify, matched with selected participants and screened coaches or mentors for a focused period of applied work.
How a project comes together
Starting points
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Step 1: Review and scoping
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Step 2: Selection and matching
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Step 3: Agreements and onboarding
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Step 4: Focused active project delivery
Normally about eight weeks
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Step 5: Final review and documentation
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Step 6: Transition and next steps
Eight weeks is the normal active model, not a guarantee or a rigid requirement — actual scope and duration depend on the project.
The three pathways
Submit a project or problem
For institutions with a real challenge relevant to applied AI or research.
Apply as a student or project participant
For students, researchers, professionals, and capable self-taught applicants.
Apply as a coach or mentor
For professionals and researchers who can guide a project team.
Who can take part
Participants, coaches, and mentors may apply from inside or outside Syria, regardless of nationality, when their skills and interests are relevant to Mateen projects and to SAIF's mission in Syria and the Levant. Formal university enrolment is not required — students, researchers, professionals, and capable self-taught applicants may all be considered. Applications are assessed according to project needs, readiness, relevant skills, availability, commitment, and project fit.
Applicants under 18 are not part of the present intake, unless SAIF later establishes a specifically supervised youth pathway.
Cost and financial support
Applying to Mateen is free. Any stipend, travel support, equipment, computing access, or other financial support depends on the specific project and program cycle, and will be communicated before a selected applicant accepts participation. Applicants should not assume support is available unless it is explicitly stated.
Confidentiality and data
Initial submissions are for assessment and scoping only. Before a selected project begins, a written project agreement addresses confidentiality, data and system access, use and ownership of outputs, and related terms — see the guide for institutions for full detail.
What selection does and does not imply
Submitting a challenge or an application does not guarantee admission, matching, employment, funding, or project assignment. Every submission is reviewed against current needs, readiness, and fit, and SAIF follows up when relevant.
What happens after you apply?
- SAIF confirms receipt immediately.
- The Mateen team reviews your background, interests, availability, readiness, and project fit.
- We may request clarification or invite you to a conversation or short practical exercise where relevant. We explain the format, expected duration, and preparation in advance; it is not intended to test every area of AI.
- You may be invited to a next stage, shortlisted for a project, waitlisted, retained for a future suitable opportunity with your consent, or told there is no suitable match at present.
- Selection is not final until the project, commitment, dates, participation terms, and any support are confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mateen a training course or bootcamp?
No. Mateen is a project-based applied AI research and talent-development program built around real institutional challenges. It is not a generic training course, an open-enrollment bootcamp, a hackathon, or a software-outsourcing service.
Do I need to be enrolled at a university to take part?
No. Formal university enrolment is not required. Students, researchers, professionals, and capable self-taught applicants may all be considered, based on the needs of a given project.
Can I take part from outside Syria?
Yes. Participants, coaches, and mentors may apply from inside or outside Syria, regardless of nationality, when their skills and interests are relevant to Mateen projects and to SAIF’s mission in Syria and the Levant.
Is there a fee to apply or submit a project?
No. Applying to Mateen is free for institutions, participants, and coaches or mentors alike.
How long does an active project run?
The normally focused active delivery period is approximately eight weeks. This describes the typical model, not a guarantee — actual duration depends on the specific project.
Does submitting a challenge or applying guarantee anything?
No. Submitting a challenge or applying does not guarantee admission, matching, selection, employment, funding, or project assignment. Every submission is reviewed against current needs and fit.