MBZUAI Centre Powers AI Startups with Expertise and Network

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at an extraordinary pace, Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as a global centre for AI innovation. The UAE’s achievement of ranking 5th globally in the Stanford Global AI Power Rankings 2024 highlights the country’s growing prominence, with Abu Dhabi fostering a Silicon Valley-inspired tech ecosystem.

To build on this momentum, Abu Dhabi’s AI ecosystem must focus on two key pillars: deep tech investment expertise and access to world-class AI talent. The MBZUAI Incubation and Entrepreneurship Centre (MIEC), celebrating its first anniversary, plays a pivotal role in addressing these areas. As the region’s first AI-native incubator, MIEC is bridging gaps in technical innovation and entrepreneurial growth.

Driving Growth Through Innovation

MIEC has already demonstrated a significant impact by nurturing nine startups within its portfolio. These ventures have achieved exceptional growth, attracting external funding that is eight times higher than the internal grant support they initially received. This success underscores MIEC’s unique approach, which blends technical expertise, business insights, and a deep understanding of the local market to help startups scale effectively.

“We’re proud that MBZUAI, the world’s first AI university, has quickly emerged as a powerful catalyst that transforms AI ideas into ambitious start-ups that will contribute to the high-tech innovation landscape in the UAE. The university is advantageously positioned to champion a culture of entrepreneurship with our world-renowned faculty and industry relationships,” said MBZUAI President and University Professor Eric Xing.

Launching the AI-Focused Mentors Network

Building on its achievements, MIEC has introduced an AI-Focused Mentors Network to connect international AI experts and investors with startup founders. The network features notable leaders, including:

> Professor Steve Liu, Co-Founder of Proactive AI Lab.

> Professor Elizabeth Churchill, Human-Computer Interaction Chair at MBZUAI.

> Dr. Hao Li, Founder of Pinscreen.

> Franklin Urteaga, Former White House Tech Adviser.

> Yousef Barkawie, Partner and AI Lead at Deloitte.

This initiative aims to offer startups access to unparalleled mentorship and insights, accelerating their growth trajectory.

“Through MIEC, we are reinforcing our promise to train the next generation of AI leadership and innovators,” Xing added.

Abu Dhabi’s AI Boom

According to the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the emirate witnessed a 41.3% year-on-year increase in new AI companies during the first half of 2024, bringing the total number of AI firms to over 400. This rapid growth reflects the maturation of Abu Dhabi’s AI landscape and underscores the importance of specialized support for emerging startups.

“MIEC was established as part of MBZUAI's core mission to emphasize innovation in AI and its role in addressing real-world challenges. MIEC empowers founders with funding and expertise and has successfully co-created with aspiring tech founders to transform coding into businesses,” explains Sultan Al Hajji, Vice President for Public Affairs and Alumni Relations at MBZUAI.

Empowering Talent Through Education and Funding

MIEC is cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship within its faculty and students. The centre provides critical funding and hands-on training for founders through its IEC Grant Initiative and Entrepreneurship Workshops. Over 80 hours of workshops, featuring experts from industry leaders such as OpenAI, Microsoft, and AWS, have already benefited participants. To complement this learning, MIEC launched Insights Minute, a bi-weekly newsletter that delivers curated AI updates, helping the community stay informed in a rapidly evolving industry.

“These workshops are vital in an academic setting, where most students lack real-world business experience,” says Al Hajj. “By embedding entrepreneurial training into their academic journey, MIEC ensures students graduate with both technical expertise and a business mindset, making them highly sought-after in the job market or as future founders.”

Bridging Global Expertise with Local Innovation

MIEC’s Palmside AI Chat series has created a platform for global AI leaders to share insights with Abu Dhabi’s growing tech community. Companies like Amazon, Careem, and Microsoft have contributed to these discussions, engaging over 300 participants and fostering a robust exchange of ideas between international and local ecosystems.

Fostering Strategic Partnerships

Collaborating with entities such as startAD, Hub71, Nvidia, and e& Capital, MIEC actively expands its network to amplify its impact. Through initiatives like the AI Venturepad Program and Trailblazers Program, the centre is addressing local challenges and empowering young Emirati AI talent to lead in strategic sectors.

In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), MIEC has developed an SME AI Chatbot to support small and medium enterprises in the region. After a successful competition that drew over 1,000 student participants, the chatbot is nearing its launch, with over 200 users already on the waitlist.

Shaping the Future of AI in Abu Dhabi

As Abu Dhabi accelerates its journey toward becoming a global AI hub, MIEC’s strategic blend of technical innovation and market expertise solidifies its role as a key player in this transformation. By fostering a thriving ecosystem for AI ventures, MIEC is helping realize Abu Dhabi’s vision of a future defined by innovation and entrepreneurial success.