Abu Dhabi’s AI scene just got a serious upgrade! Presight, a regional leader in big data analytics and artificial intelligence, has joined forces with the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) to turbocharge the next wave of AI startups across the UAE.
This collaboration, announced through a memorandum of understanding, is all about fueling innovation, supporting young entrepreneurs, and training the next generation of AI talent. And it’s not just about ideas. This partnership is firmly aligned with the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031, putting action behind vision.
What This Partnership Brings to the Table
Here’s what startups and students can look forward to:
- âś… Startup Support
Startups will gain access to technical consulting, academic resources, and hands-on guidance to help bring their innovations to life. - âś… Student Opportunities
University students will get real-world experience through internships, job placements, and project-based learning inside emerging AI companies. - âś… Expert Involvement
MBZUAI professors and AI specialists will lead workshops, consultations, and networking events to foster continuous learning and collaboration. - âś… Innovation Ecosystem
The initiative supports a broader vision of creating a collaborative network of entrepreneurs, researchers, and tech leaders to scale AI innovations.
Learning Meets Real-World Application
The best part? This partnership blends academic excellence with real-world applications. Students won’t just study AI—they’ll live it. Whether working side-by-side with startups or learning directly from some of the region’s brightest AI minds, the opportunity for growth is massive.
Presight CEO Thomas Pramotedham emphasized the bigger picture:
“This isn’t just another tech partnership—it’s a bridge between two powerhouse institutions. Together, we’re creating a launchpad for innovation and talent that supports the UAE’s AI goals.”
Building Abu Dhabi as a Global AI Hub
This move is another strategic step in Abu Dhabi’s journey to become a world-class destination for AI innovation. With previous collaborations like Presight’s team-up with Microsoft for startup acceleration, the momentum is clearly building.
Sultan Al Hajji, Senior Adviser to MBZUAI’s president, added:
“This initiative not only strengthens our startup ecosystem but also gives our students and researchers a front-row seat in transforming industries. It’s a win-win for innovation and education.”
A Vision for 2031 and Beyond
From classroom to boardroom, this collaboration will spark growth across the UAE’s tech landscape. By nurturing startups and empowering students, Presight and MBZUAI are shaping a smarter, more innovative future—and bringing the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031 to life, one startup at a time.
Abu Dhabi is fast becoming the go-to launchpad for Arabic AI and global tech excellence, and this partnership just raised the bar.