Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, and e& enterprise, part of e&, formerly known as Etisalat Group, have launched the region’s first AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE).
The launch highlights the importance of pursuing partnerships and collaborations with businesses, governments, investors, and startups to create a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through the co-creation of industry-specific and use case-driven AI solutions.
The AI CoE will provide a platform for AI solutions to be built and scaled from Abu Dhabi. The partnership was signed at Hub71’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi by Mr. Badr Al-Olama, Acting CEO of Hub71, and Mr. Salvador Anglada, CEO of e& enterprise.
Badr Al Olama Acting CEO – Hub71
“The region’s first AI CoE at Hub71 will provide a robust ecosystem for innovative technology ideas to grow and scale and will allow startups to benefit from Hub71’s community, programs and knowledge-sharing platforms. AI could unlock $5.5 trillion to $12.6 trillion in value globally by 2030 and offer immense potential in sectors that are of strategic importance to Abu Dhabi’s socio-economic growth. In support of the objectives outlined in the UAE Centennial 2071 strategy that focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity, we at Hub71 are committed to further developing technologies that act as a catalyst in progressing a dynamic and diversified economy.”
“e& enterprise shares our vision to accelerate the digital transformation that is disrupting new ways of addressing challenges. We look forward to this partnership in promoting AI solutions across Abu Dhabi, with the aim of eventually being deployed globally,” added Mr. Al Olama.
The e& enterprise AI Centre of Excellence, the first dedicated AI hub in the UAE, will help to establish Abu Dhabi’s leadership in AI innovation and adoption by connecting startups, businesses, and investment firms, building a strong talent ecosystem, and developing and scaling cutting-edge AI solutions.
Mr. Anglada said that “The AI Center of Excellence, supported by our strategic partner DataRobot, will further progress our vision to be the leading digital enabler for our enterprise and government clients as we empower them to become data-driven and highly automated organizations. We look forward to driving the digital transformation conversation by leveraging the expertise of disruptive scale-ups and AI companies while establishing long-term partnerships with major accelerators and technology providers regionally and globally.”
The AI CoE will revolutionize the future of AI, support a thriving innovation ecosystem, foster indigenous talent, and accelerate the socio-economic development of the nation by providing best-in-class resources and skills.
Startups can apply to join the AI CoE through Hub71’s flexible menu of incentives and The Outliers, a Hub71 program that also includes e& enterprise as a partner, designed to solve challenges that corporates and governments face by providing innovative solutions ideated by startups.
