Hub71 and e& enterprise launch UAE’s first Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence
Hub71 and e& enterprise, part of e& (formerly known as Etisalat Group), launched the UAE’s first Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI CoE). The AI CoE will provide a platform for AI solutions to be built and scaled from Abu Dhabi. The e& enterprise AI CoE will support Abu Dhabi’s leadership in AI innovation and adoption by creating a robust ecosystem of talent and partners by connecting startups, companies, and investment firms, as well as develop and scale cutting-edge AI solutions.
By offering best-in-class resources and expertise, the AI CoE will transform the future of AI, support a thriving innovation ecosystem, foster local talent, and boost the country’s socio-economic growth.
Badr Al-Olama, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Hub71, said, “The region’s first AI CoE at Hub71 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.”
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.
Salvador Anglada, Chief Executive Officer, e& enterprise, added, “It is our responsibility to support communities and cities in adapting to a brighter, digital tomorrow. We do that through innovative programs such as FutureNow, which has already yielded several fruitful collaborations, sustainable partnerships, and commercial adoption of innovative solutions. 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.”
e& enterprise entered a strategic three-year alliance with DataRobot, a global AI platform provider to launch the first AI as a Service (AlaaS) offering in the MENAP region. This will accelerate the successful adoption of AI in organizations, ensure continuous capability building, deliver robust AIaaS offerings and guarantee value creation by overseeing the implementation of enterprise-wide AI projects.
In addition to such global partnerships in AI, e& enterprise is set to build new ventures and incubate pioneering business models at the AI Centre of Excellence. Scale-ups that participate in its innovation-led programs, such as FutureNow, will also gain fast-track access to participate in Hub71’s value-add programs. In addition, startups will benefit from Hub71’s vibrant community and growing capital ecosystem of VCs with assets under management of $1.72 billion.
