GCC AI Startup ·
UAE-based AI startup Qureos has raised a $5 million pre-seed round led by A16z. Qureos focuses on personalized AI tutors and educational tools. The funding will be used to expand Qureos' team and product offerings. Why it matters: This investment signals growing interest from global VCs in the UAE's burgeoning AI startup ecosystem.
MBZUAI ·
MBZUAI and Quris-AI have partnered to launch a Bio-AI center in Abu Dhabi during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The center will focus on developing personalized medications tailored to the MENA region's diverse populations, leveraging Quris-AI's 'patient-on-a-chip' technology and MBZUAI's AI expertise. Quris-AI is establishing a UAE subsidiary, Quris-UAE, in Abu Dhabi as part of this collaboration. Why it matters: This initiative positions Abu Dhabi as a hub for Bio-AI research and personalized medicine, potentially accelerating drug development and reducing clinical trial failures in the region.
TII ·
Professor Christian Roos from the University of Innsbruck will present a seminar on investigating many-body physics using trapped ions dressed by laser light. The talk will cover encoding, manipulating, and entangling quantum information using laser-cooled trapped ions. Recent experiments demonstrating entangling interactions and single-qubit control in strings of up to 50 ions will be discussed. Why it matters: This seminar contributes to advancements in quantum computing and simulation, fields of increasing interest in the Middle East as the region invests in advanced technologies.
KAUST ·
Azure Robotics, a KAUST startup, won a 100,000 SAR award from the KACST Combating COVID-19 Accelerator. Their winning project uses AI-enabled robots with UV light to disinfect large public spaces like airports and hospitals. The AI-powered robotic solution is reportedly six times more efficient than traditional human disinfection methods. Why it matters: This highlights the growing role of AI and robotics in addressing public health challenges in the region, with KAUST playing a key role in fostering related innovation.
KAUST ·
KAUST and Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate in education, training, scientific research, and professional development. The MoU includes developing joint training programs, updating curricula, providing consultancy, and organizing workshops. The partnership aims to support academic and technological advancement, enhance national talent, and align with Saudi Vision 2030. Why it matters: This collaboration strengthens Saudi Arabia's knowledge-based economy by integrating KAUST's research environment with another major university.
KAUST ·
Dr. Andrew Bastawrous, CEO/co-founder of Peek, discussed his work on mobile eye clinics at KAUST. He developed Peek Acuity and Peek Retina, which turn smartphones into tools for detecting visual impairment. The technology uses smartphone screens and camera clip-ons to image inside the eye. Why it matters: This low-cost mobile ophthalmic tool has the potential to prevent and treat vision loss in underserved communities.
KAUST ·
A KAUST-led research team sequenced the first high-quality quinoa genome. This achievement may enhance our ability to feed the world's growing population. The research was conducted at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Why it matters: This breakthrough in genomics could lead to more resilient and nutritious crops, contributing to global food security efforts.
KAUST ·
Three KAUST startups, iyris, Oaesis, and UnitX, were selected in the top 10 at the Startup Istanbul international competition out of 90,000 applicants. iyris secured third place with its technology, while Oaesis developed a laser-based energy-efficient lighting system for indoor farms. KAUST supports emerging companies from ideation to marketing and financial support. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's role in fostering innovation and contributing to Saudi Arabia's knowledge-based economy by supporting promising startups on the global stage.