Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) welcomed its inaugural cohort of 78 students from 29 countries in a virtual event. The students have enrolled in Machine Learning and Computer Vision programs, comprising 13 PhD students and 65 MSc students. H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber emphasized the importance of AI in transforming industries, with MBZUAI focusing on R&D across services, manufacturing, and sustainability. Why it matters: This marks a key step in the UAE's strategy to become a leader in AI research and development, particularly in areas that can address critical global challenges.
KAUST launched the third cohort of its TAQADAM startup accelerator program on February 8th. The program, a partnership between KAUST and SABB, aims to equip students, faculty, and recent Saudi graduates with the tools to launch tech companies. This year's cohort consists of 133 people from 42 startups, with 35% female participation. Why it matters: Accelerators like TAQADAM are crucial for fostering entrepreneurship and translating research into commercial ventures, contributing to Saudi Arabia's diversification goals.
MBZUAI welcomed its second cohort of students for the Fall 2021 semester, totaling 74 students across master's and Ph.D. programs. The incoming class includes 41 students in Computer Vision, 24 in Machine Learning, and 9 in the inaugural Natural Language Processing program. The cohort represents 29 nationalities, including 10 UAE nationals, and includes graduates from universities such as Purdue, Edinburgh, and Khalifa University. Why it matters: This demonstrates MBZUAI's continued growth as a global AI research institution attracting international talent to Abu Dhabi.
KAUST hosted the 15th cohort of the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP) for a pre-departure orientation. The KGSP, founded in 2008, provides support for Saudi students to study STEM fields in the U.S. with the expectation that they will pursue graduate studies at KAUST and contribute to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Why it matters: The KGSP serves as a key pipeline for talent development and ensures that Saudi students gain international experience before returning to contribute to the Kingdom's research and development ecosystem.
24 startups from the seventh TAQADAM cohort at KAUST are preparing to pitch their business ideas to investors on March 3, 2024, after surviving the accelerator program. The startups received mentorship in product design, pricing, and legal matters. Example startups include Cognna (cybersecurity), BuildBench (construction platform), Talents Arena (AI recruitment), and Trh Capital (Shariah-compliant finance). Why it matters: This KAUST program highlights growing entrepreneurial activity and venture capital interest in Saudi startups, especially in areas like cybersecurity and AI.
MBZUAI concluded the second edition of its Executive Program (MEP) with 43 UAE leaders from public and private sectors completing 12 weeks of coursework. The program covered AI and machine learning topics, AI ethics and policymaking, and robotics, taught by global AI leaders. Participants addressed UAE national challenges with AI research solutions as part of a capstone project. Why it matters: This program aims to enhance AI capabilities and knowledge among UAE leaders, fostering innovation and increasing efficiency across various sectors.
KAUST welcomed a new cohort of 639 students from 58 countries for its 16th Convocation, selected from 13,589 applications. The incoming class is 54% international and 46% Saudi, with 40% of Saudi students in on-campus degree programs being female. Alumna Dr. Maram Abadi encouraged students to embrace challenges and contribute to Saudi Arabia and the world. Why it matters: KAUST continues to attract diverse talent and contribute to the Kingdom's innovation ecosystem, playing a crucial role in developing future leaders in science and technology.
28 student and faculty-led teams have been selected for the inaugural TAQADAM Accelerator Cohort at KAUST. The program is sponsored by the Saudi British Bank. Why it matters: This accelerator program will help foster entrepreneurship and innovation within the Saudi ecosystem.