KAUST, VentureSouq, startAD, and Tamkeen have partnered to launch the first Conscious Investor Fellowship in the GCC. The six-week virtual program aims to enable regional investors to create sustainable change through high-impact investments. The fellowship will host 25 investors from family offices, corporations, and government entities. Why it matters: The program aims to empower mission-driven investors in the region and accelerate investment in technology-driven startups addressing societal, economic, and environmental challenges.
Wesam Manassra, an MIT-trained full-stack engineer at OpenAI, spoke to MBZUAI students about his experiences in tech and entrepreneurship. Manassra, who also worked at Uber and Microsoft and co-founded two startups, emphasized the importance of communication, adaptability, and team culture. The event was held in collaboration with startAD and sponsored by the MBZUAI Incubation and Entrepreneurship Center. Why it matters: The talk highlights the growing interest in AI careers among UAE students and the role of local institutions like MBZUAI in fostering tech entrepreneurship.
MBZUAI and startAD jointly launched an entrepreneurship program to boost the AI startup ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. The program culminated in startup pitches, with top ideas including Audiomatic for AI-assisted audio production, Limb for accessible physiotherapy information, and Momzo, a generative AI assistant for maternity and motherhood. The 22 graduates, representing over 10 nationalities, completed intensive courses covering idea generation, prototyping, and pitching. Why it matters: This initiative underscores the UAE's commitment to fostering AI innovation and entrepreneurship, aiming to translate research into impactful businesses and contribute significantly to the nation's knowledge economy.