MBZUAI Celebrates Successful Conclusion of Inaugural Entrepreneurship Courses

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The first-ever Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) Entrepreneurship Courses concluded with a vibrant showcase of 12 AI-based startup business plans during an on-campus event in Masdar City. This significant milestone was celebrated by a diverse group of 22 students who successfully completed the program, gaining essential entrepreneurial skills and presenting innovative solutions.

Launched in collaboration with MBZUAI’s Incubation and Entrepreneurship Centre (MIEC) and startAD, the Abu Dhabi-based startup accelerator powered by Tamkeen and anchored at NYU Abu Dhabi, the program aimed to nurture the AI startup ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.

The event highlighted the entrepreneurial journey of the graduates, who were equipped with the skills, tools, and networks required to commercialize their AI solutions in the UAE. Three standout startups—Audiomatic, Limb, and Momzo—were fast-tracked for financial grants from MBZUAI.

Audiomatic, a platform providing automatic and emotionally intelligent audio production for video content, was recognized for its ability to customize scores, sound effects, and narrations. Limb, an application offering accessible physiotherapy information, impressed with its features related to exercise correction and pain management. Momzo, a comprehensive AI assistant for women’s maternity to motherhood powered by generative AI, was acknowledged for its innovative approach.

“This marks the first AI-focused entrepreneurship courses at the university and in the UAE, aligning with the anticipated AI startup boom led by generative AI,” stated Sultan Al Hajji, MBZUAI’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations. He emphasized the courses’ role in encouraging students to leverage the entrepreneurial environment in Abu Dhabi, transforming research and engineering expertise into viable businesses.

Ramesh Jagannathan, Managing Director of startAD, highlighted the significance of the MBZUAI IEC program in immersing AI innovators in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. He noted that according to an Accenture Report, AI is expected to contribute $182 billion in annual gross value to the UAE’s economy by 2035.

The 22 graduates, representing over ten nationalities, demonstrated a diverse and inclusive cohort, with 41% being women. The intensive five-week entrepreneurship courses included workshops and community engagement events covering idea generation, market discovery, prototyping, and pitching.

A panel of expert judges, including industry leaders and advisors, evaluated the 12 startup business plans covering various verticals such as AI safety, AI for health, and AI for social good. The top three pitches were recognized for their bold, sophisticated, and innovative concepts with the potential to make a significant impact on society and contribute to the UAE’s knowledge economy.