Hub71+ AI Initiative in Abu Dhabi to Support AI Startups and Innovation

Hub71, the global tech ecosystem of Abu Dhabi, has launched a new initiative called Hub71+ AI, aimed at supporting startups that are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence across multiple sectors. Unveiled during the Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), Hub71+ AI is designed to provide AI-driven startups with the necessary resources and infrastructure to thrive in an ever-evolving global economy. The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision to advance AI technologies across key sectors, reinforcing the UAE capital’s broader economic transformation goals.

Ahmad Ali Alwan, the CEO of Hub71, emphasized the transformative power of AI and its significant impact on shaping industries around the world. He highlighted that while AI is rapidly evolving, Abu Dhabi is not merely keeping up but setting the global standard in driving AI innovation for meaningful impact. Hub71+ AI is a testament to this ambition, offering startups access to a vast network of resources, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities with some of the biggest names in tech. This will enable startups to scale their operations and contribute to AI innovation that resonates globally, all within the dynamic tech ecosystem that Abu Dhabi fosters.

The initiative has secured prominent anchor partners, including Core42, a company specializing in sovereign cloud and AI infrastructure, and AI71, an AI technology leader offering compute power credits. These partners are vital in helping Hub71+ AI’s ecosystem support startups by offering them advanced tools and infrastructure. In addition to these anchor partnerships, Hub71+ AI is backed by a network of leading global partners such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google for Startups, Nvidia, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and 42 Abu Dhabi. These collaborations provide essential technical infrastructure, research and development opportunities, and access to talent, all of which are crucial for the growth of AI startups in the region.

Abu Dhabi’s AI sector has already shown impressive growth. From 2021 to 2023, the number of AI companies in the capital grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 67%. Moreover, studies reveal that in the first half of 2024 alone, one AI startup was established every two days. Hub71+ AI is set to accelerate this momentum further by supporting startups and developing the infrastructure required to drive AI adoption across various sectors, ensuring that Abu Dhabi remains a key player in the global AI landscape.

AI71, one of the anchor partners of Hub71+ AI, will provide startups with access to its API Hub, which offers pay-as-you-go access to Falcon, a globally recognized series of large language models, and other AI tools. This offering will enable startups around the world to access state-of-the-art AI models, regardless of their computational resources. AI71’s services allow developers to innovate without the need for high-powered infrastructure, making it an invaluable resource for startups looking to scale their AI solutions.

Core42, the other anchor partner, will support regional startups by providing preferential access to its advanced digital infrastructure and cloud solutions. Startups can leverage cloud credits to deploy AI-driven infrastructure, including Core42’s Sovereign Public Cloud, which is powered by Microsoft Azure. This is particularly beneficial for startups working with regulated industries and the public sector. Core42 will also provide startups with access to other key players in the broader G42 ecosystem, such as Presight, M42, AIQ, and Space42, among others, enabling startups to tap into additional expertise and resources.

The new Hub71+ AI initiative is positioned to further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s status as a world-leading AI hub. Through these strategic partnerships, startups will benefit from a wide range of resources, including technical expertise, digital infrastructure, regulatory guidance, and strategic market entry pathways. The partnerships will also provide startups with opportunities to pilot their technologies in real-world settings, allowing them to test and refine their innovations. Moreover, startups will be exposed to a network of investors and corporate partners, opening doors for potential growth and expansion on a global scale.

Dr. Mahir Nayfeh, Chief Product Officer at AI71, spoke about the company’s commitment to bridging the AI divide and putting AI tools in the hands of as many developers as possible. He highlighted the importance of their API Hub in empowering startups and developers by providing easy access to Falcon and other AI tools, regardless of their available compute resources. AI71’s collaboration with Hub71 is expected to help empower the next generation of AI startups and developers, fostering innovation and progress in the AI sector.

Core42’s EVP, Talal M. Al Kaissi, also commented on the strategic importance of this partnership, emphasizing that it aligns with Core42’s mission to enable startups to harness the full potential of AI. Through their robust digital infrastructure and go-to-market mentorship, Core42 aims to support the growth of AI startups and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Abu Dhabi. He stressed that together, Core42 and Hub71+ AI are setting the stage for startups to scale globally and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier AI hub.

Through Hub71+ AI, startups have the opportunity to scale their innovations, contribute to the AI ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, and expand their influence globally. The initiative provides comprehensive support that will help AI startups thrive in a competitive market, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision for the future. Startups interested in joining the ecosystem can apply for Hub71’s programs to take advantage of its resources and offerings, helping them scale their businesses and make a significant impact in the global AI space.