The parties plan to set up an AI centre of excellence which will be based at MBZUAI’s Masdar City campus
MBZUAI and IBM signed a MOU to form a strategic collaboration. (Credit: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence)
Abu Dhabi-based Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IBM to advance fundamental artificial intelligence (AI) research.
The proposed collaboration will also strive to expedite the types of scientific breakthroughs that can unlock AI’s potential to help solve some of the biggest challenges faced by humanity.
MBZUAI and IBM will set up an AI centre of excellence which will be based at the former’s Masdar City campus.
The hub will utilise the talents of IBM researchers, in partnership with MBZUAI’s faculty and students. It will focus on advancing fundamental as well as applied research objectives.
MBZUAI president Eric Xing said: “We’re excited to be among the first research universities in the MENA region to host a Center of Excellence for AI research and development with technology and expertise from a world-leading technological giant like IBM. This centre will provide highly valuable resource and collaborative environment to our faculty and students to broaden their work in AI.
“IBM has a long history of technological innovation, and we look forward to joining their latest efforts in our region and together advance AI technology and commercialization for mutual good.”
Through the collaboration, MBZUAI and IBM intend to develop, validate, and incubate technologies that tap the capabilities of AI for addressing social, civic, and business challenges.
Their partnership also aims to offer real-life applications, especially in the areas of natural language processing and AI applications that seek to advance climate and sustainability goals, and fast track discoveries in healthcare.
IBM Middle East and Africa general manager Saad Toma said: “This collaboration will help drive innovations in AI which is critical for the future of business and society.
“We’re bringing together some of the brightest minds across both the industry and academia, while reinforcing IBM’s commitment to promoting knowledge and skills in critical areas for the UAE’s development, where the use of technologies like AI is fundamental.”
The planned collaboration is contingent on the parties signing definitive agreements.