Abu Dhabi: One of the premier research-based academic institutions in the region, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has revealed that institution is engaging in a strategic collaboration with New York-based multinational technology corporation, International Business Machines (IBM).
The Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the deal was signed by Sultan Al Hajji, Vice President for Public Affairs and Alumni Relations at MBZUAI and Mr. Wael Abdoush, General Manager IBM Gulf and Levant.
Under the agreement, both organizations will work with each other to advance fundamental AI research and accelerate the types of scientific breakthroughs that could unlock the potential of AI to help solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.
The highlight of the collaboration would be the establishment of a new AI Centre of Excellence which will be based at the university’s Masdar City Campus. The Centre will leverage the talents of IBM researchers in collaboration with MBZUAI faculty and students and will focus on advancing both fundamental and applied research objectives.
The initiative seeks to develop, validate, and incubate technologies that harness the capabilities of AI to address civic, social, and business challenges. Further, the collaboration aims to provide real-life applications, particularly in natural language processing, as well as AI applications that seek to further climate and sustainability goals, and accelerate discoveries in healthcare.
The centre will provide a highly valuable resource and collaborative environment for our faculty and students to broaden their work in AI. IBM has a long history of technological innovation. We look forward to joining their latest efforts in our region and advancing AI technology and commercialization for mutual good.
Professor Eric Xing, President of MBZUAI remarked on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Mr. Saad Toma, General Manager, IBM Middle East, and Africa, stated that this partnership 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 technologies like AI are fundamental.
Mr. Saad Toma added.
As part of the initiative, IBM will offer targeted training and technologies which support the university’s vision to be a global leader in advancing AI and its application for the good of society and business.
For example, through the IBM Academic Initiative, IBM will provide MBZUAI students and faculty with access to IBM tools, software, courseware and cloud accounts for teaching, learning, and non-commercial research.
Moreover, through the IBM Skills Academy program, MBZUAI will have access to curated AI curricula, lectures, labs, industry use cases, design-thinking sessions, and an AI Practitioner certification.