Presight and MBZUAI join forces to build AI startup ecosystem

Presight, a global leader in AI-powered big data analytics, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) to support the Presight AI-Startup Accelerator. The collaboration aims to nurture a new generation of AI entrepreneurs by combining Presight’s applied AI capabilities with MBZUAI’s academic excellence and research expertise.

This strategic partnership is focused on creating a vibrant AI innovation ecosystem, with both parties working together on key initiatives such as startup sourcing, technical mentorship, talent development and event collaboration. MBZUAI will introduce AI-driven startups from its network to the accelerator and take part in the candidate selection process. In return, participating startups will gain access to technical guidance from MBZUAI’s top researchers in areas like natural language processing, large language models, and computer vision.

The agreement also opens pathways for MBZUAI students to gain internships and job opportunities within the Presight ecosystem, while enabling startups to tap into the university’s highly skilled talent pool. Additionally, the partnership includes plans to co-host events and workshops that promote AI innovation and entrepreneurship, with MBZUAI providing expert speakers and mentors for various accelerator activities.

Together, Presight and MBZUAI aim to strengthen the regional AI landscape by supporting startups and advancing technological innovation.

Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, said: “This partnership brings together two of Abu Dhabi’s flagship AI institutions to build a high-impact engine for innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent development. By combining our real-world AI deployment capabilities with MBZUAI’s cutting-edge research and academic depth, we’re creating a multiplier effect that will accelerate the growth of startups and catalyse the UAE’s broader AI ambitions. This is more than collaboration, it’s a fusion of expertise that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global epicentre for applied AI.”

Sultan Al Hajji, Senior Adviser to MBZUAI President, commented: “We’re delighted to partner with Presight to further contribute to the UAE’s dynamic AI startup ecosystem. By combining the expertise and network of MBZUAI and our Incubation and Entrepreneurship Centre (IEC) with Presight’s accelerator platform, we’re building a pipeline of AI-first startups that can transform industries and support the UAE’s long-term technological ambition. This collaboration provides technical advisory and talent access to drive real-world impact. It also offers students and researchers exciting opportunities to engage directly with the region’s most promising ventures, creating pathways for shared learning and growth.”

This MoU builds on Presight’s recently launched collaboration with Microsoft, a key technology partner in the Presight AI-Startup Accelerator. Microsoft brings cloud capabilities, infrastructure, and go-to-market support that are critical for startup scaling, helping to enhance the accelerator’s overall impact and technical capacity.

This partnership reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to becoming a global hub for artificial intelligence, as outlined in the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.