Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Bringing together startups, investors, technology leaders and major institutions, the Future Forum in Abu Dhabi on Monday explored how artificial intelligence can move from innovation to real-world applications and support global growth.
Organised by Presight, the UAE’s leading global big data analytics company powered by AI, the forum also introduced the second cohort of startups participating in Presight’s FutureSight programme, which links emerging technology companies with Abu Dhabi’s business ecosystem, potential customers, investors and strategic partners.
Speaking to Aletihad, Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, said the FutureSight programme is intended to assist startups in transforming technological innovation into quantifiable real-world impact, according to Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight. "Presight believes that real-world innovation can only become real impact if we apply it," he said.
Pramotedham noted that startups can test their solutions outside of their home countries by utilising Abu Dhabi's ecosystem, Presight's international markets, clients, and early adopters.
"We focus on impact, not just on technology," he said, citing examples of applications where impact can be measured, including methane detection, clinical deterioration monitoring, and increasing GPU utilisation.
Pramotedham said the programme can also assist startups in developing the credentials required to grow globally by connecting them with major UAE companies and potential clients.
"Credentials are what you really need to scale globally," he said, adding that FutureSight's partnerships can help startups expand internationally and fortify their portfolios.
He described the programme as a platform for multifaceted partnerships between startups, investors and customers. He encouraged participating companies to establish a base in the emirate and use it as a springboard for growth beyond the UAE.
Also speaking to Aletihad, Dr Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO of Botim, said that taking innovation to scale requires collaboration between startups and established institutions.
"Partnerships between startups and established institutions are probably the easiest way to be able to deliver at scale,” he said. He explained that while startups contribute creativity and innovative solutions, established companies can offer distribution, funding and operational capabilities.
AI is expected to play a growing role in digital financial services, especially by streamlining customer onboarding, enhancing identification procedures and reducing human error. "AI at scale will help reduce costs and help improve efficiency and effectiveness of institutions."
Bin Hendi also highlighted the UAE's high rate of AI adoption, saying that the country is fostering an atmosphere in which consumers, businesses, and the government are progressively incorporating AI into their daily operations.
"The UAE is now well over 80% in terms of AI adoption," he said, noting that the nation's status as a hub for AI innovation is being supported by government programmes, investment and private sector adoption.
