At MBZUAI, we recognize the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and its capacity to drive innovation across industries. With the establishment of the IEC, we are taking a proactive step towards nurturing and supporting the next generation of AI-driven startups.
What sets the IEC apart is our unique approach, which combines the technical depth of AI with invaluable business insights and a deep understanding of the local market dynamics. By blending these elements seamlessly, we aim to cultivate startups that not only harness the power of AI but also have a tangible impact on their respective sectors.
Our mission at the IEC is clear: to incubate value-creating startups that not only thrive in the MENA region but also have the potential to make waves on a global scale. Through tailored mentorship, access to cutting-edge resources, and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, we are committed to providing the support.
Who We Are
Launched in November 2023, MBZUAI Incubation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) aims to be the leading AI-native incubator in MENA. We blend technical substance of AI with business insights and an intimate understanding of the local market to incubate value-creating start-ups.
What We Do
That’s IEC Grant & Mentor Network
Up to AED 200k in competitive grants available for MBZUAI founders
Supported 60+ world-class faculty, researchers, and students specializing in AI
Startups awarded our grants have raised 8x their initial grant funding from external investors.
Access to the IEC Mentor Network for practical AI venture-building expertise
That’s Palmside Chat
Engaged 27+ top-tier guest speakers from leading tech companies and VCs for knowledge-sharing sessions, including OpenAI, Microsoft, Careem, and BECO Capital
500+ attendees participating in the Palmside Chats
MBZUAI Launches Institute of Foundation Models and Establishes Silicon Valley AI Lab
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has expanded its global footprint with today’s launch of its Institute of Foundation Models (IFM). The IFM is a multi-site initiative consisting of a newly established Silicon Valley Lab in Sunnyvale, CA, combined with previously announced lab facilities in Paris and Abu Dhabi.
Highlighting LLM safety: How the Libra-Leaderboard is making AI more responsible
MBZUAI-based safety monitoring start-up LibrAI has taken another step towards ensuring safe, responsible and ethical AI with the launch of its Libra-Leaderboard: an evaluation framework for large language models (LLMs) that seeks to close the gap between capability and safety.
MBZUAI President and University Professor Eric Xing said he wants MBZUAI to become the “Stanford of the Middle East” as he addressed faculty, students and staff at the University’s New Year, New Journey event.
MBZUAI Incubation and Entrepreneurship Center powers next-gen AI ventures with technical expertise and network
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance at a rapid pace, Abu Dhabi is emerging as a global hub for AI innovation. The UAE’s recent ranking as 5th globally in the Stanford Global AI Power Rankings 2024 reinforces this with a Silicon Valley-like tech ecosystem beginning to take shape in the capital.
