Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has introduced Hub71+ AI, a specialized platform designed to assist startups in leveraging cross-sector AI innovation. The launch took place during Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), where the new ecosystem was unveiled to provide AI startups with the essential infrastructure and resources needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.

Between 2021 and 2023, the number of AI companies in Abu Dhabi grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 67 percent. Moreover, studies show that an average of one AI company was established every two days in Abu Dhabi during the first half of 2024. Hub71+ AI aims to accelerate this growth by supporting startups and building the necessary infrastructure to drive AI adoption across multiple sectors.

AI71 has joined Hub71+ AI as an anchor partner, offering compute power credits for their API Hub, which provides pay-as-you-go access to globally recognized Falcon series of Large Language Models and other tools. AI71 will also grant access to its team of AI researchers. Additionally, Core42 has partnered with Hub71+ AI to empower regional startups with preferential access to Core42’s advanced products and solutions. Core42 will provide cloud credits that enable startups to utilize next-generation digital infrastructure for AI, including current deployments in the UAE, USA, and a growing global footprint.

Core42’s sovereign public cloud offering, which leverages Microsoft Azure, is also available for startups requiring sovereign implementations for regulated industries and the public sector. Core42 will also assist startups in accessing relevant parts of the broader G42 ecosystem, including Presight, M42, AIQ, CPX, Space42, and others as needed.

Hub71+ AI is backed by a network of leading partners, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google for Startups, Nvidia, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and 42 Abu Dhabi. These strategic partners are committed to supporting the ecosystem and fostering the growth of AI startups, contributing to Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation through advanced technology.

Through these partnerships, startups will gain access to technical and industry expertise, digital infrastructure, strategic market entry pathways, and regulatory guidance. Hub71’s collaborations with global tech leaders will further benefit startups by providing opportunities to test new technologies in real-world scenarios. Startups will also be connected to a network of investors and corporate partners that can help accelerate their growth from Abu Dhabi.

Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, stated: “AI is revolutionizing industries and shaping the future of our world. Abu Dhabi is not just keeping pace but leading the way as a global hub for advancing AI. Hub71+ AI is our commitment to visionary founders, offering startups unparalleled access to resources, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities with tech giants and national champions. We aim to scale and drive AI innovation that resonates globally from Abu Dhabi’s vibrant tech ecosystem.”

Talal M. Al Kaissi, EVP and Chief Government Affairs & Partnerships Officer at Core42, added: “At Core42, we are dedicated to enabling startups to harness the transformative power of AI through robust and specialized digital infrastructure, as well as tailored go-to-market mentorship. Partnering with Hub71+ AI aligns with our mission to scale AI enablement and drive sustainable economic growth in Abu Dhabi. Together, we are positioning startups to expand globally, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a global AI hub.”

Dr. Mahir Nayfeh, Chief Product Officer at AI71, said: “AI71 is committed to bridging the AI divide by making AI tools accessible to as many people as possible. A key part of this is our API Hub, which offers pay-as-you-go access to the globally ranked Falcon series of generative AI models and other tools. This allows developers worldwide to innovate using Falcon, regardless of their compute power resources. We look forward to collaborating with Hub71 to empower the next generation of promising AI startups and developers.”

Hub71+ AI is part of Hub71’s specialist ecosystems, developed to advance innovation across Abu Dhabi’s priority sectors. By leveraging substantial investment, world-class infrastructure, and strategic partnerships, Hub71 is dedicated to driving technological advancements and fostering economic diversification to shape the future industries of Abu Dhabi.

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