Abu Dhabi is strengthening its capabilities in Artificial Intelligence through a partnershipbetween Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first graduate-level research-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) university, and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the dedicated applied research pillar of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC).

MBZUAIand TII said they have formed the partnership to advance AI research and understanding of the technology, with the aim of further strengthening the AI ecosystem in the UAE and beyond.

His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of ATRC and Professor Eric Xing, President of MBZUAI, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two Abu Dhabi-based entities. MBZUAI and TII will work closely to establish a collaborative framework that will enable joint fundamental and applied research in several key domains of AI including neuromorphic computing, UAV research and development, design and development of autonomous vehicles and bio-inspired robotics. MBZUAI and TII aim to build a strategic partnership to achieve research excellence in AI and support Abu Dhabi’s efforts to build and sustain an AI-based knowledge economy.

The two organisations will share research resources and exchange students, faculty members and researchers. The framework reinforces efforts to foster economic growth and position Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for the international AI community.

Commenting on the agreement, H.E. Faisal Al Bannai said: “Our partnership with MBZUAI will accelerate the development of AI technologies and create powerful synergies for both organisationsto push the frontiers of knowledge for the benefit of science, society, the economy and the world. Artificial Intelligence is a national priority and is at the core of the cutting-edge research at TII’s seven initial dedicated research centres, which are all working towards technological breakthroughs in their respective fields of quantum, autonomous robotics, cryptography, advanced materials, digital security, directed energy and secure systems.”

Professor Xing said: “Advancing the development of Artificial Intelligence and unlocking the full potential of this extraordinary technology will require cooperation that spans across industries and geographic borders. MBZUAI is firmly committed to forming strategic partnerships with leaders in their respective fields, and the collaboration with TII will enable the AI community as well as our students to gain access to a wide range of resources and expertise in the field of AI, and will provide opportunities for advanced research that will undoubtedly benefit industries, businesses and society in the UAE, and across the world.”

MBZUAI has welcomed its first cohort of graduate students to its Masdar City campus for the academic year, which started on January 10, 2021. Students from 29 countries have been accepted into the university’s MSc and PhD programmes in computer vision and machine learning, delivered by a world-class faculty of international AI experts.