Presight, a leading AI and data analytics firm in the UAE, has launched its inaugural AI Accelerator in Abu Dhabi, bringing together 10 global startups to scale real-world AI innovations. This milestone reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a hub for AI innovation and the UAE startup ecosystem.
Driving AI Innovation in the UAE
Presight’s AI Accelerator is notable for being led by a publicly listed UAE company, providing startups with access to its extensive partner and government client network. The programme emphasises commercial pathways, helping AI startups accelerate growth and integrate into key sectors.
Global Startups Selected for the Accelerator
From a pool of 120 applications across 17 countries, 15 finalists pitched in Abu Dhabi on 2–3 June 2025, and the top 10 startups were selected. These startups collectively raised over USD 150 million and include alumni from major accelerators such as Microsoft, Google, Alchemist, and Techstars.
Inaugural Cohort:
- Derq (UAE, USA) – AI-driven intelligent transportation systems
- Resync (Singapore) – Energy efficiency and building sustainability
- AlphaGeo (Singapore) – Climate risk analytics
- Zypl.ai (UAE/Tajikistan) – Synthetic AI data for financial services
- AJARI.ai (Indonesia / Singapore) – Adaptive AI-powered education
- Waverity (Azerbaijan) – Seismic image data interpretation
- Vulcan (UAE) – GenAI security and compliance tools
- NodeShift (UAE, USA) – Sovereign AI cloud platform
- Maiden Century (USA) – AI-driven investment insights
- Cobi (UAE, USA) – Business intelligence platform
Bootcamp Structure and Mentorship
The three-day Bootcamp organised startups into three tracks:
- Urban Visionaries – AI solutions for climate, mobility, and urban development
- AI Tool & Tech Makers – Foundational AI infrastructure and tools
- Market Shapers – AI applications in fintech, energy, and education
High-profile participants included Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti (UAE Cyber Security Council), Peng Xiao (CEO, G42), ambassadors from Singapore, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, as well as representatives from G42 subsidiaries and corporate partners like Microsoft, Hub71, ADNOC Onshore, FAB, Borouge, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy.
The programme also featured site visits to innovation hubs, including ADNOC, AIQ, Astra Tech, and Space42, allowing startups to experience AI deployment at scale across energy, infrastructure, and national innovation platforms.
Growth and Impact
Presight CEO Thomas Pramotedham stated:
“By equipping the 10 exceptional startups in our inaugural Cohort with world-class infrastructure and the critical levers to accelerate their commercial trajectory, we are amplifying their growth velocity.”
The accelerator will run until December 2025, culminating in a showcase at GITEX Expand North Star, where founders will present their progress to investors and institutional partners.
Strategic Significance for the UAE Startup Ecosystem
- Global Reach, Local Infrastructure: International startups gain direct access to the UAE’s robust AI and startup ecosystem
- Commercialisation Focus: Presight provides market pathways through partnerships, shifting beyond traditional investment-only approaches
- Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s AI Vision: The initiative aligns with the UAE’s strategy to become a global hub for AI innovation
Presight’s AI Accelerator positions Abu Dhabi as a strategic centre for AI innovation, connecting global startups with local infrastructure, corporate partners, and government support to drive the next wave of AI solutions in the UAE and beyond.
