Dubai - Sharikat Mubasher: The Dubai Future Foundation and Meta, the multinational technology conglomerate, launched the first cohort of Llama Design Drive, a regional artificial intelligence (AI) acceleration initiative targeting corporates and startups in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The first cohort includes 22 startups and eight AI development professionals focused on solving leading industry challenges related to AI, a recent statement revealed.
The Llama Design Drive initiative was designed to accelerate the development of innovative AI solutions using Meta’s open-source large language model Llama 3.1 by fostering collaboration between startups and leading corporations within the UAE.
The first cohort involves a 4-week AI design sprint aiming to connect startups at the forefront of AI innovation with real-world business challenges presented by four of the UAE’s leading companies: Emirates Airlines, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Holding, and Chalhoub Group.
The program offers access to real complex business problems that these companies are facing, enabling participants to conceptualize, develop, and pitch AI-driven solutions with significant commercial and social impact by leveraging Meta’s open-source AI models.
Abdulaziz Al Jaziri, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation said: “Through our partnerships with global tech giants, we continue to foster a nurturing, supportive environment for startups operating on the frontiers of technological advancement with ambitions to scale across borders, as well as connect with both governments and industry leaders."
Meanwhile, Joulan Abdul Khalek, Policy Programs Manager for Africa, Middle East, and Turkey at Meta, commented: "We look forward to working closely with the community of startups, developers, and university research labs that will be a part of this program along with our corporate partners to develop meaningful AI use-cases that can help unlock real impact in the UAE and serve as an inspiration for the broader region and world.”
This collaboration underpins the UAE’s commitment to promoting a vibrant AI ecosystem where advanced solutions can contribute to the nation’s ambitious digital transformation goals.