Presight has selected 12 AI startups from 62 countries for the second cohort of its AI Accelerator, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for applied artificial intelligence.
The announcement underscores the UAE’s growing position as a global hub for applied artificial intelligence, with startups from across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East competing for access to Presight’s technology ecosystem, mentorship, and commercialization opportunities.
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Following an extensive screening process, 33 companies were shortlisted. Collectively, the shortlisted startups are valued at over USD 2.1 billion and have raised more than USD 341 million in funding.
Sixteen finalists advanced to virtual Pitch Days held in early June, where they presented their technologies and business strategies to a panel of industry experts. Twelve companies were ultimately selected based on innovation, scalability, commercial potential, and alignment with the programme’s strategic objectives.
The selected startups span sectors including AI security, climate intelligence, healthcare, enterprise software, and digital infrastructure.
The Cohort II participants are AIM Intelligence, AIRMO, AITRICS, Dtonic, Featherless AI, FlyNex, FortyGuard, MangoBoost, RahdAI, TheStage AI, Transparently.AI, and Trust Exam. The companies are headquartered across South Korea, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Kazakhstan, and Luxembourg.
The final selection panel included senior executives from Presight, representatives of the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and experts from the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
Selected startups will gain access to Presight’s technical expertise, the broader G42 ecosystem, mentorship from industry leaders, and introductions to regional and international partners. The programme also provides opportunities for commercial collaborations and potential investment through Presight’s venture investment arm.
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The Cohort II bootcamp will take place in the UAE in the coming months, where participating founders will work with industry experts to accelerate product development, market expansion, and enterprise adoption.
Commenting on the announcement, Presight Chief Executive Officer Thomas Pramotedham said the accelerator programme is helping strengthen the UAE’s position as a global AI innovation hub by enabling promising startups to transform emerging technologies into scalable solutions with commercial and societal impact.
The initiative forms part of Presight’s broader strategy to build Abu Dhabi’s AI ecosystem while supporting the development of sovereign and applied artificial intelligence technologies capable of addressing real-world challenges across industries.
As global competition for AI leadership intensifies, accelerator programmes backed by established technology companies are becoming increasingly important in helping startups validate products, secure enterprise customers, and scale internationally.
Presight’s second cohort further reinforces the UAE’s ambition to attract world-class AI founders and position itself at the forefront of next-generation artificial intelligence innovation.
Why Presight Selection Matters to MENA
The programme reinforces the UAE’s ambition to become a global destination for AI innovation by attracting high-growth startups, investment, and cutting-edge technologies.
As Gulf governments invest heavily in sovereign AI capabilities, accelerators like Presight’s are helping bridge the gap between research, commercialization, and enterprise adoption.
The initiative also strengthens MENA’s role in the global AI ecosystem, giving international startups a gateway to regional markets while accelerating the development of homegrown AI innovation and strategic technology partnerships.
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