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Saudi Arabia has made a significant commitment to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) by pledging $1 billion for its new accelerator program, GAIA, at the LEAP24 conference in Riyadh. This announcement marks a major step forward in the kingdom’s efforts to promote innovation and technology.
GAIA, a collaboration between the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, the National Technology Development Program, and the U.S.-based global AI community New Native, aims to support AI startups and drive innovation in the field. The program, based out of Riyadh’s startup space The Garage, has already attracted nearly 50 AI startups, showcasing the growing interest and potential in the region.
The LEAP24 conference, touted as the largest tech exhibition globally, features key players in the tech industry, including Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Dell, Cisco, SAP, Amazon Web Services, Alibaba, and Huawei. The event serves as a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in AI, digital transformation, and technology.
One of the highlights of the conference is the introduction of Saudia’s virtual travel assistant, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences. Additionally, Mohammad the Humanoid Robot, a male counterpart to last year’s Sara, is set to make an appearance, showcasing the advancements in robotics and AI.
The conference agenda includes discussions on building the metaverse, the future of sports, and insights from industry experts. With over 1,800 international and local exhibitors, including 600 startups, LEAP24 is a testament to the growing importance of AI and technology in shaping the future.
Saudi Arabia’s investment in GAIA underscores its commitment to driving innovation and becoming a leader in AI. As the kingdom continues to invest in technology and digital transformation, the impact of initiatives like GAIA will be crucial in shaping the future of AI and driving economic growth.