UAE's G42 Secures Nvidia H100 Chips, Spearheading Middle East's AI Ambitions

Tech Insights AI 0015, Monday 16th September 2024

1.UAE's G42 Secures Nvidia H100 Chips, Spearheading Middle East's AI Ambitions

G42 has received approval from the U.S. government to purchase cutting-edge Nvidia H100 AI GPUs.This breakthrough positions G42 at the forefront of the region's AI ambitions and highlights the growing importance of the Gulf states in the global technology landscape.

Earlier this year, G42's CEO, Peng Xiao, acknowledged the challenges in severing ties with Chinese companies, emphasizing the difficult but necessary steps taken to align with U.S. security concerns and advance the UAE's AI ambitions during an on-stage interview at the World Government Summit in Dubai.

G42's Strategic Moves

G42, the Abu Dhabi-based AI and cloud computing company, has been working diligently to secure access to advanced AI hardware;

• The U.S. approval for Nvidia H100 chips came earlier this year, marking a significant milestone for G42 and the UAE's AI aspirations.

• G42 has made substantial investments in data security and infrastructure to allay U.S. concerns about potential technology transfer to China.

• The company has built new data centers with hardware exclusively from Western nations and implemented military-grade encryption

• G42 has also cooperated with AI chip maker Cerebras to build data centers in the UAE

Implications for the Middle East

• The approval for G42 signals growing confidence in the UAE's technological capabilities

• It paves the way for the UAE to potentially construct massive data centers for training and running advanced AI models.

• The move could help establish the Gulf region as a significant player in the global AI landscape.

Regional Competition Heats Up

Qatar

• Qatar has unveiled its own national AI strategy, focusing on developing local talent, fostering AI research, and integrating AI across various sectors.

• The Qatar Center for Artificial Intelligence (QCAI) is spearheading efforts to create an AI-driven ecosystem in the country

Qatar's Ooredoo has purchased thousands of NVIDIA AI GPUs for its GPU-as-a-Service scheme, providing clients access to a cutting-edge AI ecosystem for large-scale developments and generative AI integrations. This competition drives further innovation and investment in AI technologies across the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in its pursuit of cutting-edge AI technology:

• The kingdom expects to gain access to Nvidia's high-performance H200 chips "within the next year," according to Abdulrahman Tariq Habib, a senior official at the Saudi Data and AI Authority

• This development could greatly enhance Saudi Arabia's technological capabilities and ease business relations with the U.S.

• Saudi Arabia aims for AI to constitute 12% of its GDP by 2030, with the $925 billion Public Investment Fund spearheading investments in AI infrastructure

• The country is working to address U.S. security concerns regarding its relationship with China while pursuing advanced chip access

2.StopNCII.org Your Shield Against Revenge Porn

StopNCII.org, a groundbreaking free global tool, is revolutionizing the fight against non-consensual intimate image abuse (NCII). Developed by the Revenge Porn Helpline, this innovative platform empowers adults to proactively protect their intimate images from being shared online without consent

The tool uses advanced image hashing technology to create a unique digital fingerprint of users' intimate images directly on their devices. These hashes are then shared with participating companies, allowing them to detect and remove matching images from their platforms without ever accessing the original content.

Impact and Support

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3.AI Pioneer Fei-Fei Li's Startup World Labs Secures $230 Million in Funding

Fei-Fei Li, a renowned figure in artificial intelligence and computer vision, has made headlines with her startup World Labs raising an impressive $230 million in Series A funding. This significant investment underscores the growing interest and confidence in AI-driven healthcare solutions.

Key Insights

• World Labs, co-founded by Fei-Fei Li, has raised $230 million in Series A funding.

• The startup focuses on using AI to improve healthcare, particularly in areas like medical imaging and diagnostics.

• Investors include Softbank Vision Fund 2, Temasek, and Walden Catalyst Ventures.

Impact on AI and Healthcare:

This substantial funding round highlights the potential for AI to revolutionize healthcare. World Labs aims to develop AI tools that can assist medical professionals in diagnosing diseases earlier and more accurately, potentially saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.

4.African Startups Make Waves in TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield 2024

TechCrunch's prestigious Startup Battlefield 200 for 2024 has unveiled its lineup, featuring an impressive showing from the African continent. Eight early-stage African startups have secured spots in this globally recognized competition, marking a significant milestone for the region's tech ecosystem.

The competition, known for its potential to catapult startups to success, offers participants a chance to pitch their innovative ideas to a global audience and compete for a $100,000 equity-free prize. This year's African contingent includes seven startups from Nigeria and one from Morocco, showcasing the continent's growing technological prowess.

Notable Contenders:

Convexity Technologies (Nigeria): A blockchain solution provider focusing on humanitarian aid distribution. Founder Adedeji Owonibi

Eight Medical (Nigeria): An emergency medical resource platform, described as "Uber + 911 for people in Africa". Founder Ibukun Tunde-Oni

Gwala (Morocco): A fintech startup streamlining payroll and employee benefits for African businesses. Founder Mossaab (Simo) Abaouz

The selected startups span various sectors, including healthcare, fintech, AI-driven recruitment, and cybersecurity, reflecting the diverse innovation landscape in Africa

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