Presight announces inaugural cohort of global startups joining its AI Accelerator programme
The announcement follows an evaluation and selection process that attracted 120 applications from AI startups across 17 countries, spanning diverse sectors such as Smart Cities, Fintech, Energy, AI Governance, and Sovereign AI.
The shortlisted pool of 15 global finalists was selected to participate in the final pitch days, held on 2–3 June. The event featured in-person pitches in Abu Dhabi at Presight's office and virtual presentations from international startups. Finalists had already raised over US$150 million collectively, backed by leading global accelerators like Microsoft, Google, Alchemist, and Techstars, underscoring the exceptional calibre of applicants.
Thomas Pramotedham, Chief Executive Officer of Presight, said, 'The Presight AI-Startup Accelerator is more than a program—it's a strategic growth engine for both visionary startups and Presight itself. We launched this initiative to identify and scale the most promising AI innovations globally, integrate them into our ecosystem, and drive transformative impact across industries. In providing the 10 AI startups with access to infrastructure, mentorship, and market reach, we're accelerating their growth and our own innovation pipeline. This approach allows us to build a portfolio of world-class AI solutions faster and more effectively than traditional R&D or acquisitions.
'Through the evaluation process, we prioritised rigor, readiness to scale, and strategic alignment with Presight's business focus. These 10 startups represent the strongest potential for impact within Presight's ecosystem. The selection process was among the most competitive in the region, and we thank all 15 finalists for their impressive vision and energy.'
The ten winning startups selected to join the accelerator include: Derq (UAE, USA): A leading provider of patented AI-powered intelligent transportation systems (ITS) helping cities prevent crashes, solve complex road safety challenges, and improve traffic flow.
Resync (Singapore): AI-driven Energy Efficiency and Sustainability solution for the Built Environment. Resync's cutting edge technology provides HVAC optimisation, iFM and Energy Savings for commercial and industrial buildings across Southeast Asia and Middle East.
AlphaGeo (Singapore): Provides data, analytics and tools to navigate climate risk and invest in adaptation and resilience.
Zypl.ai (UAE/Tajikistan): Zypl generates synthetic outliers from its proprietary zGAN model to optimize the performance of AI agents — especially under edge cases and black swans. Focused on financial services use cases, zypl's enterprise AI platform enables banks to reduce defaults, improve fraud detection and increase repayment rates.
AJARI.ai (Indonesia / Singapore): Provides native AI-powered education and training solutions with adaptive learning pathways for schools, enterprises, and government institutions.
Waverity (Azerbaijan): Solves the challenge of limited insights and low accuracy in seismic data interpretation. Using advanced AI algorithms, it enhances image quality, reduces subsurface uncertainty, and accelerates exploration and drilling decisions in the energy sector.
Vulcan (UAE): Offers GenAI security, safety, & compliance tools, from assessment through protection. Trusted by leading organizations in the high-tech & public sectors, Vulcan is the GenAI-specific solution to ensure safety, security and operational integrity.
NodeShift (UAE, USA): A sovereign AI cloud platform that lets users run LLMs, image, and speech models in one click — securely, on cloud or on-premises.
Maiden Century (USA): Developer of a proprietary data science platform designed to help fundamental and systematic investors harness the power of both internal and external data resources to generate powerful investment insights.
Cobi (UAE, USA): Offers an AI-powered business intelligence platform designed to enhance customer engagement and product optimisation.
A distinguished jury panel evaluated each 10-minute pitch before selecting the final Cohort winners. Members of the judging panel included: Kareem Okeili, Senior Partner Development Manager, Microsoft; Sultan Al Hajji, Senior Adviser to the President of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligent (MBZUAI); and Darsh Singh Mann, Head of Business Development and Partnerships, StartX by Stanford University. They were joined by a selection of senior management from Presight.
The selected startups will now join the Presight AI-Startup Accelerator Bootcamp in Abu Dhabi. This immersion programme includes technical mentoring, strategic market access to scale with potential commercial proof-of-concepts and contracts, product refinement, and investment readiness for the venture capital funding during demo day.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
23 minutes ago
- Zawya
NBO empowers businesses in Oman with seamless merchant payment solutions
Muscat: The National Bank of Oman (NBO) continues to support business owners through an integrated suite of merchant payment services designed to simplify payment acceptance, processing, and enhance customer convenience. The Bank offers a full spectrum of merchant payment solutions, including Point of Sale (POS) terminals, an E-Commerce Payment Gateway and Merchant QR Codes. These services cater to a wide range of businesses, applicable to all registered and licensed entities such as home and microbusinesses, retail stores, corporate entities, small and medium-sized entities (SMEs) and government entities. Commenting on this, Dr Ali Al Shekaili, Assistant General Manager – Head of Digital and E-Channels at NBO, said, 'As Oman's economy becomes increasingly digital, we believe it is essential to equip every business with the means to thrive. Our merchant payment solutions reflect this belief by helping businesses accept payments securely while staying competitive, connected and ready for what comes next.' The POS terminals support local and international card schemes including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, UnionPay, Discover and Diners Club. The features include POS system integration with electronic cash registers, kiosks, and vending machines. In addition, it supports converting transactions to Easy Payment Plans, paying in local currency with Dynamic Currency Conversion, paying using rewards points and real-time data synchronisation as sales data from the POS is automatically reflected in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, ensuring accurate inventory levels, financial records and reporting. The E-Commerce Payment Gateway supports 3D secure online payments and offers a secure and seamless checkout experience. The solution offers link payments, recurring payments, and batch payments options, as well as smart routing of transactions through a single application programming interface. E–commerce payment gateways are compatible with ERP systems, websites and mobile apps. The Merchant QR code allows customers to scan, pay and complete transactions instantly. This solution is particularly well-suited for home and microbusinesses. No terminal is required, and merchants can simply use the Merchant Static QR provided by the bank to complete transactions, providing a contactless, easy-to-use alternative to traditional payment methods. NBO's merchant payment solutions are designed to enhance accessibility and efficiency for businesses at every level. For more information, contact MerchantHelpDesk@ access the Merchant Application Form and Merchant E-Commerce Form via or contact the Call Centre on 24770000
The National
23 minutes ago
- The National
My Dubai Salary: ‘After earning Dh1,500 as a supermarket cashier, I now make Dh48,000 as an entrepreneur'
Meenakshi Tejwani has tried new careers throughout her life. She started off working in sales at the age of 17 at a car showroom in India, moved to Dubai in 2012 and found a job as a supermarket cashier and later had stints in business development in UAE banks, before pivoting to entrepreneurship. As the founder and managing director of Alpha Mortgage, a Dubai-based mortgage consultancy founded last year, Ms Tejwani, 32, also makes passive income by offering advisory services to businesses. She lives in Bur Dubai with her husband, who runs a company that provides business set-up services and financial consultancy, and two children – one is three years old, the other three months. She is from the city of Ajmer, in the north-western Indian state of Rajasthan, and obtained her bachelor's degree in commerce. What was your first job and salary? I always wanted to work. During my first year of graduation, I worked in sales in a car showroom and earned 3,000 Indian rupees ($34.70) a month. After the first year of my graduation, I wanted to move out of Ajmer to get some exposure. My parents weren't willing to send me anywhere, but I finally convinced them to allow me to relocate to Dubai, since my brother worked here then. I moved here and got a job as a cashier in Choithrams supermarket, where my salary was Dh1,200 ($326.80) a month. I was later promoted to customer service supervisor and worked there for nearly two and a half years. Later, I moved to RAKBank, where I sold business loans to small and medium enterprises for a monthly salary of Dh4,000. I worked there for four years and left as a virtual relationship manager. I then moved to Mashreq, where I worked as a relationship manager for a monthly salary of Dh11,500 for nearly four years until 2021. In 2021, my husband and I founded JSB, a business set-up and financial services consultancy. Tell us about your current role. What is your salary now? I left my full-time job in 2021 because I had just given birth and wanted to focus on my business, while also having the flexibility to take care of my child. While providing banking assistance to SME customers, a few of them wanted help to take out mortgages since the UAE real estate market was booming. Some customers were based overseas and were not being offered the right mortgage advice or a good interest rate. I sensed an opportunity and had ready clients, so I decided to set up a mortgage consultancy called Alpha Mortgage last year. I withdraw a salary of nearly Dh48,000 a month, including allowances. Do you manage to save? I am very disciplined about saving. I have managed to save throughout my career and this helped me to set up my business. Between my husband's and my income, one is used for investing and the other to pay for family expenses. After paying for my basic expenses, I save the rest of my income and invest into multiple assets. What asset classes do you invest in? I invest mainly in real estate in India and Dubai, and buy gold coins every six months. I am interested in physical, tangible investments. I have purchased properties in Dubai for investment. One is an off-plan townhouse in Dubailand worth Dh1.5 million, and the other is a two-bedroom apartment, near the Dubai Frame on Sheikh Zayed Road, worth Dh3 million. We are now in the process of finding a property to buy for us to live in as a family. We own commercial properties, both ready and off-plan, in the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan. I am also trying to learn stock trading now. Do you have any debt? I have a mortgage, which is covered by the rental income, and we only had to pay the down payment to buy the property. I also have a car loan. I rarely use credit cards. I focus on spending what is readily available and strive to increase my income rather than add to my liabilities. I try to create passive income to fund my discretionary purchases. I offer advisory services to SME customers for their business and compliance needs and earn money from it. Have you ever inherited a sum of money? No, my father used to drive a taxi, so I never had an opportunity to receive an inheritance. Everything I have built has been through my hard work and smart financial planning. Growing up, were you taught how to handle your finances? Yes, my family taught me to always have a source of passive income. When I retire or slow down my pace of work, I intend to have an asset or business that will offer me passive income to cover my basic expenses. I want my investments to make money even when I'm asleep. What are your major monthly expenses? Nursery fees are quite expensive. I also spend on travel, as well as life and health insurance for our family. Do you have an emergency fund? Yes, it can sustain us for a minimum of six months. We always keep cash as an emergency fund in our joint account. We also look at gold that can be easily liquidated as an emergency fund. Watch: UAE Salary Guide: Why expat packages are not what they used to be What do you spend your disposable income on? I spend on travel and family expenses. I occasionally reward myself with luxury items since we don't have to worry about covering our basic expenses any more. Do you worry about money? No. Since I started working, I've been into sales, so am confident that I can start from zero and rebuild anytime. However, I always keep enough savings to sustain me for at least six months to a year. But if I land in a situation where I have to make money again, I'm confident in my sales skills. What are your financial goals? In the short term, I want to grow my property portfolio. In the long term, I want to build strong passive income through strategic property investments, gold purchases and stock trading. What is your idea of financial freedom? Financial freedom is where I can work by my choice, not out of compulsion. When I worked in a bank, I wanted to quit a couple of times, but it wasn't an option. However, when I got into business, I understood how to make money through sales. I have now delegated work to my team so they can handle all tasks or I can even get work done while sitting in another country.
Web Release
an hour ago
- Web Release
ABU DHABI WORLD GRAPPLING CHAMPIONSHIP TO DEBUT IN AL AIN REGION THIS AUGUST
International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) has announced that the inaugural Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 will take place from August 1 to 3, 2025, at ADNEC Centre Al Ain. This initiative is held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) and under the banner of Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP). The event aims to cater to the surging global demand for combat sports, particularly grappling, one of the world's fastest-growing disciplines. The championship will feature hundreds of male and female athletes from over 20 countries, welcoming participants of all skill levels from youth and amateurs to masters and professionals. Across three action-packed days, the event will showcase elite competition, further cementing Al Ain Region's status as a premier destination for world-class combat sports. Saeed AL Dhaheri, Destination Management Department Director at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: 'As Abu Dhabi grows in prominence as a hub for major global sporting events, combat sports have emerged as an increasingly important pillar of our sport and entertainment vision for the emirate. Joining such IPs as Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC Fight Nights, and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, we are proud to welcome the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship to our portfolio of leading events. We look forward to new audiences in Al Ain Region and across Abu Dhabi being introduced to this exciting and increasingly popular sport.' Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of International Vision Sports Management, said: 'We are proud to launch the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship, the first of its kind globally, in Al Ain Region, Abu Dhabi. This event underscores the UAE's leadership in hosting elite combat sports, offering a platform for athletes worldwide to excel. 'With the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, we aim to deliver unparalleled competition and establish a lasting legacy for grappling in the region.' As part of the AJP Tour, the championship will adhere to the highest international standards. Competitors of all nationalities can participate across age divisions (U14, U16, U18, 18+, and 35+) in both amateur and professional categories. Winners will earn 2,000 ranking points and substantial cash prizes, ensuring fierce competition and top-tier performances. The event's opening day will focus on professional bouts up to the semi-finals, followed by youth and amateur competitions on the second day. The championship will conclude with third-place playoffs and thrilling finals. The Al Ain Region of Abu Dhabi was chosen as the host city to highlight its growing prominence within Abu Dhabi's sporting landscape. This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to promoting sports tourism and nurturing emerging talent, backed by leading academies and supported by passionate fans from across the GCC and the wider MENA region. Registration is now open via with entries accepted until July 28, 2025. Athletes, coaches, and fans are encouraged to secure their places early to be part of this landmark event.
