MBZUAI’s Incubation Centre Introduces Demo Day For AI Builders In Abu Dhabi

The Incubation and Entrepreneurship Centre (IEC) at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has introduced "Build it Demo Day." This event allows innovators to present functional AI solutions to the UAE's innovation community. Unlike typical pitch events, this one emphasises tangible products and prototypes over mere presentations.

Participants in "Build It" must meet three criteria: they need to demonstrate something they are genuinely proud of, ensure AI is central to their project, and present work-in-progress like a mock-up or prototype. The inaugural event is scheduled for 30th October 2025, from 5-7 PM GST at Masdar City Park.

Applications are open to university students, startup founders, and professionals creating AI products. Those selected will connect with prominent local and global organisations. They will also receive a technology credit package to support their next steps.

This package includes credits such as OpenAI API credits up to $2,000, Nvidia credits up to $120,000, AWS credits worth $25,000, ElevenLabs credits of $50,000, HuggingFace credits up to $2,000, PostHog credits up to $50,000, Microsoft Azure credits of $5,000, and a HubSpot discount of 90%.

Haochen Sun, Acting Head of the IEC, stated that about 25% of students arrive with an active startup idea. He noted that many builders in Abu Dhabi work on personal projects without a platform for early-stage sharing. "Build It Demo Day" provides this platform.

Sun added that companies like NVIDIA and Microsoft have contributed over $200,000 in credits because they believe in supporting early-stage builders. He emphasised the importance of transforming rough demos into conversations that can lead to successful companies based in Abu Dhabi.

IEC's Impact on Entrepreneurship

The IEC's initiatives include Entrepreneurship Workshops and a Grant Initiative. These programmes have resulted in over 250 startup pitches and more than 400 hours of mentorship from industry leaders like OpenAI and Microsoft.

Since its inception in 2023, MBZUAI’s IEC has facilitated the creation of 14 AI startups in Abu Dhabi. It has also attracted substantial external investment and nurtured a vibrant entrepreneurial community exceeding 2,000 members.

This event aims to foster innovation by providing a platform where early-stage ideas can be shared and developed further. It highlights the commitment of MBZUAI’s IEC to support budding entrepreneurs in the field of artificial intelligence within the UAE.

With inputs from WAM