In its latest move toward becoming a digital powerhouse, Saudi Arabia has announced the establishment of an academy specializing in industrial artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative is the result of a collaboration between the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the tech giant NVIDIA.
The creation of the Industrial Artificial Intelligence Academy marks a significant step in the kingdom’s commitment to cultivating homegrown talent with the skills necessary to compete on a global stage and achieve its ambitious objectives.
The academy’s mission is to nurture a generation that is proficient in industrial AI applications, capable of driving innovation within smart environments and operations, and eager to collaborate with top tech firms to advance cutting-edge technologies.
This endeavor is expected to accelerate the development of industrial AI technologies within the nation. Launched during the Global Smart City Forum, the academy also represents Saudi Arabia’s desire to play a pivotal role on the international stage and harness AI for the greater good of humanity.
SDAIA, the nation’s authoritative body for data and AI, sees the academy as an integral part of its mission to develop skilled local talents and promote international competitiveness by integrating AI into smart city initiatives. The goal is to establish the kingdom as a leading center for the latest tech and AI innovations.
The Global Smart City Forum aims to craft a blueprint for futuristic urban spaces through intelligent solutions, define sustainable urban development guidelines, and improve life quality while aligning with urban growth strategies.
Further bolstering Saudi Arabia’s digital economy, recent talks between the kingdom’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Al-Swaha, and NVIDIA’s CEO, Jensen Huang, have focused on enhancing their strategic partnership. These discussions are expected to amplify the nation’s status as the premier market for tech innovation in the Middle East and North Africa.
Both leaders delved into the transformative potential of generative AI in spurring digital innovation and opening up new investment avenues. They also discussed promoting innovation in deep tech, maximizing the societal and economic impacts of generative AI, and tapping into the vast opportunities within the digital realm.