Google and KAUST Join Forces to Advance AI Research in Saudi Arabia
Google has recently granted five seed funds to faculty members at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to bolster research efforts in artificial intelligence within Saudi Arabia. The grants, totaling $100,000, are geared towards supporting research initiatives focused on multilingual, multimodal machine learning, specifically employing generative and large language models (LLMs).
The selected researchers from KAUST’s computer, electrical, and mathematical sciences and engineering (CEMSE) division will delve into various topics such as healthcare, cross-cultural language comprehension, sustainability, privacy, and education. These grants are part of Google’s broader strategy to enhance AI research and development on a global scale.
Sarah Al Husseini, Google’s head of public policy in Saudi Arabia, emphasizes the company’s dedication to empowering local researchers and institutions to innovate solutions that benefit users, businesses, and governments in an AI-driven ecosystem. She highlights Google’s commitment to fostering breakthroughs in multilingual, multimodal machine learning alongside KAUST.
Dean Gianluca Setti of the CEMSE division at KAUST appreciates the collaboration with Google, acknowledging the exceptional talent within the faculty. The grants provide an opportunity for faculty members to further research in multilingual, multimodal machine learning and the development of LLMs across various sectors with significant societal impact.
The recipients of the grants include renowned professors such as Bernard Ghanem, Tareq Al-Naffouri, and Mohamed Elhoseiny, each focusing on distinct research areas within AI. Google will also pair each awardee with a Google researcher who will serve as their sponsor to provide guidance and support throughout the projects.
In parallel with these grants, KAUST has announced the establishment of the Center of Excellence in Generative AI, chaired by Bernard Ghanem. The center aims to accelerate and promote excellence in generative AI research and development within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, further solidifying the collaborative efforts between academia and industry in driving AI innovation.
The strategic partnership between Google and KAUST signifies a significant step towards fostering AI research and development in Saudi Arabia, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in the field of artificial intelligence.
By Team NewsPublisher
