GAIA, the generative artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator, has received backing from the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), along with collaboration from New Native Inc. This initiative aims to support and empower startups specializing in generative AI, facilitating their rapid market entry and improvement. GAIA's efforts have led to four successful AI Hackathons, engaging thousands of participants and yielding 185 prototypes—an impressive demonstration of fostering innovation.

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With a budget of $30 million, GAIA seeks to empower 300 generative AI startups. The accelerator's inaugural cohort, launched in July 2023, consisted of 15 startups benefiting from a $160 million investment fund. GAIA uniquely employs generative AI techniques to automatically track startup progress. SDAIA, NTDP, and GAIA collectively contribute to elevating Saudi Arabia's leadership in AI technologies, while GAIA's regional influence extends to enhancing environmental AI systems in the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region. The focus on entrepreneurial programs and AI-driven ventures positions GAIA as a catalyst for advancing the region's AI landscape.

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