Microsoft AI for Accessibility low-cost Assistive Technology grant, Request for Proposals

Microsoft AI for Accessibility low-cost Assistive Technology grant, Request for Proposals

The Microsoft AI for Accessibility program is calling for project proposals that advance access to assistive technology for people with disabilities, especially in low- and middle-income communities.

Microsoft says the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is optional for project submissions in this round. The company also urges Universities, non-profits, for-profit companies, startups, and other organizations to apply.

In this Request for Proposals (RFP) Microsoft is prioritizing scalable solutions in three categories. These are Access to affordable devices, Relevant and localized software and Awareness, upskilling and community.

The RFP is open to applicants from any country or region. This round will focus on innovations that empower people with disabilities outside of the US.

The deadline to submit the Microsoft AI for Accessibility Grant application is 11:59 PM PST on January 12, 2022 (7:59 AM GMT on January 13 2022). Selected finalists will be invited to pitch to a review panel in February and award decisions will be finalized in March.

Click to visit the online application page for more details including the grant selection process and criteria.

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ETIHAD to achieve net-zero sustainability goals with Microsoft tech

ETIHAD to achieve net-zero sustainability goals with Microsoft tech

net-zero ETIHAD Microsoft

Etihad Airways plans to meet net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and is looking to use Microsoft technology. The national carrier of the United Arab Emirates is announcing a new partnership with Microsoft to leverage its tools and technologies to advance its sustainability goals.

The companies will work together to use advanced analytics and AI to measure and benchmark Etihad’s environmental footprint. This will allow the business to implement and assess carbon efficiency savings across its business operations. The collaboration will focus on the implementation of technologies that will turn data into actionable insights. Unlocking scenarios and use cases that will help Etihad reduce its carbon footprint and meet the net-zero goal.

“Innovation and sustainability are at the core of our business. Our continued partnership with Microsoft will support us in meeting our sustainability goals to reduce carbon emissions. Both in the air through operational efficiencies, and on the ground. Through improvements in our back-office processes and technology infrastructure,” said Tony Douglas, Group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group. 

“Etihad is aligned with the UAE’s mission to conserve and preserve our environment for generations to come and we have made significant progress over the last two years towards our ‘net-zero carbon emissions by 2050’ goal with our sustainability portfolio. We look forward to working closely with Microsoft to enhance these developments.”

Tony Douglas

Etihad and Microsoft have also committed to jointly identifying opportunities for collaboration. To achieve both organisations’ sustainability goals while building thought-leadership and further partnerships with organisations in the UAE and the region. This will further drive the national sustainability agenda and build a supportive technology ecosystem. That will allow organisations of all sizes to take carbon reduction measures based on data-driven insights.

“We are aligned with the UAE’s long-term sustainability goals and practices to accelerate growth responsibly. While fulfilling the nation’s ambitious objectives,” said Sayed Hashish, General Manager, Microsoft UAE. 

“For more than a decade, Microsoft has been investing to reduce environmental impact while supporting the digital transformation of organisations around the world through cloud services. The commitments and investments we make are important steps in reducing our own environmental impact. But we recognize that the opportunity for positive change is greatest by empowering customers and partners to achieve their own sustainability goals. Therefore, this partnership with Etihad is incredibly exciting. By empowering more and more organizations with the right insights, we will be able to reach critical mass to reduce carbon emissions on a significant scale.”

Microsoft and Etihad Airways announced the first-ever in-house AI Academy in the Middle East earlier this year. The Etihad AI academy powered by Microsoft will look to revolutionise the way the airline serves its customers

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Cairo ICT 2021, Microsoft showcases innovations in Cloud, AI, Security, and modern work

Cairo ICT 2021, Microsoft showcases innovations in Cloud, AI, Security, and modern work

Cairo ICT 2021 is underway in Egypt and Microsoft is taking the opportunity to showcase its latest technological innovations in the areas of the Cloud, AI, Security and modern work. It is also showing off the latest Surface products, the Surface Pro 7+, Surface Laptop Go and Surface Go 2.

The international telecom, information, technology and media trade fair and forum event is taking place from 7-10 November. The event is co-locating with PAFIX 2021 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center, New Cairo.

We are delighted to be participating as Official Cloud Sponsor at the 25th edition of Cairo ICT, says Mirna Arif, Country Manager, Microsoft Egypt. We are looking forward to welcoming you at our booth to reimagine together a stronger future for Egypt. And to explore how organizations can harness the power of technology to thrive in an increasingly digital economy, she adds.

Microsoft will be participating and contributing to the conversation on the Digital Challenge during the event. Mirna will join other technology leaders to discuss “How ICT is changing the face of the world”. Other Microsoft discussions to look out for include:

  • 8th – Cloud-Tech & DevOps – Mr. Chadi Haddad, Data & Ai Regional Director, Microsoft
  • 9th – IoT & IIoT – Leading the way to Industry 5.0 – Ahmed Farag, Public Sector Industry Lead, Microsoft

You can find the Microsoft Egypt booth on the Cairo ICT 2021 event floor at Hall E stand 3E2. Where you can have a hands-on with their products and learn about their solutions.

Photos from Cairo ICT 2021

Cairo ICT 2021
Microsoft Cairo ICT
Cairo ICT 2021

Images Source: Cairo ICT

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Kuwait leaders to maximize the use of smart technologies in new Microsoft AI program

Kuwait leaders to maximize the use of smart technologies in new Microsoft AI program

The Central Agency for Information Technology Agency (CAIT), Kuwait, is partnering with Microsoft to launch a training program for a group of Kuwaiti leaders from the government sector. To raise the level of knowledge and enhance confidence in artificial intelligence technologies to build a smart government. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Leaders in Government Sector program will help leaders maximise the use of smart technologies.

Microsoft will design the training with Insead College, topics include an introduction to artificial intelligence technologies. Others are strategies to pursue in the government sector by leveraging these technologies. And the optimal use of AI in a way that ensures improved life and services for citizens and residents.

We are delighted to be collaborating with Microsoft to maximize the use of smart technologies that will enable government leaders to take their leading place in the digital transformation plan and achieve its goals,” says Haya Al Wadani, Director General of the Central Information Technology Agency. Enhancing knowledge and trust is a necessary step to seize the opportunities offered by smart technologies. This unique program comes to this step, he adds.”

Artificial intelligence is one of the most prominent technologies of our time that has brought about significant changes in our lives, notes Aladdin Karim, General Manager of Microsoft Kuwait. The CAIT has always been a leader in adopting the latest means that improve the performance of government agencies. And prepare leaders for the era of artificial intelligence.”

“As part of a series of previous partnerships, we are committed to supporting them to achieve a digital transformation agenda, looking ahead and providing the best services to citizens by harnessing our expertise in dealing with smart technologies.”

Aladdin Karim, General Manager Microsoft Kuwait

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World’s first Artificial Intelligence university welcomes first students

World’s first Artificial Intelligence university welcomes first students

artificial intelligence university abu dhabi mbzuai

The world’s first graduate-level, research-based artificial intelligence university, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), officially welcomes its first student cohort.

The first cohort is made up of 78 students from 29 countries across the globe. 13 PhD students and 65 MSc students, enrolled in MBZUAI’s Machine Learning and Computer Vision programs.

The artificial intelligence university is located in Abu Dhabi, is a graduate-level, research-based academic institution. Offering specialized degree programs for local and international students in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

The school aims to support the advancement of scientific research, development, transfer, and use of Artificial Intelligence through its programs.

Professor Dr. Eric Xing, President of MBZUAI, speaking during the welcome event of the students, notes the vision of the school is to nurture a new generation to unlock the potential of AI.

AI is one of the most transformational technologies of the modern age, providing tremendous opportunities for humankind.
The vision for MBZUAI is to nurture a new generation of leaders in science, engineering, policy and business with the necessary understanding to unlock the potential of AI through their academic research and industrial applications.
We will deliver excellence in the field of AI education, research and development, through a world-class curriculum and collaborative projects with industry leaders.
I welcome our first students, and look forward to working alongside them as we explore the future of AI.

MBZUAI will focus its research and development on four pillars. Services and Quality of Life, to improve services offered by the public and private sectors. Industrial and Manufacturing Technologies, to enhance efficiencies and improve productivity. Future Game Changers, to nurture the growth of new and emerging high-value sectors. And Sustainability of Vital Resources and Environment, using AI to optimize the consumption of water and energy to protect the environment.

MBZUAI is already accepting applications for the Fall 2021 start in Computer Vision and Machine Learning MSc and PhD programs

Check out full admissions requirements and application details on the university website.

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