Mohamed bin Zayed AI University Hosts Exciting AI Developer Sandbox Event

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence is hosting a new kind of startup showcase called "Build It Demo Day" on October 30, 2025. But here's what makes it different - instead of typical pitch presentations, participants must show actual working AI products and prototypes they've built.

The event breaks from traditional startup formats where entrepreneurs mainly talk through slide decks. Participants need to demonstrate real AI-powered products, whether that's a working model, an AI agent, or an automated workflow. They can show their work through live prototypes or short video demonstrations.

Registration is now open for university students, entrepreneurs, and professionals developing AI-based products. The event will take place at Masdar City Park in Abu Dhabi.

Selected participants get access to a substantial package of technical credits worth over $200,000. This includes $2,000 in OpenAI credits, up to $120,000 from Nvidia, $25,000 from AWS, $50,000 from ElevenLabs, $2,000 from HuggingFace, $50,000 from PostHog, $5,000 from Microsoft Azure, and a 90% discount on HubSpot services.

Haoshen Sun, acting head of the university's incubation and entrepreneurship center, says about 25% of their students are working on startup ideas, and many other developers across Abu Dhabi are building their own innovations. But there wasn't a platform specifically designed to showcase these early-stage projects.

The university's entrepreneurship programs have already generated significant activity. Since 2023, they've supported the creation of 14 AI startups in Abu Dhabi and helped build a community of over 2,000 members. Their programs have produced more than 250 startup pitches and provided over 400 hours of mentoring from leaders at companies like OpenAI and Microsoft.

This approach reflects Abu Dhabi's broader push to become a major AI hub. The UAE has been investing heavily in AI infrastructure and education, with MBZUAI serving as a key part of that strategy. The substantial corporate backing for this event - with companies like Nvidia and Microsoft providing significant credits - shows how seriously major tech firms view the region's AI development potential.

For participants, the real value goes beyond the credits. Getting in front of Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem could open doors to local investment and partnerships in a market that's actively seeking AI solutions across sectors from energy to finance.