Teammates.ai has emerged as the winner of the Mastercard and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) AI Startup Challenge, receiving a $150,000 prize and access to global fintech growth opportunities in the UAE. The challenge, supported by the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office, is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the AI sector in the country.
The challenge invited seed and Series A startups to propose innovative AI-driven solutions in key sectors such as cybersecurity, generative AI in banking and finance, customer lifecycle management, productivity enhancement, emerging fintech, and ESG. More than 200 applications were received, and eight finalists presented their solutions at a pitch day in Dubai.
Saqr Binghalib, Executive Director of the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office, emphasized the UAE government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors to accelerate AI adoption. H.E. Mohammed bin Taliah, Chief of Government Services in the UAE Government, also praised the participants for their bold thinking and contributions to the future of AI.
The collaboration between Mastercard, FAB, and the UAE government aims to revolutionize the financial services landscape by fostering cutting-edge, customer-centric solutions. Teammates.ai, a digital platform that deploys autonomous AI teammates to enhance business efficiency, stood out for its innovative approach to complement human expertise with AI-driven business functions.
The startup’s victory includes not only the cash prize but also access to Mastercard’s global assets and its prestigious Start Path program. This program, which has supported over 400 startups globally, provides mentoring, innovation opportunities, and engagement with Mastercard’s global network of banks, merchants, and digital players.
In addition to Teammates.ai, other finalists included Lookinsure, Yabx, XHYPE, VOICECODE, FACEKI, Nadeera, and OasisX, each offering innovative AI-powered solutions across various sectors.
