Latest news with #ComputerVision
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NEC X Opens Applications for Elev X! Ignite, Batch 14, Offering Startups $250k and a Path to Global Scale
Applications for NEC's Silicon Valley Venture Studio Surged 35%, With Strong Growth Among B2B Software and SaaS Innovators Developing GenAI, Computer Vision, Predictive Analytics and More Elev X! Batch 13 Group Photo This embedded content is not available in your region. PALO ALTO, Calif., May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NEC X, the Silicon Valley venture studio backed by NEC's advanced technologies and global businesses, is now accepting applications for Batch 14 of its flagship startup program, Elev X! Ignite. Designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into seed-ready startups, Elev X! Ignite offers access to expert mentorship, tech R&D support, startup-building resources and up to $250K in equity funding. The program's accelerating growth, including a 35% increase in applications from Batch 12 to Batch 13 and over 20% from Batch 11 to Batch 12, underscores the increasing demand for NEC X's unique value proposition: direct collaboration with NEC's world-class innovation network, access to unparalleled resources and a clear pathway to global markets. Startups have until June 30, 2025, to apply for the upcoming cohort, with the first phase of the program beginning in August 2025, following a multi-phase selection process. 'The rapid growth of Elev X! proves that visionary founders need more than just capital,' said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X. 'With Batch 14, we're not just continuing a trajectory; we're amplifying our commitment to provide unparalleled access to both NEC's R&D and business prowess and growing global ecosystem, empowering innovators to build truly transformative and scalable enterprises.' Why Join Elev X! Ignite Unlike traditional venture studios and accelerators, Elev X! Ignite is a hands-on twelve-month venture studio program tailored for entrepreneurs in the problem discovery and validation phase. Startups work closely with NEC X's multidisciplinary team including engineers, researchers, business coaches and advisors to accelerate product development, validate market fit and prepare for seed-stage investment. NEC is a global AI leader in visual recognition, generative tech and real-world applications such as security, agriculture, logistics and public services. Ideal candidates are building B2B software and SaaS businesses that enhance business processes, decision-making or operational efficiency. NEC X is especially interested in startups leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Generative AI, Computer Vision and Predictive Analytics. While NEC X has deep experience in sectors like climate research, AgTech, digital health and public safety, it remains sector-agnostic—as long as participants' innovations align with NEC X's mission to create meaningful social impact through technology, particularly in areas connected to NEC's proprietary capabilities. Startup Success Stories More than 150 startups have launched or grown through NEC X's Elev X! venture programs. These alumni illustrate the program's impact: SeafoodAI, featured in Business Insider, uses AI biometrics to promote seafood sustainability via its CrabScan360 technology."NEC X's expertise in image recognition and AI was instrumental in accelerating our core technology," noted Rob Terry, CEO of SeafoodAI. "Their backing has been invaluable to our growth and success." Qualitative Intelligence (QI), utilizes NEC's Semantic Model Technology to transform advertising with predictive analytics for real-time message testing."Elev X! has been the most transformative experience in our startup journey," said JD Rico, CEO of QI. "The level of resources, insights and hands-on support simply cannot be found elsewhere." LandWise Analytica uses AI and sustainability maps to drive smarter land use in agriculture and has seen considerable interest from real estate groups, farmers, crop insurance companies, agricultural mortgage providers and land investors."With the help of NEC X, we've been able to accelerate the launch of our pilot program and streamline the process of identifying and acquiring new users," said Patrick McMillan, Co-founder of LandWise Analytica. "Their capabilities and results have been beyond our expectations." Selection ProcessApproximately 30 startups will be invited to participate in the initial 'Business Model Design' phase—a no-cost, equity-free pre-program of workshops and mentorship. A select group of ten teams will then advance to the full Elev X! Ignite program. Program Highlights: Up to $250K in equity funding Access to NEC's global R&D ecosystem and business units Strategic partnerships and customer development Proven track record: over 150 startups participated since 2018 For application information, materials and deadlines, click here. All essential details needed to successfully apply for the program will be covered in upcoming webinars scheduled for June 11, June 18 and June 25. For more information about Elev X!, please visit: About NEC X NEC X is an innovation powerhouse and curator of disruptive startups backed by the global technology leadership of NEC. Leveraging 125 years of IT and network technologies expertise, NEC X's startup-focused approach transforms visionary ideas into commercial successes that revolutionize how we work and live. Since its inception in 2018, NEC X has helped launch and grow more than 150 startups. Their Silicon Valley programs – Elev X! Ignite and Elev X! Boost – equip early-stage startup founders with the tools to fast-track their tech development and adoption. Elev X! fuels startup success from inception to launch, connecting innovators with NEC's 45,000 patents; global network of partners, mentors and advisors; reach into 55+ international markets; and $8 billion R&D ecosystem. For more information, visit and About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of 'Orchestrating a brighter world.' NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Other product or service marks mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. ©2025 NEC Corporation. Media Contact: Robert BrownlieBob Gold & Associates310-320-2010necx@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at A video accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NEC X Opens Applications for Elev X! Ignite, Batch 14, Offering Startups $250k and a Path to Global Scale
Applications for NEC's Silicon Valley Venture Studio Surged 35%, With Strong Growth Among B2B Software and SaaS Innovators Developing GenAI, Computer Vision, Predictive Analytics and More Elev X! Batch 13 Group Photo PALO ALTO, Calif., May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NEC X, the Silicon Valley venture studio backed by NEC's advanced technologies and global businesses, is now accepting applications for Batch 14 of its flagship startup program, Elev X! Ignite. Designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into seed-ready startups, Elev X! Ignite offers access to expert mentorship, tech R&D support, startup-building resources and up to $250K in equity funding. The program's accelerating growth, including a 35% increase in applications from Batch 12 to Batch 13 and over 20% from Batch 11 to Batch 12, underscores the increasing demand for NEC X's unique value proposition: direct collaboration with NEC's world-class innovation network, access to unparalleled resources and a clear pathway to global markets. Startups have until June 30, 2025, to apply for the upcoming cohort, with the first phase of the program beginning in August 2025, following a multi-phase selection process. 'The rapid growth of Elev X! proves that visionary founders need more than just capital,' said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X. 'With Batch 14, we're not just continuing a trajectory; we're amplifying our commitment to provide unparalleled access to both NEC's R&D and business prowess and growing global ecosystem, empowering innovators to build truly transformative and scalable enterprises.' Why Join Elev X! Ignite Unlike traditional venture studios and accelerators, Elev X! Ignite is a hands-on twelve-month venture studio program tailored for entrepreneurs in the problem discovery and validation phase. Startups work closely with NEC X's multidisciplinary team including engineers, researchers, business coaches and advisors to accelerate product development, validate market fit and prepare for seed-stage investment. NEC is a global AI leader in visual recognition, generative tech and real-world applications such as security, agriculture, logistics and public services. Ideal candidates are building B2B software and SaaS businesses that enhance business processes, decision-making or operational efficiency. NEC X is especially interested in startups leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Generative AI, Computer Vision and Predictive Analytics. While NEC X has deep experience in sectors like climate research, AgTech, digital health and public safety, it remains sector-agnostic—as long as participants' innovations align with NEC X's mission to create meaningful social impact through technology, particularly in areas connected to NEC's proprietary capabilities. Startup Success Stories More than 150 startups have launched or grown through NEC X's Elev X! venture programs. These alumni illustrate the program's impact: SeafoodAI, featured in Business Insider, uses AI biometrics to promote seafood sustainability via its CrabScan360 technology."NEC X's expertise in image recognition and AI was instrumental in accelerating our core technology," noted Rob Terry, CEO of SeafoodAI. "Their backing has been invaluable to our growth and success." Qualitative Intelligence (QI), utilizes NEC's Semantic Model Technology to transform advertising with predictive analytics for real-time message testing."Elev X! has been the most transformative experience in our startup journey," said JD Rico, CEO of QI. "The level of resources, insights and hands-on support simply cannot be found elsewhere." LandWise Analytica uses AI and sustainability maps to drive smarter land use in agriculture and has seen considerable interest from real estate groups, farmers, crop insurance companies, agricultural mortgage providers and land investors."With the help of NEC X, we've been able to accelerate the launch of our pilot program and streamline the process of identifying and acquiring new users," said Patrick McMillan, Co-founder of LandWise Analytica. "Their capabilities and results have been beyond our expectations." Selection ProcessApproximately 30 startups will be invited to participate in the initial 'Business Model Design' phase—a no-cost, equity-free pre-program of workshops and mentorship. A select group of ten teams will then advance to the full Elev X! Ignite program. Program Highlights: Up to $250K in equity funding Access to NEC's global R&D ecosystem and business units Strategic partnerships and customer development Proven track record: over 150 startups participated since 2018 For application information, materials and deadlines, click here. All essential details needed to successfully apply for the program will be covered in upcoming webinars scheduled for June 11, June 18 and June 25. For more information about Elev X!, please visit: About NEC X NEC X is an innovation powerhouse and curator of disruptive startups backed by the global technology leadership of NEC. Leveraging 125 years of IT and network technologies expertise, NEC X's startup-focused approach transforms visionary ideas into commercial successes that revolutionize how we work and live. Since its inception in 2018, NEC X has helped launch and grow more than 150 startups. Their Silicon Valley programs – Elev X! Ignite and Elev X! Boost – equip early-stage startup founders with the tools to fast-track their tech development and adoption. Elev X! fuels startup success from inception to launch, connecting innovators with NEC's 45,000 patents; global network of partners, mentors and advisors; reach into 55+ international markets; and $8 billion R&D ecosystem. For more information, visit and About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of 'Orchestrating a brighter world.' NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Other product or service marks mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. ©2025 NEC Corporation. Media Contact: Robert BrownlieBob Gold & Associates310-320-2010necx@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at A video accompanying this announcement is available at while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Al Etihad
6 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed attends MBZUAI 2025 commencement ceremony
28 May 2025 16:27 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has attended the 2025 commencement ceremony of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).The graduating class comprised of 104 students, making it MBZUAI's largest and most diverse cohort to date. The cohort included 13 PhD and 91 master's degree graduates across the university's three specialisations: Computer Vision (CV), Machine Learning (ML), and Natural Language Processing (NLP).His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated the graduates on their achievement, and honoured several PhD and master's recipients, wishing them continued success in their academic and professional journeys, encouraging them to apply their knowledge and expertise in advancing the nation's development and helping to build an innovation-led, technology-driven economy. Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed attends MBZUAI 2025 commencement ceremony His Highness emphasised the UAE leadership's firm belief that shaping the future begins with knowledge, science, and technological advancement, noting that the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a leading global hub for artificial intelligence research and development by building an integrated ecosystem that places AI in the service of people and society, while reinforcing national leadership in key strategic ceremony was attended by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and Chairman of MBZUAI's Board of Trustees, Dr Ahmed Mubarak bin Nawi Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the President's Office for Strategic Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs,Sara Awadh Musallam, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Ahmed Tamim Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement, Major General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoon Al Muhairi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince, Professor Eric Xing, MBZUAI President and University Professor, Timothy Baldwin, MBZUAI Provost, members of the university faculty, and graduates' year's cohort has 20 Emirati graduates, the highest number since the university's inception, including one PhD graduate in Computer Vision (CV) and nine local female graduates in different AI specialities, underscoring the university's commitment to cultivating homegrown talent to lead artificial intelligence-related from the 2025 class represent 24 countries, including Pakistan, India, Egypt, Kazakhstan, and Italy, as well as first-time graduates from Armenia, Bangladesh, Comoros, Dominica, Eritrea, Norway, Serbia, and Uruguay, underscoring the university's growing international reach and its commitment to attracting top global now boasts an expanding alumni network of 316 AI specialists, driving transformation across industries worldwide. Nearly 80 per cent of alumni started working in Abu Dhabi within one year of graduation. As the university expands to offer 13 graduate programmes and launches its first undergraduate programme – a Bachelor of Science in AI with Business and Engineering tracks – it continues its mission to shape the future of AI locally, regionally and internationally. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Tahawul Tech
22-04-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
SideFX announces new partnership designed to transform synthetic data for AI
Endava, has announced its strategic partnership with SideFX, a leading developer of Houdini 3D procedural animation and visual effects software, to revolutionise the creation and deployment of synthetic data for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications within the field of Computer Vision. Through this partnership, artists and developers will benefit from the ability to generate highly varied and realistic data sets in Houdini with pixel-perfect ground truth annotations that mimic complex real-world environments. This is particularly crucial for fields like manufacturing line inspection, autonomous vehicle training and other advanced simulations, where precision and realism are key to innovation. Synthetic data is crafted by skilled artists using visual effects tools to simulate realistic, high-quality images and environments. Visual synthetic data, which refers to images, videos, and 3D model data, is useful for scenarios where it's impractical, complex or simply impossible for humans to accurately and efficiently label or annotate real world images. Synthetic data is at the intersection of visual effects and data science, combining technical artistry with machine learning expertise to unlock AI-driven capabilities for understanding visual information. The partnership combines Endava's ability to generate high-quality synthetic data and expertise in building production-ready machine learning models with SideFX's renowned VFX software suite for simulation and procedural content creation. At the core of this partnership is the mutual commitment to empowering teams that build AI-powered computer vision. It is set to provide more accessible, efficient and scalable workflows, allowing artists, developers, and data scientists to maximize the effectiveness of synthetic data solutions. Originally developed by the AI Vision team at Endava, SideFX Labs is now publishing a suite of tools designed to generate dataset variations and annotations suitable for training Computer Vision scenarios. Judith Crow, VP Strategic Partnerships at SideFX, said: 'Endava's robust synthetic data expertise will help us work even closer with studios who turn to Houdini to tackle their computer vision production challenges. As we continue to build on the foundation of Endava's synthetic data tools, artists will be more efficient in creating training datasets through a standardized framework that seamlessly integrates into existing workflows.' 'This collaboration with Endava not only makes sense on a technical level, but it is closely aligned with our ethos and core values. Balancing innovation with integrity is an essential part of what we do and Endava's customer-centric vision helps us empower artists and revolutionise the world of visual simulation and visualization together.' Jon Hanzelka, Global SVP & Head of Synthetic Data at Endava, said: 'Artists continue to play a critical role in the advancement of AI and machine learning. The ability to create realistic, high-quality synthetic data is directly tied to their skills and expertise in content creation, proceduralism, and simulation. Given these skills are essential to building better machine learning models, it's important that artists feel empowered to contribute directly to the development of production-ready AI systems, and have the right tools and to do so. Working with SideFX on making this a reality is equally exciting and rewarding.'
Al Etihad
22-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE: MBZUAI to showcase AI innovation at Machines Can See 2025
22 Apr 2025 15:23 DUBAI (ALETIHAD) Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) will participate as an official partner at Machines Can See 2025, held from April 23-24 during Dubai AI event, taking place at the Museum of the Future and Emirates Towers, will bring together over 2,000 AI experts and Laptev, Professor of Computer Vision at MBZUAI and Co-Founder of Machines Can See, said, 'Our research inspires the next generation of innovators to unlock AI's full potential. As an official partner of Machines Can See, MBZUAI is proud to support the UAE's ambition for global leadership in AI and science.'MBZUAI's participation includes a strong line-up of faculty and researchers: Hao Li, Professor of Computer Vision, will deliver the opening and closing remarks on 23rd April; Sami Haddadin, Vice-President of Research and Professor of Robotics, will join the 'Robots: Are We Ready?' panel on 24th April at 09:50; Ian Reid, Department Chair and Professor of Computer Vision, will speak on the 'Computer Vision: 2025' panel on 24th April at 17:30; Wafa AlGhallabi, PhD student and co-founder of Nutrigenics and will take part in the 'AI for All' panel on 24th April at 16:50. MBZUAI will also host four interactive demos at its booth: Holographic Brain, AI Arabic Doctor, Voodoo XP, LAIKA.
