Latest news with #Synapsia
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
AI-Run City Set for Launch
The United Arab Emirates is planning to power all public and private services in the city of Abu Dhabi through a single artificial intelligence platform by 2027 with a $2.5 billion investment, according to the Khaleej Times. The project will be delivered by Italy's Synapsia and the UAE's Bold Technologies. Newsweek has contacted the UAE government and Bold Technologies' parent company Bold Holding for comment. An email to the address on Synapsia's website bounced back. The new project underscores Gulf ambitions to take a lead in AI innovation the week after it was also made central to a visit to the region by U.S. President Donald Trump. While AI is increasingly at the heart of the global U.S.-China competition of influence, Gulf countries also see it not only as a way to make themselves more effective through its practical application, but also as a way to break new ground as they look to a future beyond energy exports. Aion Sentia, the project's given name, aims to consolidate public and private services onto a single platform, from automated public transport to the integration of smart homes and AI-powered support for healthcare, according to the Khaleej Times. The UAE has publicly stated its ambitions to lead in AI, and its National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has actively courted foreign-including U.S.-investment for AI infrastructure projects. Saudi Arabia is also making similar calls and planning to use AI‐managed systems in its flagship Neom city. During his Middle East tour last week, Trump approved a major deal with the UAE to construct the world's largest artificial intelligence campus outside the U.S., removing previous limits that had barred the Gulf state from accessing advanced American chips amid fears they might end up in China. In March 2025, Synapsia and Bold Technologies signed a UAE-backed deal to deploy their Maia engine to coordinate traffic, public lighting, transportation, and security across urban infrastructure for more efficiency and energy consumption reduction, Synapsia said in a statement. Daniele Marinelli, CEO of My Aion Inc., as quoted by the Khaleej Times: "We want to go to the next level. Imagine an AI that knows you so well, it can recommend the perfect place for your anniversary dinner and book it for you without you lifting a finger. That's the power of MAIA, and it's just one example of how Aion Sentia will redefine convenience." Synapsia's website in March 2025: "The agreement includes a significant investment in the development of Cognitive Cities, a new paradigm that goes beyond the concept of smart cities, which introduces fully autonomous urban management based on generative AI and predictive optimization." The UAE said it aims to expand Aion Sentia globally after piloting in Abu Dhabi, but did not give further details of exactly where. Related Articles China Starts Building First Giant Supercomputer Network in SpaceNewsweek's Next Virtual Event Aims to Build Health Care's AI PlaybookTrump Backs Massive Middle East AI Hub to Counter ChinaGrok Saw 'Unauthorized Modification' Before Slew of 'White Genocide' Posts 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
19-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
AI-Run City Set for Launch
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United Arab Emirates is planning to power all public and private services in the city of Abu Dhabi through a single artificial intelligence platform by 2027 with a $2.5 billion investment, according to the Khaleej Times. The project will be delivered by Italy's Synapsia and the UAE's Bold Technologies. Newsweek has contacted the UAE government and Bold Technologies' parent company Bold Holding for comment. An email to the address on Synapsia's website bounced back. Why It Matters The new project underscores Gulf ambitions to take a lead in AI innovation the week after it was also made central to a visit to the region by U.S. President Donald Trump. While AI is increasingly at the heart of the global U.S.-China competition of influence, Gulf countries also see it not only as a way to make themselves more effective through its practical application, but also as a way to break new ground as they look to a future beyond energy exports. Summit G7 at Borgo Egnaza, Italy: Working session on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Energy, Africa and Mediterranean. United Arab Emirates' President Mohammed bin Zayed. Summit G7 at Borgo Egnaza, Italy: Working session on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Energy, Africa and Mediterranean. United Arab Emirates' President Mohammed bin Zayed. Aleksy Witwicki/Sipa USA/AP Images What To Know Aion Sentia, the project's given name, aims to consolidate public and private services onto a single platform, from automated public transport to the integration of smart homes and AI-powered support for healthcare, according to the Khaleej Times. The UAE has publicly stated its ambitions to lead in AI, and its National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has actively courted foreign—including U.S.—investment for AI infrastructure projects. Saudi Arabia is also making similar calls and planning to use AI‐managed systems in its flagship Neom city. During his Middle East tour last week, Trump approved a major deal with the UAE to construct the world's largest artificial intelligence campus outside the U.S., removing previous limits that had barred the Gulf state from accessing advanced American chips amid fears they might end up in China. In March 2025, Synapsia and Bold Technologies signed a UAE-backed deal to deploy their Maia engine to coordinate traffic, public lighting, transportation, and security across urban infrastructure for more efficiency and energy consumption reduction, Synapsia said in a statement. What People Are Saying Daniele Marinelli, CEO of My Aion Inc., as quoted by the Khaleej Times: "We want to go to the next level. Imagine an AI that knows you so well, it can recommend the perfect place for your anniversary dinner and book it for you without you lifting a finger. That's the power of MAIA, and it's just one example of how Aion Sentia will redefine convenience." Synapsia's website in March 2025: "The agreement includes a significant investment in the development of Cognitive Cities, a new paradigm that goes beyond the concept of smart cities, which introduces fully autonomous urban management based on generative AI and predictive optimization." What Happens Next The UAE said it aims to expand Aion Sentia globally after piloting in Abu Dhabi, but did not give further details of exactly where.
Zawya
12-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Italy's Synapsia signs $2.5bln deal with UAE's Bold Technologies
ROME - Italy's Synapsia has signed a $2.5-billion contract with UAE's Bold Technologies to provide AI-powered city management services for Abu Dhabi, Synapsia CEO Daniele Marinelli told Reuters. The Italian company will develop technology to handle urban issues such as transport, parking and emergency response to disasters, Marinelli said in a phone interview late on Monday. He called it a "cognitive city project, an evolution of the smart city concept." Under the deal, signed on March 3, Bold Technologies is set to pay the $2.5 billion in five instalments over 18 months, subjects to milestones. "By integrating Synapsia's AI, cities will transition from inefficient data silos to autonomous, self-learning urban networks that optimise infrastructure, transportation, and energy use in real-time," Synapsia and Bold Technologies said in a joint statement. Marinelli said the two groups would create a new company, called My Aion Inc., with a view to float it on the Abu Dhabi stock exchange with an initial public offering planned sometimes between 2027 and 2029. Under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Italy is pursuing stronger economic ties with Gulf countries, despite concerns over human rights issues raised by political opponents. At a bilateral summit in February, Meloni said the United Arab Emirates had pledged to invest $40 billion in Italy, without providing any time frame. The UAE, a wealthy oil producer, is in a race to become an AI leader amid rising competition from neighbouring Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Al Arabiya
11-03-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Italy's Synapsia signs $2.5 bln deal with UAE's Bold Technologies
Italy's Synapsia has signed a $2.5-billion contract with UAE's Bold Technologies to provide AI-powered city management services for Abu Dhabi, Synapsia CEO Daniele Marinelli told Reuters. The Italian company will develop technology to handle urban issues such as transport, parking and emergency response to disasters, Marinelli said in a phone interview late on Monday. He called it a 'cognitive city project, an evolution of the smart city concept.' Under the deal, signed on March 3, Bold Technologies is set to pay the $2.5 billion in five instalments over 18 months, subjects to milestones. 'By integrating Synapsia's AI, cities will transition from inefficient data silos to autonomous, self-learning urban networks that optimize infrastructure, transportation, and energy use in real-time,' Synapsia and Bold Technologies said in a joint statement. Marinelli said the two groups would create a new company, called My Aion Inc., with a view to float it on the Abu Dhabi stock exchange with an initial public offering planned sometimes between 2027 and 2029. Under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Italy is pursuing stronger economic ties with Gulf countries, despite concerns over human rights issues raised by political opponents. At a bilateral summit in February, Meloni said the United Arab Emirates had pledged to invest $40 billion in Italy, without providing any time frame. The UAE, a wealthy oil producer, is in a race to become an AI leader amid rising competition from neighboring Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Reuters
11-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Italy's Synapsia signs $2.5 bln deal with UAE's Bold Technologies
ROME, March 11 (Reuters) - Italy's Synapsia has signed a $2.5-billion contract with UAE's Bold Technologies to provide AI-powered city management services for Abu Dhabi, Synapsia CEO Daniele Marinelli told Reuters. The Italian company will develop technology to handle urban issues such as transport, parking and emergency response to disasters, Marinelli said in a phone interview late on Monday. He called it a "cognitive city project, an evolution of the smart city concept." Under the deal, signed on March 3, Bold Technologies is set to pay the $2.5 billion in five instalments over 18 months, subjects to milestones. "By integrating Synapsia's AI, cities will transition from inefficient data silos to autonomous, self-learning urban networks that optimise infrastructure, transportation, and energy use in real-time," Synapsia and Bold Technologies said in a joint statement. Marinelli said the two groups would create a new company, called My Aion Inc., with a view to float it on the Abu Dhabi stock exchange with an initial public offering planned sometimes between 2027 and 2029. Under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Italy is pursuing stronger economic ties with Gulf countries, despite concerns over human rights issues raised by political opponents. At a bilateral summit in February, Meloni said the United Arab Emirates had pledged to invest $40 billion in Italy, without providing any time frame. The UAE, a wealthy oil producer, is in a race to become an AI leader amid rising competition from neighbouring Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
