Abu dhabi: startAD, an Abu Dhabi-based startup accelerator powered by Tamkeen and anchored at NYU Abu Dhabi, has introduced the AI Adoption Barometer. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Google.org under the AI for Good programme, aims to accelerate the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across the UAE's healthcare sector.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Barometer provides insights from 52 UAE-based organisations, offering the first practitioner-informed overview of AI adoption within the healthcare and social impact sectors. While interest in AI is strong, many organisations seek practical guidance for effective implementation. Key areas of focus include identifying valuable use cases, establishing governance frameworks, allocating resources efficiently, and implementing solutions responsibly. Additionally, defining performance metrics and scaling successful projects are crucial for broader organisational adoption.
Within the healthcare sector, 81 percent of surveyed organisations have identified AI use cases, with 58 percent piloting or deploying solutions. However, 42 percent report lacking a dedicated AI budget, highlighting a gap between enthusiasm and readiness. In the social impact sector, many institutions are still working on defining use cases and building internal capacity for responsible AI adoption.
To address these challenges, startAD has launched two implementation playbooks: the AI Use Case Discovery Playbook and the Evaluate and Pilot AI Solutions Playbook. These resources, available through the new startAD AI Resource Hub, aim to guide organisations in developing and piloting AI solutions responsibly.
Ashwin Joshi, Director of startAD, explained that AI for Good was established to help mission-driven organisations transition from interest to practical AI adoption. He emphasized the need for accessible, step-by-step guidance tailored to meet organisations where they currently stand.
Anthony Nakache, Managing Director of Google MENA, noted that while AI might appear complex, healthcare organisations can embrace it without requiring massive financial resources or specialized technical skills. He highlighted the support of Google.org in improving healthcare accessibility for disadvantaged communities in the UAE.
The AI for Good programme has so far engaged five organisations through 13 AI readiness workshops, achieving a 43 percent overall increase in AI readiness, and has involved nearly 200 university students and solution builders across the UAE, KSA, and the wider MENA region.