IBM, Mubadala launch Cognit Technology Solutions

Mubadala Development Company and IBM has launched ‘Cognit Technology Solutions’ as the business entity to provide IBM’s computing system Watson to organisations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

According to both companies, Cognit has been established specifically to apply IBM’s Watson computing capabilities to local industries and to support a regional ecosystem of entrepreneurs, app developers and startups who are creating Watson apps and services throughout MENA.

Homaid Al Shemmari, CEO, Aerospace and Engineering Services (AES), Mubadala, said, “Cognit will enable technological innovation all around us, providing Watson technology to local forward-thinking organisations across multiple sectors. The joint venture is a significant addition to Mubadala’s ICT portfolio and fortifies our ambition to develop the UAE as a regional ICT hub. Mubadala and IBM are committed to Cognit and confident about the success of the joint venture.”

“We are very excited to be partnering with IBM to accelerate the deployment of cognitive computing across the UAE and the MENA region and the development of Arabic Watson” said Sami Issa, General Manager, Cognit. “Unveiling Cognit during UAE Innovation Week underscores the pivotal role we expect to play in igniting innovation.”

Brian Mulada, Chief Financial Officer, IBM Watson, said, “The MENA region is primed for this type of technology. Since introducing Watson through local client engagements, we’ve seen a strong response, and look forward to broadening cognitive adoption by growing the Watson ecosystem through Cognit. Additionally, our partnership with Mubadala is key to accelerating Watson’s ability to understand Arabic.”