Program
Mateen Program
SAIF’s project-based applied AI research and talent program, designed around real problems, technical coaching, and structured project delivery.
In development
Building Syria’s AI ecosystem.Connecting it to the world.
SAIF is an independent Syrian nonprofit building applied AI capability from Syria and the Levant through research, talent, trusted data, technical resources, and practical applications.
We work alongside researchers, universities, and institutions across Syria and connect their work with regional and international research networks.
Building in Syria
- Companies
- Public bodies
- Other initiatives
- Researchers
- Universities
- Institutions
-
SAIF
Connecting to the world
- Regional research networks
- International research networks
SAIF contributes and connects:
- Talent
- Research
- Trusted data
- Technical resources
- Practical applications
Participants also connect with each other and with the world
SAIF is one contributor to a wider ecosystem of researchers, universities, institutions, and initiatives; it does not own or speak for that ecosystem.
Latest News
All newsWhat we do
See how these pillars connect →-
Pillar 1: Applied Research & Trusted Data
Define tractable research questions, support disciplined experimentation, and develop trusted data and evaluation resources relevant to Syria and Arabic AI.
-
Pillar 2: Agentic Systems
Turn research and modern AI capabilities into practical systems and prototypes for institutional and public-interest use.
-
Pillar 3: Training & Capability-Building
Develop researchers, engineers, trainers, and technical leaders through structured learning, mentorship, and project work.
-
Pillar 4: Standards & Responsible Adoption
Promote responsible evaluation, governance, data practices, and institutional adoption aligned with recognized standards.
Programs
Initiatives & collaborations →Program
Trainer Development Program
Building a distributed network of qualified trainers across Syria and the Levant, in AI, digital skills, data, and related mission-relevant subjects.
In development — accepting expressions of interest
Current opportunities
Why this matters
As AI reshapes research, work, and public services, unequal access to skills, infrastructure, and representation can deepen economic and institutional gaps. Syrian and Levantine language, knowledge, and context remain underrepresented in many AI systems and the resources used to evaluate them.
SAIF works to close these gaps by connecting researchers with trusted data, technical resources, mentorship, and institutions, while supporting responsible evaluation and application. The aim is not only to adopt AI developed elsewhere, but to help Syria contribute original research, knowledge, and practical systems.
Research & trusted knowledge
Research is central to how capability is built.
SAIF connects meaningful research questions with talent and expertise, works to coordinate the technical resources they require, and supports disciplined experimentation, evaluation, and credible paths to publication and application.
Possible outputs: research papers · technical notes · datasets and evaluation resources · repositories · prototypes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SAIF a commercial startup?
No. SAIF is an independent Syrian nonprofit focused on developing research, talent, trusted data, infrastructure, and practical AI capability from Syria.
What is SAIF trying to achieve?
SAIF helps build Syria’s AI ecosystem and connect it to the world: durable pathways that link people and institutions in Syria with research questions, expertise, technical resources, regional and international networks, and opportunities to produce credible work.
Who can participate?
Researchers, engineers, trainers, technical experts, volunteers, institutions, and companies can use the current research, contribution, and collaboration pathways. Specific opportunities depend on the needs and readiness of each initiative.
How does SAIF choose research and projects?
SAIF looks for meaningful questions aligned with its mission, then considers feasibility, available expertise and resources, responsible evaluation, and the potential to build lasting local capability.
Can organizations work with SAIF?
Yes. Institutions and companies can propose relevant problems or explore research, training, trusted data, infrastructure, and implementation collaboration. Any work depends on shared readiness and a clearly defined scope.
How does SAIF handle data and sensitive information?
SAIF aims to protect data, respect sources, recognize contributors, and apply appropriate governance and responsible data practices to each project. It does not imply access to data that has not been provided or authorized.
Stay Connected
Follow SAIF’s public channels, read current updates, or contact us about research, contribution, and institutional collaboration.