The AI Funding Gap No One Talks About

In this special International Women’s Day episode, Sanjay Puri, Founder & Chairman, Knowledge Networks, talks to Dr. Hoda A. Alkhzaimi, Associate Vice Provost for Research Translation & Innovation at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYU Abu Dhabi), and a global expert in cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies.

The conversation explores a critical question:
How can women shaping the future of AI redefine power, access, and opportunity for the next generation?

Dr. Alkhzaimi shares deep insights on the structural challenges women face in technology entrepreneurship, the funding gap in AI innovation, and the importance of leadership representation in shaping the future of technology.

Key Topics Discussed

• Why only around 3% of women receive funding for AI ventures
• The importance of building stronger pipelines for women in science and innovation
• How funding access impacts research, commercialization, and global scale
• Why women-led innovation often focuses on humanitarian and societal value
• The need for women in leadership positions and board-level decision making

Why This Conversation Matters?
Artificial Intelligence will define the future of society. But without diverse perspectives and equitable access, innovation risks reinforcing existing inequalities.

Dr. Alkhzaimi explains why empowering women across research, funding, leadership, and commercialization is essential for building technology that serves humanity.

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In This Episode

• 0:00 Intro and guest overview
• 1:12 Background and career path
• 3:40 Cryptography and trust principles
• 6:23 AI governance and tech convergence
• 8:07 Sovereign AI explained
• 10:09 Global south AI strategy
• 15:00 Post-quantum security risks
• 16:23 UAE AI governance model
• 19:10 Quick takes on AI policy

Associate Vice Provost for Research Translation & Innovation at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYU Abu Dhabi), and a global expert in cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies.