PIF-backed Savvy Games, Humain sign AI deal to boost Saudi innovation drive

06/11/2025 01:37 AST

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund-backed Savvy Games Group has signed a partnership with fellow portfolio firm Humain to deploy full-stack artificial intelligence across operations, strengthening the Kingdom's emerging innovation ecosystem.

The memorandum of understanding will see Savvy leverage Humain's AI systems, data platforms, infrastructure, and applications to enhance efficiency across key functions including human resources, procurement, and finance, the companies said in a joint statement.

The two firms will also collaborate on research and development and explore new AI applications across Savvy's business lines. Humain will provide access to its advanced data centers and cloud computing services, supporting Savvy's digital transformation and productivity goals.

The Kingdom is actively building its capabilities by integrating artificial intelligence across various sectors, hosting AI-focused events, forging partnerships with global tech leaders, and investing in local talent development.

These efforts aim to drive economic growth, build a digitally advanced society, and reinforce Saudi Arabia's AI leadership.

Brian Ward, CEO at Savvy Games Group, said: "We are looking forward to working with Humain to identify and unlock ways that would enhance the way we utilize AI at Savvy."

He added: "Humain operates across the entire AI value chain from data and infrastructure to models and end-user application, so there are a lot of opportunities for us to look at and create tangible programs of activities."

His counterpart at Humain, Tareq Amin, said: "This partnership comes at an exciting time with the recent launch of Humain One at FII9. This agentic AI operating system is a game changer, and we are thrilled to have Savvy as one of the early adopters."

Amin added that game development is among the most dynamic sectors where leveraging AI solutions can significantly enhance both creativity and productivity.

The partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration between PIF's portfolio companies - exchanging knowledge, aligning strategic capabilities, and unlocking shared value, the release added.

These synergies support PIF's AI and digital economy strategy by positioning Saudi Arabia as a globally competitive hub for innovation and talent development, fostering the growth and diversification of the domestic economy.

Savvy Games has positioned itself as a key driver of the Kingdom's gaming and esports sector. In its 2024 annual report, the company highlighted strong growth across three main pillars: game development and publishing, esports, and ecosystem building.

A centerpiece of its activities was the Esports World Cup held in Riyadh, which drew 2,000 players from 200 clubs competing for a $70 million prize pool across 24 game titles, underscoring Savvy's commitment to expanding Saudi Arabia's footprint in competitive gaming.

Meanwhile, Humain recently reached a $3 billion agreement with Asia-Pacific data center provider AirTrunk, backed by Blackstone and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, to develop a large-scale AI-ready data center campus in the Kingdom.

Under this deal, Humain will lead Saudi Arabia's efforts to deliver advanced AI infrastructure, while AirTrunk and its global partners contribute operational expertise and investment capacity.

The initiative aligns with the company's mandate to position the Kingdom as a global AI leader and reinforces its commitment to building best-in-class digital and AI capabilities.

It was announced in October that energy giant Saudi Aramco has signed a non-binding term sheet to acquire a significant minority stake in Humain.

The proposed deal will see both Aramco and PIF contribute AI-related assets, capabilities, and talent to help scale Humain's operations and capture new value in the rapidly expanding data and AI sector, according to a joint statement from the companies.

Arab News