UNCW AI Leader Joins U.S. Delegation to UAE

Karl Ricanek Jr., professor of computer science and engineering and an internationally recognized leader in artificial intelligence (AI), has been selected to participate in a prestigious U.S. Chamber of Commerce delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in support of AI Acceleration, taking place Feb. 10–12.

Ricanek will join a select group of U.S. experts who will engage with senior leaders across the UAE government, academia and industry to explore opportunities for international collaboration in artificial intelligence, advanced technology, cybersecurity, innovation ecosystems and workforce development. His meetings will include senior officials from key ministries, sovereign investment entities, national AI organizations, leading research institutions and private-sector innovation hubs.

“Being invited to represent U.S. expertise in artificial intelligence on this delegation is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Ricanek. “The UAE has made extraordinary investments in AI strategy, infrastructure and talent. I am eager to explore pathways for collaboration that benefit UNCW, our students, our research partners and the broader innovation ecosystems in both countries.”

Ricanek is widely recognized for his ability to translate academic research into real-world impact. A veteran AI researcher with more than three decades of experience, he has led federally funded research initiatives, built interdisciplinary AI programs and successfully commercialized university-developed technologies into global enterprises. His work spans facial analytics, intelligent systems, cybersecurity, applied machine learning and large-scale AI deployment across health, insurance and enterprise sectors.

Through this delegation, Ricanek will explore opportunities to: 

• Establish research partnerships between UNCW and UAE universities and national laboratories 
  
  
• Create student and faculty exchange pathways 
  
  
• Enable joint innovation initiatives in AI, cybersecurity and advanced computing 

• Support industry–university collaboration and commercialization pipelines 

• Strengthen international engagement aligned with UNCW’s strategic growth in emerging technologies 

The U.S. Chamber–facilitated visit includes requested engagements with senior UAE leaders and organizations.

 
“This opportunity reflects the caliber of faculty we have within the College of Science and Engineering,” said Ron Vetter, dean of the College of Science and Engineering. “Dr. Ricanek’s leadership in AI research, education and commercialization positions UNCW as a credible global partner in advanced technologies.” 

The College of Science and Engineering views this engagement as part of its broader commitment to expanding UNCW’s global footprint, strengthening industry partnerships and preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected technology economy.