Coronavirus: UAE supercomputer to help world combat COVID-19

 A UAE-based tech company is offering its artificial intelligence (AI) services for free to researchers who are working on any aspect of the novel coronavirus (nCoV) outbreak.
The firm, Group 42 (G42), is already collaborating with local authorities, providing access to portable advanced diagnostic kits that will help prevent and detect 2019-nCoV infections across the UAE's border.
"G42 and the UAE wish to show solidarity with the people affected by this outbreak, by making our powerful computing capacity available to contribute towards rapid scientific solutions," said Peng Xiao, CEO of G42.
"This is an open invitation to the international research, and medical communities to join forces as the coronavirus outbreak persists. It is essential for the world to collaborate against this epidemic - and to do it fast."
In recent years, G42 has been developing pioneering healthcare and genomics practices. The company is delivering advanced sequencing and analysis capabilities for the Abu Dhabi Genome Programme, with partners Oxford Nanopore and BGI.
Now, the firm is calling on international experts to use Artemis, the world's 26^th most powerful supercomputer, in any field that will contribute solutions to the coronavirus outbreak.
Its computing capacity will be offered at no charge to academic and non-profit organisations.
Specifically, the invitation is addressed to researchers interested in rapid vaccine development, where simulation may reduce the development time of a vaccine; researchers developing clinical assessment technologies; researchers developing genomic tools for diagnosis or surveillance of the virus; and experts mapping and predicting trends in the outbreak.
In collaboration with its partners, the company is also setting up joint lab operations, training medical and security personnel, as well as coordinating with international health authorities to assist them in the creation of effective prevention and detection protocols.
Besides tech services, G42 is supplying hundreds of thousands of essential goods - such as surgical masks, medical gloves, goggles and protective clothing - to the areas affected by the virus in China.