Abu dhabi: G42, the UAE's leading artificial intelligence and technology holding group, has partnered with UAE Team Emirates-XRG and MET Helmets to unveil a new AI-designed helmet to be worn by the team during Stage 5 of the Tour de France from Lannemezan to Pau. The collaboration marks the return of Helmetverse, G42's global AI-powered design platform, which allows cycling fans to create their own helmet designs using simple text prompts.
According to Emirates News Agency, Helmetverse made a significant impact during its debut edition, generating nearly 20,000 designs and reaching audiences in 135 countries. The platform will reopen on July 13 at helmetverse.ai and run until September 13, inviting fans worldwide to generate and share helmet designs, explore entries from other fans, and vote for their favorites. The most popular designs will advance to a final judging panel with representatives from G42, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, and MET Helmets.
The new helmet, created in collaboration with AI artist Gizem Akdag, draws inspiration from the transition from city to signal and from data to light. Its visual language captures the speed, energy, and flow of professional cycling, translating movement and performance into a design tailored for one of the sport's most watched stages. The winning helmet design will be manufactured by MET Helmets and worn by UAE Team Emirates-XRG at the UAE Tour in February 2027, offering a fan the opportunity to see their design move from concept to reality.
Alex Brunori, G42 VP Brand Experience, highlighted the company's commitment to AI accessibility, stating, "At G42, we build the full stack of AI - from the data centers and compute to the models, to the applications that put intelligence to work across industries. Helmetverse takes that same capability and places it directly in people's hands."
Mauro Gianetti, Team Principal and CEO of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, emphasized the team's dedication to innovation and fan engagement, saying, "The reaction to Helmetverse last year showed how passionate cycling fans are about engaging with our sport in new ways."
AI Artist Gizem Akdag expressed excitement over the project, noting, "Inspired by movement, speed and transformation, the concept reflects the energy of professional cycling and the constant pursuit of innovation."
G42 continues to serve as the Official AI Partner of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, exploring opportunities across performance, innovation, and fan engagement both on and off the bike.