G42 and UAE Team Emirates–XRG launch first global GEN AI-designed helmet and competition

Abu Dhabi, UAE – July 7, 2025 – G42, the UAE’s leading AI and technology holding group, has teamed up with UAE Team Emirates–XRG and MET Helmets to launch the world’s first GEN AI designed helmet, which will be worn by UAE Team Emirates–XRG riders today during the Tour de France. 

Designed using G42’s advanced generative AI technology and developed in partnership with MET Helmets, the unique livery blends data, performance and creativity, interpreting movement through airflow and negative space, as riders transcend across mountains, coastlines and cities. 

From the helmet came the idea for a global community-driven project – Helmetverse, a global design challenge that invites cycling fans to design their own AI-generated helmets. Live now at helmetverse.ai, the digital platform allows fans worldwide to design custom cycling helmets using cutting-edge AI tool. With simple text prompts, users can generate unique helmet designs in seconds. All submissions can be viewed, shared and voted on, with the ten most-voted entries reviewed by a panel of judges from G42, UAE Team Emirates–XRG and MET Helmets. 

The winning helmet will be produced and worn by UAE Team Emirates–XRG during the 2026 UAE Tour, becoming a first for fan-created AI design in a UCI WorldTour race. Submissions are open now and will close on September 15, 2025. 

Andrew Jackson, G42 Group Chief AI Officer, said: “Partnering with a world-class team like UAE Team Emirates-XRG allows us to showcase the power of AI, not just in performance, but also in creativity. Helmetverse is an example of human-AI collaboration, providing a platform for people to design something personal. It’s AI at its most accessible, and most exciting.” 

Faheem Ahamed, G42 Group Chief Marketing Officer, said: “Helmetverse gives cycling fans a new way to get involved with UAE Team Emirates-XRG, the world’s best cycling team. It puts creativity at the forefront of innovation, bringing more people closer to the sport, with the chance to see their creation on the WorldTour stage.” 

Mauro Gianetti, UAE Team Emirates XRG Team Principal and CEO, said: “Cycling is a unique sport because it is not only about competition and racing – both professional cyclists and casual riders can share the same roads and enjoy the ride together. Helmetverse gives fans a new way to be part of that journey. It’s an open, inclusive idea that brings fresh energy to the sport and reflects our ambition to lead both on and off the road.” 

A key pillar of this partnership sees G42 act as the official AI partner of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, working closely to explore new opportunities across cycling, from optimizing training, race strategies and team performance to fan engagement.