Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced it will be showcasing new innovative projects developed from its C-Lab program at CES® 2024, which runs from January 9 through 12. During the showcase, Samsung will highlight 15 startups and projects — the highest number the company has ever featured — at Eureka Park at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, the main exhibition space for startups at the world’s biggest tech show.This year's CES is expected to feature more than 1,000 startups and attract more than 130,000 visitors from around the world, including business executives, investors and media. At the event, Samsung expects startups from C-Lab to assess global market responses, strengthen their business feasibility and meet with investors.“The goal of the C-Lab program is to elevate a platform for startups to grow and flourish,” said Pilgyu Jeon, Executive Vice President and Head of the Creativity & Innovation Center at Samsung Electronics. “CES is the perfect venue for these exciting companies and projects to show major tech players that they belong on the global stage.”The C-Lab program was created in 2012 and since it was established, Samsung has nurtured a total of 872 startups and projects. This includes 475 through C-Lab Outside and 397 through C-Lab Inside. In particular, the 537 C-Lab startups (62 from C-Lab Spin-off and 475 from C-Lab Outside) have raised a cumulative total of $1 billion in investment.C-Lab Outside: Ten Startups That Include AI, Energy and Healthcare ProductsC-Lab Outside was created in October 2018, and startups selected for the program receive full support — including office workspaces, customized development programs and investment — along with business cooperation from Samsung Electronics. Dr.Tail, an online veterinary consultation service, has collaborated with Samsung Electronics to bring its services to Samsung Smart TVs and will be exhibited at the C-Lab booths at CES.In addition to Dr.Tail, Samsung Electronics will exhibit nine other startups selected and supported by the C-Lab Outside program:RebuilderAI: AI solutions for fast and easy 3D content creation on smartphonesGhost Pass: decentralized remote biometric authentication solutionsDEEPX: an NPU-based AI semiconductorStyle Bot: a fashion recommendation service based on user-owned clothing dataVsion: a smart window with adjustable transparencyDolbomDream: a smart, inflatable jacket designed to monitor the health of senior citizens60Hertz: an AI-powered virtual power plant (VPP) solutionWrtn Technologies: a generative AI portal serviceNdotLight: a web-based collaborative 3D design platform"We are excited to be part of C-Lab’s high-profile startup booth at Eureka Park," said Sunkwan Lee, CEO of Ghost Pass. “Thanks to the support of Samsung C-Lab, we won the CES Innovation Award this year, which I think makes this year’s CES a good opportunity for us to take a step toward going global."Two C-Lab Inside Projects From Samsung Employees and Three C-Lab Spin-off Startups That Started at SamsungSamsung has been exhibiting its C-Lab Inside projects at CES since 2016, and this year’s CES exhibit will feature two projects that are currently being fostered in-house. These projects are from the healthcare and pet-tech sectors and have been highly regarded for their innovation, marketability, and completeness:ID.EARS: a healthcare platform that analyzes brain waves captured by earbudsDumboCam: a pet training platform that utilizes Vision AIIn 2016, Samsung Electronics introduced its C-Lab spin-off program, which allows C-Lab Inside projects with high market potential to be launched as fully-fledged startups. At CES 2024, three C-Lab spin-off startups — which initially started as C-Lab Inside projects — will showcase their innovative products in C-Lab booths:Yellosis: smart toilets and AI healthcare solutions based on measurement of liquid body wasteBecon: AI-powered hair loss management solutionsGoose Labs: metaverse home workout app with real-time motion-sensing avatarsC-Lab Startups Win 23 CES 2024 Innovation AwardsIn November 2023, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) announced the winners of the CES 2024 Innovation Awards, including the award for Best of Innovation. Projects from the C-Lab program received one Best of Innovation Award and 22 Innovation Award Honorees.Samsung is sharing its knowledge of winning CES Innovation Awards and entering the global market with the C-Lab startups, which has allowed them to find success. At CES 2024, 16 C-Lab Outside startups were named as Innovation Award Honorees. As for C-Lab Spin-off startups, one project received a Best of Innovation Award and four were named Innovation Award Honorees.Specifically, STUDIO LAB — a startup spun off in 2021 — won the CES Innovation Award. The company’s products include Seller Canvas, an AI-based commerce detail page automation service, and Photo-bot, an automated commerce photography robot that combines AI and robotics.Yellosis and DEEPX — two of the startups being exhibited at the C-Lab booths — each received Innovation Awards in three categories. Yellosis is a digital health startup spun off in 2020 that developed Cym702 Seat, a smart toilet that automatically measures liquid body waste and provides health management solutions. The company also developed Cym702 Circle, a smart toilet that simply measures glucose in liquid body waste in public restrooms. Yellosis won CES Innovation Awards in three categories, including Digital Health,Smart Cities and Product in support of human security .DEEPX was founded in 2018 and develops edge AI chips for computational processing of AI algorithms such as deep learning-based object recognition, face/voice recognition, image classification and image quality improvement. DEEPX is the first AI semiconductor company to win CES Innovation Awards in three categories, including Embedded technology, Robotics and Computer hardware & components.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: On the sidelines of COP28 UAE, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first graduate research AI university, and e&, the global technology group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU aims to cement the UAE’s position as a hub of AI innovation through exploring collaboration in areas including AI human capacity building, developing industry-specific projects with tangible applications, including sustainability solutions, and venture capital funding for AI startups.Signed by MBZUAI’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations, Sultan Al Hajji, and Harrison Lung, Group Chief Strategy Officer of e&, the MoU will support e&’s advancement in AI talent sourcing and training via MBZUAI’s Executive Program (MEP), upskilling its in-house AI capacity. The two organizations will collaborate on research projects and co-develop use cases and joint go-to-market solutions to accelerate AI adoption for real-world applications.Sultan Al Hajji said: “Our partnership with e& combines a wealth of unique skill sets and strengths to develop cutting-edge AI solutions with the potential to overcome societal challenges and strengthen the UAE’s position as a hub for AI innovation. Together, we will enable e& to enhance its AI skills and capabilities while affording valuable research, employment, and internship opportunities to MBZUAI’s graduates and students, in addition to supporting a new generation of AI startups to build a more robust AI ecosystem in the UAE and wider region.”In addition, MBZUAI will work with e& to foster a startup ecosystem in the UAE by unlocking venture capital investment for AI innovation with a focus on sustainable solutions while providing access to the university’s startups.Harrison Lung commented: “We are thrilled to join forces with MBZUAI, demonstrating our firm commitment beyond just developing AI and sustainable solutions, but also through empowering individuals, promoting knowledge exchange, and raising awareness. This collaboration will elevate institutions at the forefront of this technology both in the UAE and worldwide.”MBZUAI’s stand at COP28 UAE is in the Green Zone at Expo City Dubai, until Dec. 12 – under The Greening Education Hub, organized by the UAE’s Ministry of Education, highlighting its research on how AI can address climate change, health, and education.

Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, has welcomed 23 new startups as part of its latest cohort, having collectively raised over $53 million in funding. Following a rigorous selection process, the successful startups will enter Hub71’s new Company Building Program and benefit from up to AED 250,000 worth of in-kind incentives and AED 250,000 in cash for equity. High-performing startups from the latest cohort will also be eligible to receive a top-up of up to AED 250,000 in exchange for additional equity, after one year.Hub71 received a 107 per cent increase in applications from over 100 countries, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s increasing global appeal as an innovative destination of growth for the world’s leading entrepreneurs. The new cohort comprises tech startups hailing from countries across the region, including the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, as well as companies from the UK, Canada, India and Armenia, which will establish a presence in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, around 40% of the startups in the latest cohort are from the US. This reflects the growing interest from mature tech hubs in Abu Dhabi’s favorable innovation ecosystem. Operating in 11 diverse industries, the startups will support the advancement of sectors aligned with Abu Dhabi’s strategic economic priorities, including FinTech, ClimateTech, HealthTech and EdTech.Seven startups in the cohort will join Hub71+ Digital Assets, the specialist ecosystem focused on unleashing the growth potential of Web3 and digital assets. Startups in Hub71+ Digital Assets can tap into a network of 13 dedicated partners, including leading digital asset exchanges, global technology providers, venture capital funds, blockchain platforms and other commercial and investment opportunities required to scale. Startups joining Hub71+ Digital Assets include UK headquartered Avantgarde Finance which has raised $5.5 million in funding and provides a platform for digital asset investment managers to plug into, launch their strategies and grow at scale.With a growing focus on the potential of innovation and technology in supporting climate action in the UAE, Hub71 selected two ClimateTech startups that developed innovative technologies helping to shape a more sustainable future. Acquai, which has raised $1.5 million (AED 5.5 million), is a software and hardware service company delivering data from waterways using 3D printed, bio-inspired fishlike drones. Meanwhile, Carbonsifr is a UAE founded climate tech platform enabling businesses to take tangible climate action through their climate-tech solutions such as emissions calculation engine, AI-based reduction platform and checkout tool to engage consumers on their daily.Ahmad Ali Alwan, Deputy CEO of Hub71, said: "With each cohort, we are noticing increasing interest from high-growth startups worldwide seeking to establish their businesses and expand from Abu Dhabi. Tech entrepreneurs recognize the distinct advantages of setting up their companies in the UAE capital, which provides a favorable environment for developing and marketing innovative products and services that can transform the business world. By attracting startups with immense growth potential, Hub71 is building on its powerful community of visionary entrepreneurs who will pave the way for the future of innovation.”In addition to a customized three-month course to receive expert mentorship, tailored advice and critical support, startups joining Hub71 will also gain access to a broad network of corporate, government, investment, and talent partners operating within Abu Dhabi’s technology ecosystem, significantly heightening the prospects of securing commercial deals, investment and market growth opportunities.The 23 startups selected to join Hub71’s 13th cohort:AlGooru is an online service that connects students from various age groups with private on-demand tutors.Anecdote is a customer analytics platform that delves into each customer feedback ticket, drawing from various sources to deliver valuable insights that companies can use to make better product decisions.Aquaai is a software and hardware service company delivering data from waterways using 3D-printed, bio-inspired fishlike drones.Atiom is a behavioral tech platform and mobile solution for deskless teams, primarily focused on creating real business value for large enterprise organizations.Autobia is a B2B marketplace leveraging data to solve the infrastructure and after-sales challenges in the automotive industry.Avantgarde Finance provides digital asset investment managers a platform to plug into, launch their strategies, and grow at scale.BioSapien is a validated FDA drug delivery platform that can slow-release drugs over a specified period into tumors directly.Carbonsifr is a platform that neutralizes the carbon footprint across businesses and industries.ClearQuote Technologies utilizes computer vision to assess vehicle images automatically and identify and evaluate defects or damages.CrunchDAO leverages the power of Web 3.0 collective intelligence to create a next-generation financial insights provider.Digital First AI offers a solution to the marketing industry by providing an all-in-one AI integration.Droplinked by FlatLay is a Web 3 commerce enabler for consumers and enterprises, bridging the gap between Web 2 and Web 3 capabilities with no-code, headless solutions.FlapKap is a user-friendly tech funding platform that integrates with e-commerce, social media and advertising platforms, marketplaces, payment gateways, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERPs). Goodable uses AI to deliver mental health programming to any screen or device. Its platform is clinically proven to improve employee mood, health and productivity by up to 96%.Lemonade Fashion is a video-first fashion and beauty platform. The social platform lets users shop directly from the video and check out from the same integrated system.Momint enables accessible funding and trade of solar photovoltaic1 (PV) investments with a built-in digital wallet, specializing in putting real assets and legal contracts on the blockchain.Netki is an identity validation provider with deep expertise in high-scale and high-fraud environments.Overnight Finance is an asset management protocol offering passive yield products based on delta-neutral strategies, primarily for conservative stablecoin investors.Param Labs is a game and blockchain development studio that delivers the highest quality blockchain-integrated games to the masses through player-owned digital assets.PriceOye Technologies is a managed marketplace for consumer electronics at the best prices with a built-in price comparison engine.Retailhub is a platform for direct integrations between retailers and aggregators.Sustainable Planet is an AgriTech company utilizing sustainable technology to combat food insecurity and climate change.Syd is a SaaS platform in predictive/preventative health tech that focuses on improving the life quality of employees as a success strategy from a business to an individual employee perspective.

Dubai:  Calling all aspiring entrepreneurs! 'The Falcons' launch event was held on 1st June at The Hilton, Al Habtoor City, Dubai. 'The Falcons,' UAE's highly anticipated startup funding show, is now open for applications. From 1st June onward, startups can seize the opportunity to secure on-the-spot investments and propel their business to new heights on this promising platform.Prashant Agarwal, Founder and CEO of HPPL, expressed his excitement about the show's launch and the opportunities it presents to UAE startups. "We are thrilled to bring this show to the forefront, offering startups a platform to gain visibility and branding opportunities. 'The Falcons' aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem for startups, and we look forward to supporting and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs," he said.'The Falcons' will comprise eight to ten exciting episodes, showcasing a new group of startups competing for investments in each episode. Selected startups will have the unique opportunity to pitch their innovative business ideas directly to a distinguished panel of investors known as ‘The Falcons’. This direct interaction will provide invaluable feedback and potential on-the-spot investment decisions, propelling their ventures to new heights.Hosted by the dynamic Rannvijay Singha, an Indian actor, television personality, and VJ known for his contributions as a host, 'The Falcons' promises an engaging and insightful experience for both participants and viewers.Anjana Om Kashyap, an acclaimed Indian news anchor and Senior Executive Editor at Aaj Tak, was the launch event host on 1st June in Dubai. With her vast experience in journalism and her previous work with channels like Doordarshan, Zee News, and News 24, Anjana added her charisma and expertise to the mix."With 'The Falcons,' our primary objective is to create a win-win situation for both startups and investors,” said Abdul Majid Khan, CEO & Managing Director of NKN Media.Startups seeking this exceptional investment opportunity are invited to submit their applications to 'The Falcons' starting from 1st June. Startups interested in applying for 'The Falcons' can begin the application process by clicking the 'Apply Now' button on the show's official website. The registration page will prompt applicants to provide basic information about themselves and their business. Additionally, startups will be required to submit a pitch deck or video showcasing their business idea and explaining why it holds the potential for success. The Falcons team will carefully review all submissions and select the most promising startups to participate in the show.

Dubai: Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has successfully concluded a roadshow to Hong Kong, the Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan to scout for startups to participate in the Expand North Star event in Dubai.During the roadshow, the Chamber introduced 481 startups to doing business in Dubai and highlighted the role it plays in providing support to businesses within the ecosystem. In addition, the Chamber hosted a pitch competition designed to drive participation in Expand North Star. The winner will receive a fully sponsored visit and participation in the upcoming event.As part of the Asian tour, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy also held a total of 17 private meetings with MNCs, unicorns, and incubators to explore potential collaborations within each market.Expand North Star is the largest start-up event in the world, uniting more than 1,400 exhibitors and 1,000 investors at Dubai Harbour from 15 – 18 October 2023. The event aims to ramp up the start-up entrepreneurship momentum, transcending geographic industries and intellectual boundaries as it connects government partners, investors, and corporate accelerators with innovators and tech stars from every continent.Dubai is embracing Web3 and the metaverse as part of efforts to drive the UAE’s digital economy forward, as well as fully integrating blockchain and AI technology across the public sector and investing in fintech and digital assets. Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy is working to accelerate the growth of Dubai’s digital economy and attract promising digital businesses to the emirate.Expand North Star will bring together startups from across the globe to connect with industry leaders, government officials, venture capitalists, and other potential investors. The event also supports the tech community by hosting forums and initiatives that bring together international and local tech companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and other key stakeholders.Expand North Star plays a critical role in attracting and connecting the global tech community to Dubai by providing a supportive platform for innovation and collaboration. The event will feature a series of summits, innovation challenges, conferences, and exhibitions showcasing the latest technological advances. The initiative provides opportunities for networking and collaboration while further cementing Dubai’s position as a leading hub for innovation and technology, as well as driving economic growth and development both in the emirate and globally.

Dubai: FasterCapital launches its complete and customized pitch deck creation, review, and design services. The three packages have different services that startups can customize to meet their specific needs. Startups and businesses seeking to raise capital always need to create the most compelling and persuasive pitch decks possible. FasterCapital helps startups do just that by creating custom decks tailored specifically to the company and its goals. The team takes the time to learn about the company and its history, current state, and future prospects so that they can create an effective presentation that will capture investor interest. The decks are designed for use in public presentations or pitching internally to decision-makers, so they are clear, concise, and easy to read – no matter how experienced or technically advanced the audience may be.Launching this service will make it easy for startups to create professional-looking decks in order to get funded by investors. Moreover, FasterCapital's expert reviewers help the startup's team learn more about how to present to investors when they have to do the pitching.This service is part of a larger vision and mission that FasterCapital is on which involves helping startups get the capital they need in the best and most efficient ways. Entrepreneurs and companies that are interested in this service can visit the service page.Mr. Hesham Zreik, CEO of FasterCapital, comments, "After our extensive work with startups on their fundraising, we have noticed that one of the main issues startups face is lack of response from investors. The response rate can be highly improved by improving the way the startup is presented and this is what we aspire to do through this service."

Dubai: Dubai is set to host the grand finale of Eureka! GCC 2023, Asia's largest business model competition, later this month in the presence of the UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.The Eureka! GCC finale at the Habtoor Palace, Dubai on May 26 will feature ten finalists, chosen from amongst 150 business plans from aspiring entrepreneurs and budding startup founders after a rigorous competition over seven months to assess their innovative ventures and commercial concepts. Each finalist will pitch their business ideas to a panel of prominent investors, venture capitalists, CEOs and industry leaders, to win the coveted Eureka! GCC title and a share of prizes worth US$100,000.Participants in the sector-agnostic competition, now in its second year, received a holistic entrepreneurship programme featuring business insight and knowledge, mentorship and other training appropriate for early-stage startup companies. Following an extensive screening process, 27 semi-finalist teams were selected to participate in advanced entrepreneurship training, with tailored workshops focusing on effective business planning and personalized mentoring from seasoned industry professionals over a five-week period. Ten finalists were chosen, based on mentors’ recommendations and business reports. The Eureka! GCC 2023 competition is powered once more by Gulf Islamic Investments (GII), a leading UAE-based Shari’ah-compliant global alternative investment company with over US$3 billion of assets under management. Its co-Founder and co-CEO, Pankaj Gupta commented, “Startups have the potential to create significant business growth and have already made a significant impact on the GCC economy in the past decade. Eureka! GCC provides the right platform for entrepreneurs to develop and launch their ideas, showcase their ventures, network with potential investors, and fast-track their growth.”Mr Gupta added, “We are most grateful for the support received from government ministries and industry leaders, which has undoubtedly contributed to the success of this entrepreneurship programme.”

Dubai: Stella Stays, the leading Middle Eastern proptech start-up with the mission the reinvent rentals globally and the vision to create the future of living, has appointed His Excellency Faras Al Ramahi, UAE Director-General of the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) and former CEO of Abu Dhabi Investment Company to its Board of Directors. H.E. Al Ramahi’s key experience and insights in private equity and real estate allows the company to further excel in its financial objectives and accelerate expansion, leveraging his background of 26 years in asset management, corporate finance and investment banking. H.E. Al Ramahi was the Chief Executive Officer of Invest AD - Abu Dhabi Investment Company, having held this position for five years leading to July 2021. H.E. Al Ramahi comments on his new position at Stella Stays: “I am overjoyed to have witnessed Stella Stays’ exponential growth and look forward to its bright future. The company is a successful start-up story of the Middle East and is redefining the future of living by reinventing rentals globally and building technology infrastructure for residential real estate. I am confident they will continue striving.”Mohammed Al Ghussein, Chairman of Stella Stays, comments, “With the support of H.E. Al Ramahi’s strategic advice and expert opinion, we are projecting exponential growth for Stella Stays, strengthening our pioneer and market leader position of the new “residential hospitality” category in our core MENA markets and pursue aggressive regional and global expansion plans in 2023.”Stella Stays is disrupting rentals globally with its innovative business model and key offerings of tech-enabled branded residences. The company offers residents, business travellers, and holidaymakers a seamless ‘Show Up and Start Living’ experience in major cities around the world. The company is recognised for its innovative approach, providing consumers with on-demand furnished apartments and a community-driven lifestyle with modern services. Residents and guests at Stella Stays can navigate the entire journey, from booking, checking in, and controlling smart home systems, to ordering guest services on the Stella Stays mobile app. The company further simplifies the rental experience by offering flexible payment terms, which can be made through various methods, including debit, credit cards and crypto payments. On the real estate supply side, Stella Stays comes in as a one-stop-shop for property owners, real estate developers and investors to monetize their properties. The company offers master leases or profit-sharing agreements; while infusing the latest technology to increase operations efficiency, allowing for up to 40% higher return than traditional residential or hospitality tenants.Set to become the world’s most-loved residential hospitality brand, Stella Stays has witnessed exponential growth and is now present in seven markets across MENA, Europe and North America since its inception only three years ago. The company currently operates in UAE, KSA, Turkey, Egypt, Bahrain, the United Kingdom, and Canada with more than 1,500 contracted units. The proptech start-up is profitable and cash flow positive. 

Dubai: Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and OurCrowd Arabia, the Abu Dhabi based subsidiary of Israel’s OurCrowd, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly create and manage several initiatives aiming to accelerate and catalyze the growth of the AI technology ecosystem on the university’s campus in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.The MoU outlines various initiatives including:Creating an AI-focused venture capital investment fund with the aim of attracting both local and global AI technology companies to scale up globally from Abu Dhabi.Developing a strategic collaboration between MBZUAI and Integrated Data Intelligence (IDI) Limited, OurCrowd’s AI subsidiary in Abu Dhabi, on research projects in applied AI technologies across industries.Enhancing Abu Dhabi’s AI innovation ecosystem via strategic partnerships with key government and government-related entities.Providing internship and job opportunities to MBZUAI graduates through OurCrowd’s vast global network of portfolio technology startup companies and industry partners.Sultan Al Hajji, MBZUAI’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations, said, “Part of MBZUAI’s existence is to foster entrepreneurship and this partnership creates a mechanism for incubating startups and creating local opportunities for the university’s pipeline of talent. Through this strategic partnership with OurCrowd Arabia, MBZUAI is forging ahead with its mission to develop a dynamic, vibrant, AI ecosystem that will help to position Abu Dhabi as a global center for AI. Together, we will encourage funding to enable AI start-ups to scale up in the UAE’s capital, help to develop and commercialize AI research, and provide exciting opportunities in the field for young AI talent – including graduates and researchers from MBZUAI. The proposed initiatives are a perfect complement to MBZUAI’s and OurCrowd Arabia’s areas of expertise.”OurCrowd Arabia Executive Chairman Sabah al-Binali added, “We are honored to have signed this MoU with MBZUAI to jointly grow the AI ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. OurCrowd Arabia continues to build on its strategic relationships having started with our partnership with ADIO under its Innovation Program announced in November 2022. We look forward to continuing to leverage OurCrowd’s global experience and relationships to support the Abu Dhabi and UAE startup ecosystems.”OurCrowd Arabia, which opened in the UAE capital in 2021, is also establishing a new VC investment center in Abu Dhabi to manage deals for its existing platform and cater to emerging markets.

Dubai: The 4th Edition Sharjah Advanced Industry Accelerator (SAIA) is creating waves in the UAE’s venture capital (VC) landscape. This is reflected in the phenomenal figure of 3,536 applications it received from over 40 countries in just two months.The highest number of applications was from India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Mexico, United Kingdom and France. Interestingly, there has been a significant increase in interest from women-led startups compared to last year. Another unique aspect is that there has been a rise in applications from sustainable tech startups.Mr. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTIP, said: “We are thrilled by the unprecedented response to our Accelerator program from startups from different parts of the world. This is a reflection of the growing importance of the MENA region, and high ranking of the UAE when it comes to funding of startups due to progressive economic policies and supportive innovation ecosystems.“At SRTIP we are happy to play the role of providing the right environment and framework for startups to grow and scale. The SAIA program, now in its fourth year, is proud of the pivotal role it is playing in nurturing startups.”The unique Acceleration program will run from September to Nov 2023, closing with an Investor & Demo Day on Nov 27, running up to COP28 in Dubai, where some of the cohort startups will be able to showcase their innovations and leverage the many opportunities that COP presents. The final day for submitting applications is May 23.The strong response to SAIA 2023 comes at a time when the region is witnessing unprecedented flow of venture capital, promising a thriving future for startups.Total financing from venture capital funds in the Middle East surged 132 per cent to almost $2 billion last year, with the total number of deals up 5 per cent to 410, according to Magnitt.Startups in the MENA region raised $3.94 billion in 2022 across 795 deals, a rise of 24 per cent in investment value when compared to 2021. The UAE stood on top, fetching the most investments to the tune of $1.85 billion across 250 deals, a rise of 5 per cent in terms of investment value, the Magnitt report revealed.The UAE aims to become home to 20 unicorns – startups worth above $1 billion each -- by 2031, in its push to become a regional centre for innovation and entrepreneurship. Last year, the country launched the Entrepreneurial Nation initiative, which aims to offer support through a series of public-private partnerships that help entrepreneurs to set up operations in the Emirates, expand their businesses, export products and tap into online sales.Hosted by the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), SAIA presents startups and innovative companies a gateway to funds, networking, expertise, resources, projects and a thriving ecosystem conducive to innovation.

Dubai: The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council (ADBWC), a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flat6Labs, the leading early stage venture capital firm in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation between the two parties to support and enable women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, fulfil their aspirations, and contribute to the growth of Abu Dhabi’s economy.The MoU was signed by Asma Al Fahim, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, and Ryaan Sharif, General Manager of Flat6Labs, at the Chamber's building, in the presence of representatives from both parties.Under the terms of the MoU, the two parties will organise workshops to introduce the members of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council to Flat6Labs’ services and financing programs, and provide them with the required guidance by coaches and experts to advance their business. The MoU also aims to provide women entrepreneurs with a platform to participate in the Flat6Labs Ignite program and have a chance to get financial rewards, as well as organise competitions for entrepreneurs in the technology field, which brings about mutual benefits for both sides.Asma Al Fahim, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, said: “The MoU with Flat6Labs affirms the Council's unwavering commitment to developing the capabilities of women entrepreneurs and enabling them to take their businesses to the next level, in accordance with the highest international standards. There are many women-led startups with creative ideas and untapped potential, which need our support. Our partnership with Flat6Labs plays a pivotal role in assisting these startups to improve their strategy and drive their business growth.”“The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council continues to expand its strategic partnerships with different entities to fulfil its objective of supporting entrepreneurs, uncovering promising opportunities for its members, and encouraging them to realise their potential, to propel the growth of business and generate benefits for the society,” Al Fahim added.Highlighting data from Wamda which showed that through 2021, female-founded startups in the MENA received just 1.2% of the region’s venture capital funding, Ryaan Sharif, General Manager at Flat6Labs UAE said, “There is a pressing need to bridge the gender divide. Doing so will benefit the entire startup ecosystem as diversification will enable new ideas to flourish. Of the over 2,000 startups supported by Flat6Labs over the last decade, over a third (36%) have been female led, so we are keenly aware of the passion, persistence, and unique perspective that women entrepreneurs bring to the table. We take pride in partnering with the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council to level the playing field and offer promising female founders the support and mentorship they need to achieve their full potential.”

Dubai: Over 27 startups by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) offered more than 100 job positions, including full-time, part-time, freelance, and internship opportunities, catering to a broad range of students during “Startup Career Fair 2023” which was organized by Sheraa and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) in partnership with Crescent Enterprises.The Fair brought together over 500 enthusiastic students seeking internships and job opportunities and was held at Sheraa Hub at AUS, featured interactive booths and fireside chats alongside leading innovators and entrepreneurs in the UAE and beyond.Attendees had the opportunity to network and build connections with 27 Sheraa-supported startups, which advertised 100+ key positions in sales & business development, product strategy, product development, marketing, IT and software, graphic design, finance, engineering, data management, customer relationship management, filming, editing, and content creation.Founders of startups such as OptimizeApp, Zidyia, Made for You Global, Cycled Technologies, Yspot, exhale, AR Engineering, HoloFair, Kyma, Foloosi Technologies Ltd, Savii, jalebi.io, Lune Technologies, EYouth, FortyGuard, Esaal solutions, and Ludus Films shared their experiences and insights at the fair, offering valuable advice to students looking to enter the startup world. With a focus on providing students with firsthand insights into working at a startup, they discussed topics such as the challenges and benefits of working at a startup, company culture, career growth, and more.Najla Al-Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, said: "Nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs is at the heart of what we do at Sheraa. The Startup Career Fair served as a platform for startups and students to connect on a personal level and discover opportunities for collaboration and growth. The fair's success is a testament to the thriving startup ecosystem in Sharjah and the region, and we look forward to continuing to support and encourage students as they consider careers in our homegrown companies or venture off on their own."Rania Morsi, AUS Interim Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, said: "We are proud to have partnered with Sheraa and Crescent Enterprises to organize the first-ever Startup Career Fair at AUS. This outstanding event brought together students and startups in a dynamic and interactive environment, fostering connections and facilitating networking. We are committed to providing our students with valuable opportunities that enable them to pursue their aspirations and realize their potential. We also strive to create a platform where startups can tap into a pool of exceptional talent."At the interactive booths, students had the opportunity to engage directly with participating startups to explore potential internship or full-time positions. Startups such as OptimizeApp, which enables SMEs to organize social media campaigns through a single app, and Zidyia, the world's first modern subscription-based learning management system built natively on the cloud, showcased their offerings and connected with talented students.The fair's success was a testament to the strong startup ecosystem in Sharjah, as Sheraa and AUS facilitated connections between students and startups. The event provided students with a platform to discover their passions and interests and paved the way for a bright future in innovative companies.

Dubai, UAE — With the world gradually recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, entrepreneurs and startups are seeking new opportunities and connections to expand their businesses. In this regard, Dubai has emerged as one of the top cities for startup networking, offering an ideal environment for growth and development. As per the report by The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and Entrepreneur Middle East, startups located in Dubai raised a remarkable 96% of all funds raised in the UAE since 2017, highlighting Dubai's position as the go-to destination for fundraising for startups in 2022.Here are five reasons why Dubai is the best city for startup networking in 2023:1. Strategic Location: Dubai's location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it a vital hub for startups looking to expand their reach and connect with potential customers and partners from around the world. It offers a unique advantage to entrepreneurs who want to tap into various markets and grow their businesses globally.2. Business-Friendly Policies: The Dubai government has implemented several business-friendly policies and initiatives that create a conducive environment for startups. These include tax exemptions, streamlined business registration processes, and incentives for startups to thrive. Alongside this, the government permits the creation of businesses owned by foreign entities, allowing people across the globe to operate a company in Dubai. According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, the government is seeking 30 startups that aspire to reach unicorn status by 2030. The D33 economy plan prioritizes the growth of startups, and Dubai is actively identifying and supporting them.3. Access to Capital: Dubai is home to a diverse range of venture capital firms, angel investors, and other sources of funding for startups. This abundance of funding options makes it easier for entrepreneurs to raise capital and launch their businesses. A report by The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and Entrepreneur Middle East states that as of the end of October 2022, startups based in Dubai had raised more than $2 billion in funding, which constitutes the majority of the country's total fundraising of $2.5 billion.4. Supportive Ecosystem: the city’s startup ecosystem is thriving, with a plethora of resources and support available to entrepreneurs. The government has established several initiatives and organizations to provide access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities for startups.5. Startup Events and Conferences: the emirate hosts several startup events and conferences throughout the year, providing numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, network with other startups and investors, and gain valuable insights and knowledge from industry experts. One of the most popular is STEP Conference, the event that brings together startups, entrepreneurs and investors from the Middle East and North Africa region. It features workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches on topics such as fintech, e-commerce, and marketing."Dubai is quickly becoming a hub for startups and entrepreneurs, and we're thrilled to be a part of this exciting community,"said Alex Galtsev, CEO of Realiste, a proptech startup that develops AI-based products for real estate investments. "The city's strategic location, supportive ecosystem, and business-friendly policies make it an ideal place for us to grow our business and connect with other like-minded individuals and organizations."Realiste is committed to driving innovation and growth in the real estate industry and promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech sector. The company's goal is to build the first real estate exchange that can help to identify the most profitable options in the market, allow for online purchases within seconds directly from developers, and manage all purchased assets in one place. In 2022, Realliste was recognized as the leading artificial intelligence startup in the UAE.

Dubai: Despite progress in recent years, Arab women remain underrepresented in the tech industry, particularly in leadership positions. This lack of diversity not only limits opportunities for women but also hinders innovation and growth in the industry.According to a report by Wilson Center, only 23% of startup founders in the MENA region are women. These statistics highlight the need for increased support and opportunities for women in tech, especially in leadership roles.In the MENA region, female entrepreneurship is on the rise, with more women starting their own businesses and taking on leadership roles. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve gender parity in the tech industry. A report by the World Economic Forum in 2022 found that it will take 132 years to close the global gender pay gap at the current rate of progress.Anastasia Denisova, the CEO of Realiste MENA, believes that promoting and supporting female leadership is essential for creating a more diverse and inclusive startup ecosystem. She claims that by providing mentorship, training, and networking opportunities for women in tech, we can help break down barriers and create a more level playing field.Realiste is a proptech startup based in Dubai and driven by artificial intelligence to make the real estate market more efficient and transparent for investors. Under Anastasia's leadership, Realiste MENA has integrated with 27 real estate developers in Dubai, attracted more than 50,000 users, and increased monthly revenue in Dubai from zero to $1M by the end of 2022.“Diversity is not just a buzzword – it’s essential for innovation and growth,” said Anastasia Denisova. “We are committed to promoting diversity in all its forms, and we believe that supporting female leadership is a key part of this effort.”In 2022, a report by Citigroup found that increasing female representation in the tech industry could add $2 trillion to global GDP. This data demonstrates that there is a need for more initiatives to encourage and support girls and women in pursuing careers in tech. Together, we can build a more inclusive and innovative startup ecosystem that benefits everyone.

Abu Dhabi: In line with UAE Net Zero 2050 and the UAE’s direction towards sustainable economic development and industrial decarbonization, the Ministry of the Industry and Advanced Technology is hosting high potential technology start-ups with a focus on sustainability and decarbonization to participate in a start-up competition launched ahead of COP28.The Ministry created the Make it in the Emirates Start-up Competition to provide technology start-ups with a platform where they can meet investors and network with policy makers and industry partners.The competition invites transformative start-ups seeking to have a global impact to showcase and pitch new innovations and technologies and provides them with the opportunity to learn from some of the best and brightest minds working in the fields of sustainability, manufacturing and technology. The competition will also provide the startups with the opportunity to further develop and deploy their technologies in the UAE in collaboration with various industry partners. The Make it in the Emirates Startup Competition seeks to enable forward-looking technology startups with pioneering sustainability related innovations that can transform and green existing industries, while also seeding the green industries of the future.Taking place at the Make it in the Emirates Forum from 31 May to 1 June, the competition is open to just 24 start-ups from all over the world. Startups from various sectors with a focus on sustainability, decarbonization-and digitalization are welcomed to apply.Tariq Al Hashimi, Director of Advanced Technology Adoption and Development at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology said: “We are living in an age in which start-ups have the power to disrupt entire industries and rewrite the playbook. These startups also have promising solutions for some of the world’s most pressing issues including climate change. However, access to funding and other enablers remains a huge challenge for startups all over the world. That is why the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is leveraging the Make it in the Emirates Forum as platform to provide promising tech-driven, sustainability-focused companies with a stage at one of the region’s largest and most attended industrial investment events to pitch, learn and connect.Al Hashimi added: “Start-ups participating in the competition will be able to access unique investment and collaboration opportunities, as well as get exposed to a suite of incentives offered by the UAE’s Advanced Technology ecosystem. The Ministry is committed to supporting companies of all sizes as part of our mission to create an industrial and technology ecosystem that generates inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”Start-ups can apply here: https://moiat.typeform.com/to/EiBm1pnJ. Applications close on May 5 2023.The 24 start-ups will initially be selected from the pool of submissions based on the innovation they have demonstrated, their disruptive potential, their scalability and sustainability, as well as their marketing potential, competitive advantage, and positive social impact.The judging panel will include representatives from Aspire, EDGE Group, Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Technology Innovation Institute, Dubai Industrial City, UAE University and Strata.The competition is one of several initiatives launched under the Make it in the Emirates umbrella. Make it in the Emirates aims to attract investors, industrialists and innovators to the UAE to benefit from the country’s competitive advantages.In 2022, MoIAT launched the inaugural Make it in the Emirates Forum, which received the attendance of around 1,800 stakeholders, including investors from around the world. The forum resulted in offtake agreements worth AED 110 billion with national enterprises committing to purchase more than 300 products from local suppliers to support their future growth plans.The second Make it in the Emirates Forum, which takes place at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, aims to build on this success and is set to draw significant interest and attendance from across the region and beyond.

UAE: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has issued Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023 on Small Business Relief for the purposes of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses (Corporate Tax Law).The decision is issued in accordance with Article 21 of the Corporate Tax Law, which treats the taxable person as not having derived any taxable income in a given tax period where the revenue did not exceed a certain threshold.Small Business Relief is intended to support startups and other small or micro businesses by reducing their Corporate Tax burden and compliance costs. The Ministerial Decision on Small Business Relief specifies the revenue threshold and conditions for a taxable person to elect for Small Business Relief and clarifies the provisions of the carried forward Tax Losses and disallowed Net Interest Expenditure under the Small Business Relief scheme.stratThe Ministerial Decision on Small Business Relief stipulates the following:1. Taxable persons who are resident persons can claim Small Business Relief where their revenue in the relevant and previous tax periods is below AED3 million for each tax period. This means that once a taxable person exceeds the AED3 million revenue threshold in any tax period, the Small Business Relief will no longer be available.2. The AED3 million revenue threshold will apply to tax periods starting on or after 1st June 2023 and will only continue to apply to subsequent tax periods that end before or on 31st December 2026.3. Revenue can be determined based on the applicable accounting standards accepted in the UAE.4. Small Business Relief will not be available to Qualifying Free Zone Persons or members of Multinational Enterprises Groups (MNE Groups) as defined in Cabinet Decision No. 44 of 2020 on Organising Reports Submitted by Multinational Companies. MNE Groups are groups of companies with operations in more than one country that have consolidated group revenues of more than AED3.15 billion.5. In tax periods defined in the decision where businesses do not elect to apply for Small Business Relief, they will be able to carry forward any incurred Tax Losses and any disallowed Net Interest Expenditure from such tax periods, for use in future tax periods in which the Small Business Relief is not elected.6. With regard to the artificial separation of business, the Ministerial Decision specifies that where the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) establishes that taxable persons have artificially separated their business or business activity and the total revenue of the entire business or business activity exceeds AED3 million in any tax period and such persons have elected to apply for Small Business Relief, this would be considered an arrangement to obtain a Corporate Tax advantage under Clause (1) of Article 50 regarding the general anti-abuse rules of the Corporate Tax Law.

Sharjah: In an open dialogue session titled "The Conscious Council: Our Collective Responsibility," hosted by the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis 2023 at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP), business leaders and heads of companies discussed the importance of environmental sustainability and Sharjah's achievements in this sector. Participants highlighted Sharjah's innovative projects at the local and international levels to manage waste, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and convert it into energy, while noting the changing customer trends towards environmentally-friendly products and services, and the rising global awareness of the importance of investing in green economic sectors.Organised under the electrifying theme of "The Winning Combination: Where Business Meets Sustainability, the majlis held at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) was a collaborative effort between some of Sharjah's prestigious entities -- Sharjah Development and Investment Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), and the SRTIP.The open dialogue participants included Majid Jaafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum, Abdulaziz Al-Obaidly, Operations Manager at Masdar, Sonia Weimüller, Co-Founder of VentureSouq, Khalid Al-Huraimel, CEO of Beeah Group and a number of government officials and leaders of government institutions and startups in Sharjah. Panellists stressed Sharjah's belief in the importance of cooperation between local, federal, and private entities to achieve carbon neutrality.Khalid Al-Huraimel, CEO of Bee’ah Group, praised the awareness of university students in Sharjah on sustainability and their efforts to protect the environment. He particularly lauded the efforts of three girl students -- Afra, Mahra, and Sarah -- who created an application to identify garbage bins at full capacity remotely, thereby helping clear the waste from locations with fuel efficiency and contributing to societal well-being and reducing CO2 emissions.Majid Jaafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum, emphasised the importance of supporting emerging companies and encouraging their entrepreneurial spirit and creativity to achieve Sharjah's vision of balanced and comprehensive economic development based on knowledge and innovation.Abdulaziz Al-Obaidly, Operations Manager at Masdar, discussed the role of Masdar, a company that has been at the forefront of the sustainability sector in the UAE, in establishing the first station in the region to generate electricity from solar energy, as well as its expansion in Europe and other global markets.Sonia Weimüller, Co-Founder of VentureSouq, pointed out that supporting sustainability has significant economic returns, including attracting foreign investments, due to the growing global awareness towards investing in eco-friendly economic sectors, particularly in the agricultural and food industries.The session witnessed a large turnout, with attendees expressing their admiration for the topics raised and the sustainable and innovative initiatives presented by emerging companies in the sustainability sector. They stressed the importance of supporting these companies and encouraging their efforts to contribute to achieving Sharjah's vision.Startup showcaseOn the sidelines of the majlis, Emirati startup accelerator Sheraa showcased several promising startups such as Manhat, which provides sustainable water and floating farm solutions, and Palmade, a startup that produces biodegradable cutlery made from date-palm trees. Cycled Technologies AS and Fortyguard were also featured, offering smart waste management and recycling solutions and cloud-based AI tools to provide personalized temperature insights.SRTIP also showcased startups such as Relife, which offers a digital ecosystem empowering individuals and businesses to make faster, smarter decisions across logistics and recyclables trading. Marses, a leading robotics company in the MENA region, and Conreality, which works at the intersection of drones, blockchain gaming, and augmented reality, were also highlighted.In addition to the startup showcase, the majlis also featured a range of F&B offerings, including Paperfig, Racks Cafe, and drowsy, and performances by the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, captivating attendees with beautiful and enchanting music. Visitors enjoyed the eclectic setting while also engaging with the entrepreneurs behind the businesses.Sharjah Ramadan Majlis 2023 concluded as an exhilarating and informative event that brought together the community, entrepreneurs, and industry experts and left attendees feeling energised and inspired.

Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, increased its community 102 per cent to more than 200 startups in 2022 with 51 new early-stage companies relocating to the UAE’s capital to scale exponentially. By the end of 2022, Hub71 had onboarded startups that have raised almost AED 4.5 billion (US$1.2 billion) collectively in venture capital and created more than 900 jobs since its inception. In a year dedicated to driving impact for startups and Abu Dhabi, Hub71 facilitated 41 POCs for corporate partners valued at AED 160 million (US$ 43.5 million) and enabled founders to save AED 81 million (US$22 million) in costs through its Incentive Program.In 2022, Hub71 expanded its range of initiatives designed to attract tech startups worldwide to Abu Dhabi and break into the market with access to a growing pool of investors ranging from over 30 VC firms to family offices and commercial partners. The work of Hub71 is enabling the continued economic diversification of Abu Dhabi and technological advancements in the UAE as the nation progresses to become an Entrepreneurial Nation by 2031.Hub71 published its 2022 Impact Report ‘Gaining Traction, Driving Impact’, available to download here.Badr Al-Olama, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Hub71, said: “Abu Dhabi has arrived at the intersection of transformation and innovation. Hub71 is the driving force behind the growth of so many successful startups and technology companies that are pushing boundaries in more than 20 sectors. By the end of 2022, our startups have raised more than AED 4 billion. With this achievement, we are now solidifying the impact we generate on a global scale by doubling down on breakthrough technologies that are poised to make transformational impact across multiple sectors.”Characterizing Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystemCovering the period from January to December 2022, Hub71’s Impact Report shares data, insights, success stories and developments from in and around Abu Dhabi’s tech startup community. The year saw Hub71 surpass 200 startups for the first time, initiate fundraising roadshows, launch Tech Barza - an exclusive capital club for family offices and expand Ventures Lab, the Venture Building program. Nine of the 51 startups onboarded by Hub71 in 2022 raised more than AED 36.7 million (US$10 million) in funding each, reflecting AED 575 million (US$156.7 million) collectively. Its diverse entrepreneurial community has 48 nationalities represented and the companies scaling from Hub71 are present in more than 20 sectors such as ClimateTech, FinTech, HealthTech, and EdTech. Applications to join Hub71 grew 102 per cent cohort-on-cohort with almost a third sourced by referrals from partners.Ahmad Ali Alwan, Deputy CEO of Hub71, commented: “Like in the years past, our top focus remains on generating impact. Our Impact Report presents the growth and strategic development of Abu Dhabi as a global technology ecosystem that enables startups to grow and scale. As we continue our pursuit of building homegrown unicorns, our 2022 impact results reinforce that Hub71 is a platform that champions innovation among startups and technology companies while supporting the nation’s knowledge-based economy and its transformation.”In 2023, Hub71 is broadening its reach into specific technology subsectors by launching Hub71+ specialist ecosystems dedicated to unlocking the potential of technologies including Digital Assets, ClimateTech and BioTech. The tech ecosystem is diversifying the capital pool to increase flows of investment to startup founders and is elevating its presence on the global stage, capturing opportunities to create value and mutually beneficial cross-border partnerships for the benefit of founders and entrepreneurs in Abu Dhabi and internationally.