The Innovate Edition - October 2024
DIFC Innovation Hub
The region’s leading FinTech & Innovation Ecosystem #DIFCInnovationHub
Investor Day 2024
We are excited to invite you to this year's Investor Day, an event dedicated to exploring the future of economies through the lens of financial innovation. As we explore the theme of powering next-gen economies, you will have the opportunity to witness how these start-ups are addressing current challenges and driving new possibilities in the digital landscape.
Join us on Thursday 21 November 2024 at DIFC FinTech Hive for an immersive experience that delves into the evolution of money and its impact on our world. This is your chance to be at the forefront of innovation and investment opportunities.
DIFC continues to drive global action in shaping greener economies – Announces 2nd edition of the Future Sustainability Forum in Dubai
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, announces the 2nd edition of the Future Sustainability Forum . Scheduled for 4 and 5 December 2024 at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, the Forum will focus on mobilising sustainable practices, engaging in influential discussions on sustainable development, working towards environmental conservation, social equity and innovation.
The announcement of the 2nd edition of the Forum underscores DIFC’s commitment to advancing UAE sustainability priorities alongside initiatives such as the DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst which aims to grow sustainable finance flows from Dubai to USD 100+ billion by 2030.
The Forum coincides with the first anniversary of COP28 UAE being hosted in the UAE and is set to attract over 3,000 participants. The event will mobilise industry leaders, investors, tech disruptors, and policymakers into achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contributing to the delivery of the Paris Agreement, whilst aiming to channel investment flows between the global north and south to accelerate climate action.
Dubai AI Campus in DIFC and Dubai Civil Defence Command Partner to advance Adoption of AI
The Dubai AI Campus in DIFC has signed a partnership agreement with Dubai Civil Defence H.Q. to enhance and support collaboration, exchange expertise, and support in the integration and coordination of the latest artificial intelligence solutions to The Directorate General of Dubai Civil Defense through the launch of the Global AI Challenge for Civil Defense. The Directorate General of Dubai Civil Defense is the first government entity to sign an agreement with the Dubai AI Campus to improve the quality of civil protection and safety services using AI and integrating it into Dubai Civil Defense operations. The initiative aligns with the annual Dubai Universal Footprint for Artificial Intelligence.
The Hub at the Singapore FinTech Festival
The region’s largest start-up ecosystem is at the Singapore FinTech Festival! Meet our team that are proudly representing the DIFC Innovation Hub , accompanied by our esteemed leadership driving innovation and collaboration on a global scale. Together, we are shaping the future of FinTech and digital transformation!
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Insights from the Red Bull Basement UAE Workshop
The Red Bull Basement UAE workshop, in partnership with DIFC Innovation Hub , held on Monday 21st October at DIFC Fintech Hive, brought together aspiring women entrepreneurs for a focused and insightful session. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from guest speakers Nezha Alaoui, CEO of WOMENCHOICE.ORG, and Marwa Karam, TV host at MBC GROUP, who shared their experiences and advice. The workshop provided a valuable platform for participants to refine their ideas and gain practical knowledge as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, sparking innovation and encouraging women to take the next step towards realising their business ambitions.
The National Red Bull Basement Finals
The National Red Bull Basement Finals organised in partnership with DIFC Innovation Hub took place at the DIFC Gate steps on 4 November 2024. University students showcased their groundbreaking AI-powered projects, with the winner set to represent the UAE at the global finals in Tokyo. The event was a powerful display of innovation and creativity led by DIFC Innovation Hub and Red Bull at the forefront of driving future technologies. Stay tuned for more on their journey ahead!
DIFC Innovation Hub Partners with Blockchain Life Forum
The DIFC Innovation Hub proudly entered a strategic partnership with the 13th edition of Blockchain Life Forum highlighting its leadership in fostering innovation within the global crypto and blockchain landscape. This event attracted over 12,119 participants and featured 200 influential speakers from leading companies such as Binance, OKX, Polygon Labs, and CoinMarketCap. The forum’s exhibition hosted 125 booths, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and solutions, cementing its role as a premier gathering for the crypto community.
Founders Unfiltered - Beehive Fintech
Discover Beehive Fintech, DIFC-based and MENA's pioneering regulated online marketplace for peer-to-peer lending since 2014. Beehive Fintech is transforming the P2P landscape in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman by leveraging cutting-edge technology to connect businesses in need of quick, direct financing with investors eager to support their growth. Join Craig Moore, Founder & CEO at Beehive Fintech, in the third episode of Founders Unfiltered as he delves into Beehive's journey, his personal experiences as a founder, and much more. This is an episode you don't want to miss!
DIFC based start-up Stake Partners with Oracle at GITEX 2024 to Revolutionise Real Estate
At GITEX 2024, DIFC based start-up Stake - a real estate crowdfunding platform announced a significant partnership with Oracle , solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to leverage Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), HeatWave for Analytics, Machine Learning (ML), and Generative AI to transform real estate investing. The integration of these advanced technologies will enhance operational efficiency and data management, accelerating the company’s growth. With a go-live planned in just two weeks, this marks a major step in the company’s digital transformation journey.
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Mohammad Alblooshi at the SuperBridge Summit
At the SuperBridge Summit Dubai , Mohammad Alblooshi , CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub , took part in a panel discussion titled ‘FinTech 3.0: The Future of Financial Innovation’. The session provided insights into the transformative role of fintech in driving the digital economy forward, highlighting the latest trends in decentralised finance, AI, and blockchain technologies.
The discussion emphasised the importance of global collaboration and innovation to accelerate growth in these areas, with a strong focus on creating sustainable solutions for the financial sector.
Welcoming Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to Innovation One at DIFC
We were honoured to welcome the former Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, to Innovation One at DIFC. It was a privilege to engage with Mr. Morrison and showcase the cutting-edge innovations and collaborative efforts driving our mission forward. His visit underscores the importance of global partnerships and innovation in shaping the future of business and technology. We are proud to have had the opportunity to share our journey with him and our talented team.
The Global AI Challenge for Civil Defence
Are you ready to showcase your cutting-edge solutions and contribute to a safer world? The Global AI Challenge for Civil Defence is calling all innovative start-ups to participate in this groundbreaking programme. This is your opportunity to collaborate with Dubai Civil Defence H.Q., gain global recognition, and drive impactful change. Don't miss out on this chance to be at the forefront of technological advancements in predictive firefighting and disaster response. Apply today and be a part of the future of safety and security.
XRPL Accelerator – Launch Programme
DIFC Innovation Hub , in partnership with RippleX, is now accepting applications for the XRPL Accelerator – Launch Programme. This programme provides early-stage start-ups with the resources and funding needed to accelerate their growth. Eligible teams will have the opportunity to receive up to $100,000 USD in funding, alongside tailored tech and development support to integrate or build on the XRP Ledger. Start-ups with a minimum viable product (MVP) and a clear monetisation strategy are encouraged to apply. Find out more and submit your application
ADIB Innovation Scouting Programme
The wait is over! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the ADIB Innovation Scouting Programme in partnership with DIFC Innovation Hub , ADIB - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank , and ADIB Ventures. This initiative aims to accelerate FinTech adoption in the MEASA region. Find out more and submit your application
Ignyte : Accelerating Global Start-up Growth
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has officially launched Ignyte earlier in October. As a core initiative of the Dubai Digital Economy Strategy, Ignyte, a DIFC-curated digital platform, aims to accelerate over 100,000 startups and entrepreneurs toward global growth. Previously known as Leap, the Ignyte platform is designed to drive exponential growth, equipping startups with essential tools to scale rapidly and efficiently. The platforms allows access to experts, mentors, cost-savings, key events and much more.
DIFC-based start-up PRYPCO secures USD 10 Million in Seed Funding to Revolutionise Real Estate Freedom
DIFC-based start-up, PRYPCO, has completed a fundraising round of USD 10 million in seed funding, led by Shorooq Partners, with strategic support from Apparel Group and other key investors. This milestone highlights the dedication of the PRYPCO team and their vision to provide Real Estate Freedom for all.
With this investment, the start-up is set to expand its operations and enhance its offerings, delivering greater value to stakeholders in the real estate ecosystem as it aims to become the region’s leading platform.
G42 Leads $500 Million Funding Round for DIFC-Based Astra Tech to Accelerate AI Growth
AI company G42 is spearheading a USD 500mn funding round Funding round for DIFC-based Astra Tech. This investment will accelerate Astra Tech’s ambitious growth plans, driving advancements in AI-driven solutions for businesses and consumers across the region.
Pitch at The Hive
Last week, Ignyte launched Pitch at the Hive — a new initiative designed to give founders and startups the stage to pitch, refine their stories, receive expert feedback, and engage with the community. Their first event highlighted two incredible startups from the community: Teleporta inc.: An AI-driven platform transforming meetings into a comprehensive business management software. Teleporta focuses on improving workflows, task management, and decision-making.
CAMB.AI, A Dubai AI Campus-based start-up gets selected in The AWS GENAI Accelerator 2024
A Dubai AI Campus based start-up Camb.ai has officially been inducted as one of 80 start-ups globally selected to participate in the prestigious Amazon Web Services (AWS) GenAI Accelerator 2024, securing up to $1 million in AWS compute credits. This exciting milestone marks a new chapter for Camb.ai, as they continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in artificial intelligence.