AI and Deep Tech Take Center Stage at Expand North Star

Dubai Harbour is buzzing with innovation as Expand North Star 2024, the world’s largest startup and investment event, enters its third day. Attendees from around the globe are witnessing groundbreaking advancements in Applied AI and Deep Tech, which are transforming industries and addressing complex global challenges.

Running alongside GITEX GLOBAL until October 16, Expand North Star provides a robust platform for over 1,800 exhibiting startups and more than 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding USD $1 trillion.

 Innovations Redefining Healthcare and Space Technology

Day three of Expand North Star featured next-generation solutions in robotics, AI, and deep tech, offering a glimpse into the future of these fields. Among the standout innovators was China’s RoboCT, which unveiled the UGo Rehab Exoskeleton. Designed for patients with lower-limb dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, strokes, or cerebral palsy, the UGo enhances rehabilitation through advanced sensors and data analysis. Dr. Tian Wang, Founder and CEO of RoboCT Group, explained, “UGo enhances the rehabilitation process and delivers an effective walking training solution, empowering patients to rehabilitate more effectively at home.”

On the digital health frontier, JADE introduced a platform for neurodivergent children, including those with ADHD, Down syndrome, and autism. The app’s sophisticated tracking of eye movements and cognitive responses provides healthcare professionals with essential data for creating personalized care and learning strategies.

Indian-born deep tech company scanO is leading the way with its generative AI models for predicting disease progression. They showcased scanO air, the world’s first contactless AI-powered robotic system for oral health screening, revolutionizing early detection and diagnosis.

In the space technology sector, Triggers-Reports from Mauritius launched Triggers-sat, a satellite platform offering high-resolution imaging and 3D modeling to aid businesses and governments in natural resource management and climate risk monitoring.

 Increasing International Participation from Asia and Latin America

Expand North Star continues to draw significant international participation, highlighting how regions like Asia and Latin America are pushing boundaries with innovative solutions. Tatiana Riera, COO of ApexBrasil, noted Brazil’s growth from 20 startups in 2019 to 45 this year, complemented by four innovation hubs. “Brazil is a great hub for fintech due to its diverse social landscape, with many of our unicorns emerging from this sector. We also focus on Deep Tech, AI, and climate tech solutions,” she explained.

Singapore’s SGTech made a notable debut at Expand North Star, emphasizing the value of cross-border collaboration. Alex Ng, Exco Member, SGTech, stated, “Singapore’s innovative startups are making a significant impact at Expand North Star 2024, with six outstanding companies exhibiting under the Singapore Pavilion. These companies showcase cutting-edge technologies across various sectors, making this event a groundbreaking global launchpad for startups.”

 Africa’s Path to Economic Growth

The event also spotlighted Africa, where emerging tech ecosystems are fostering new entrepreneurs. H.E. Savannah Maziya, Minister of Information, Communications & Technology, Eswatini, stressed the importance of structured development to overcome unique market challenges and unlock the continent’s economic potential.

Celina Lee, CEO & Co-Founder of Zindi in South Africa, highlighted a trend of talent returning to Africa to establish companies and foster innovation. Olatunbosun Alake, Honorable Commissioner, Lagos State Government, Nigeria, addressed education challenges in Africa, stating, “The greatest challenge in Africa is education. If you drive education and enlighten people, they will change the environment.”

Throughout its four-day run, Expand North Star continues to illuminate the future of industries through key events like GITEX Impact, Fintech Surge, Future Blockchain Summit, and Marketing Mania. These events showcase how emerging technologies are reshaping our lives and play a pivotal role in defining the future.