Expand North Star, the world’s largest startup and investor event at GITEX GLOBAL, continued on day three at Dubai Harbour. Attendees learned about the UAE’s social impact tech ecosystem, energy-efficient data centre hardware, and AI governance enabling entrepreneurship in emerging economies.

Running until 15 October, the 10th edition of Expand North Star features a four-day programme with 2,000 exhibiting startups and over 1,200 investors, with assets under management exceeding US$1.1 trillion.

His Excellency Salem Ali Al Shami, Executive Director of Social Incubation & Contracting at Ma’an Authority, participated in a fireside chat. He highlighted Ma’an’s role in empowering the next generation of social impact entrepreneurs. He also awarded Nesma Amin and Ameen Abo Diak, winners of a joint competition by Ma’an and Expand North Star.

“Today’s social entrepreneurs are creating innovative solutions that will support communities,” he said, congratulating the winners.

On AI hardware, Taavi Madiberk, CEO and Co-Founder of Skeleton Technologies, revealed a graphene-based, two-layer battery system. The solution reduces energy peaks in AI data centres, uses no lithium, cobalt, or manganese, and makes AI infrastructure more sustainable. He highlighted the Gulf as a key market for renewable-driven innovation.

Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, discussed the next wave of AI beyond large-language models. His company is exploring large quantitative models (LQMs) to impact sectors including energy, biopharma, and space.

Amandeep Singh Gill, Under-Secretary-General, addressed AI governance in emerging economies. He emphasized inclusive frameworks, data collaboration, and solving complex societal challenges like food productivity and climate resilience.

Day three also saw new agreements. Mobility Fintech Group (MFG) partnered with AHOY Technology, investing US$2 million to advance AI-driven mobility fintech solutions. MFG also partnered with Mawarid Finance to provide Sharia-compliant credit facilities for SMEs, and with Mazeed to integrate AI accounting and e-Invoicing solutions, supporting UAE’s mobility ecosystem.

Key Highlights:

• Expand North Star runs until 15 October at GITEX GLOBAL, Dubai.
• Over 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors participated.
• AI, sustainable hardware, and fintech partnerships took center stage.

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