LEAP 2024 Shines a Spotlight on ‘Women in Tech’

LEAP 2024, renowned as one of the world’s premier technology events, is set to illuminate the contributions of pioneering women in the global technology arena during its upcoming third edition at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre in the heart of Malham district from March 4-7.

Organized by Tahaluf, a strategic joint venture between Informa PLC, the Events Investment Fund (EIF), and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), LEAP 2024 will feature an engaging ‘Women in Tech’ program. This program will offer a wealth of content, investment opportunities, networking sessions, and mentorship programs for entrepreneurs, along with a dedicated startup award.

The inclusive program aims to inspire greater participation of women, not only in Saudi Arabia but also globally, in the technology sector, aligning with extensive diversity initiatives underway in the Kingdom. The emphasis on ‘Women in Tech’ at LEAP 2024 reflects the event’s commitment to fostering economic diversification and providing international business access.

Annabelle Mander, Senior Vice President of Tahaluf, highlighted the significance of female representation across all facets of LEAP, underscoring the event’s mission of promoting inclusivity and market access. Mander emphasized Tahaluf’s own commitment to gender diversity, with half of its team members and senior management being women, fostering an environment where women are empowered to grow and succeed with support from their male colleagues.

The ‘Women in Tech’ program at LEAP 2024 will feature a dedicated content track boasting an impressive lineup of speakers, including former government ministers, C-suite executives from leading tech disruptors, ethics advisors, and venture capitalists. Sahar Albanarna, founder of the ‘Women4Impact’ initiative, stressed the transformative potential of technology in empowering women globally and urged industry leaders to support female entrepreneurs to drive sustainable economic growth.

Nadine Hachach Haram, CEO and Founder of Proximie, a trailblazing company in surgical innovation, will also be showcasing their work at LEAP 2024. Proximie’s mission to enhance surgical care through digital connectivity aligns with the event’s focus on innovation and technology advancement.

In addition to featuring established leaders, LEAP 2024 will provide a platform for female-led startups and entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas, seek funding, and receive mentorship through initiatives like the Women’s Investor Forum, Entrepreneur Mentorship Scheme, and the Aviatrix Award in the Rocket Fuel pitch competition, offering a US$150,000 prize for the most innovative startup led by women founders.

With a central theme on AI, LEAP 2024 anticipates record-breaking attendance, empowered by the Saudi Ministry for Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), underscoring the event’s status as a global hub for technological advancement and development.