Latest news with #LEAP2025
Syyaha
04-05-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
Qualcomm, Aramco, and Saudi Arabia's Research, Development, and Innovation Authority announce startups selected for 'Design in Saudi Arabia with AI' accelerator program
Qualcomm, through its subsidiary Qualcomm Technologies International, Inc., Aramco, through its subsidiary Aramco Overseas Company B.V., together with Saudi Arabia's Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA) today announced the startups selected to participate in the inaugural 'Design in Saudi Arabia with AI' (DISAI) accelerator is a collaborative effort between Qualcomm, Aramco, and RDIA, launched at LEAP 2025 to empower early-stage startups in AI, IoT, and wireless technologies. The program underscores Qualcomm's commitment to fostering technological advancement and digital transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi initiative aims to enhance the Kingdom's technology innovation ecosystem by helping to nurture early-stage startups by providing intellectual property training and guiding them from product design and development through commercialization. The selected participants will gain access to Qualcomm Technologies' mentorship, Aramco's industrial experience, and RDIA's strategic six selected startups, listed alphabetically, are:• Agile Loop: AI-driven integration of user and enterprise workflows with IoT devices using agentic edge AI.• Manyface: Predictive maintenance, sensor monitoring, and processing for oil and gas wells using edge AI.• Mobisense: Real-time speech-to-text transcription and LLM-based summarization, categorization, and responsiveness embedded in 5G networks, ensuring data privacy.• Orbital Universe: Carbon sequestration monitoring in Saudi Arabian mangrove plantations using edge AI, IoT sensors, and space imaging data.• Pix Convey: Modular AGV chassis with intelligent map-less navigation for diverse applications, including passenger transportation and logistics. • Thakaa Med: Advanced diagnostic and treatment solutions using edge AI to enhance workflows and optimize operations for healthcare institutions. 'As someone new to the Kingdom, I am genuinely impressed by the talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and ingenuity represented by the inaugural DISAI cohort members,' said Sudeepto Roy, Qualcomm Incorporated Vice President, Engineering. 'Their innovative approaches in the industrial, healthcare, and sustainability sectors, along with advanced 5G connectivity, edge AI, and IoT integration, are truly world class. The high quality of submissions was such that we decided to mentor six startups instead of the originally planned five. Qualcomm is honored to be part of their journey and eagerly anticipates their future successes.''We are proud to join forces with Qualcomm and RDIA on the first national run of this critical program,' said Sami A. Ajmi, Aramco Acting Senior Vice President of Digital & Information Technology. 'Through our Saudi Accelerated Innovation Lab (SAIL), we are dedicated to the pursuit of fostering digital transformation and industrial innovation in the Kingdom. The DISAI program exemplifies our continued dedication to building a strong technology sector and supporting Saudi entrepreneurs. We are excited to see the innovative solutions these startups can develop by harnessing the limitless potential of advanced AI, IoT, and digital technologies to make a positive impact in the Kingdom and beyond.''RDIA is dedicated to empowering Saudi Arabia's talented minds and fostering a culture of innovation,' said Dr. Mohammed Alotaibi, RDIA Acting Head. 'The DISAI program highlights the strong talent and forward-thinking approaches of our inaugural cohort. Their work in the industrial, healthcare, and sustainability sectors, enhanced by advanced technologies, shows their potential to drive significant change. We are proud to support these innovators as they pave the way for a prosperous future that is aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. ' The DISAI program's incubation period will run from April until November 2025, with the shortlisted startups participating in a finale event, during which they will demonstrate their products and services. Throughout the program, the startups will receive guidance from Qualcomm and Aramco's experts, receive patent training, get to experience Qualcomm Technologies' leading advanced AI technologies, and have the opportunity to connect with potential investors and partners.
CairoScene
02-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Qualcomm, Aramco & RDIA Launch AI Accelerator to Boost Saudi Startup
The six startups 0 chosen from a competitive pool - span sectors such as healthcare, sustainability, and industrial automation. May 02, 2025 Qualcomm Technologies, Aramco, and Saudi Arabia's Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA) have launched the 'Design in Saudi Arabia with AI' (DISAI) accelerator, selecting six startups to drive innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), IoT, and wireless technologies. The launch was announced at the LEAP 2025 tech conference. The six startups - chosen from a competitive pool - span sectors such as healthcare, sustainability, and industrial automation. Agile Loop integrates IoT devices with enterprise workflows using edge AI, while Manyface applies predictive maintenance to oil and gas infrastructure. Mobisense enhances 5G privacy with real-time speech-to-text and AI analysis. Orbital Universe tracks carbon sequestration in mangroves using satellite and IoT data. Pix Convey develops autonomous vehicles for logistics. Finally, Thakaa Med optimises healthcare diagnostics with AI. Running from April to November 2025, the program offers mentorship from Qualcomm and Aramco experts, patent training, and access to advanced AI technologies. Startups will showcase their solutions at a November finale event, connecting with investors and partners. The DISAI program expands Qualcomm's Saudi Accelerated Innovation Lab (SAIL), reinforcing commitments to industrial digitisation.
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qualcomm, Aramco, and Saudi Arabia's RDIA announce startups selected for DISAI accelerator program
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Qualcomm, through its subsidiary Qualcomm Technologies International, Inc., Aramco, through its subsidiary Aramco Overseas Company B.V., together with Saudi Arabia's Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA) today announced the startups selected to participate in the inaugural 'Design in Saudi Arabia with AI' (DISAI) accelerator program. DISAI is a collaborative effort between Qualcomm, Aramco, and RDIA, launched at LEAP 2025 to empower early-stage startups in AI, IoT, and wireless technologies. The program underscores Qualcomm's commitment to fostering technological advancement and digital transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to enhance the Kingdom's technology innovation ecosystem by helping to nurture early-stage startups by providing intellectual property training and guiding them from product design and development through commercialization. The selected participants will gain access to Qualcomm Technologies' mentorship, Aramco's industrial experience, and RDIA's strategic guidance. The six selected startups, listed alphabetically, are: Agile Loop: AI-driven integration of user and enterprise workflows with IoT devices using agentic edge AI. Manyface: Predictive maintenance, sensor monitoring, and processing for oil and gas wells using edge AI. Mobisense: Real-time speech-to-text transcription and LLM-based summarization, categorization, and responsiveness embedded in 5G networks, ensuring data privacy. Orbital Universe: Carbon sequestration monitoring in Saudi Arabian mangrove plantations using edge AI, IoT sensors, and space imaging data. Pix Convey: Modular AGV chassis with intelligent map-less navigation for diverse applications, including passenger transportation and logistics. Thakaa Med: Advanced diagnostic and treatment solutions using edge AI to enhance workflows and optimize operations for healthcare institutions. "As someone new to the Kingdom, I am genuinely impressed by the talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and ingenuity represented by the inaugural DISAI cohort members,' said Sudeepto Roy, Qualcomm Incorporated Vice President, Engineering. 'Their innovative approaches in the industrial, healthcare, and sustainability sectors, along with advanced 5G connectivity, edge AI, and IoT integration, are truly world class. The high quality of submissions was such that we decided to mentor six startups instead of the originally planned five. Qualcomm is honored to be part of their journey and eagerly anticipates their future successes." "Qualcomm is proud to use its world-leading expertise and partner with Aramco and RDIA on the first national run of this critical program," said Sami A. Ajmi, Aramco Acting Senior Vice President of Digital & Information Technology. "Through our Saudi Accelerated Innovation Lab (SAIL), we are dedicated to the pursuit of fostering digital transformation and industrial innovation in the Kingdom. The DISAI program exemplifies our continued dedication to supporting Saudi entrepreneurs and helping the Kingdom become one of the premier global destinations for tech innovation. We are excited to see the bleeding edge solutions these startups will develop by harnessing the limitless potential of advanced AI, IoT, and digital technologies to make a positive impact in the Kingdom and beyond." "RDIA is dedicated to empowering Saudi Arabia's talented minds and fostering a culture of innovation,' said Dr. Mohammed Alotaibi, RDIA Acting Head. 'The DISAI program highlights the strong talent and forward-thinking approaches of our inaugural cohort. Their work in the industrial, healthcare, and sustainability sectors, enhanced by advanced technologies, shows their potential to drive significant change. We are proud to support these innovators as they pave the way for a prosperous future that is aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. " The DISAI program's incubation period will run from April until November 2025, with the shortlisted startups participating in a finale event, during which they will demonstrate their products and services. Throughout the program, the startups will receive guidance from Qualcomm and Aramco's experts, receive patent training, get to experience Qualcomm Technologies' leading advanced AI technologies, and have the opportunity to connect with potential investors and partners. About Qualcomm Qualcomm relentlessly innovates to deliver intelligent computing everywhere, helping the world tackle some of its most important challenges. Building on our 40 years of technology leadership in creating era-defining breakthroughs, we deliver a broad portfolio of solutions built with our leading-edge AI, high-performance, low-power computing, and unrivaled connectivity. Our Snapdragon® platforms power extraordinary consumer experiences, and our Qualcomm Dragonwing™ products empower businesses and industries to scale to new heights. Together with our ecosystem partners, we enable next-generation digital transformation to enrich lives, improve businesses, and advance societies. At Qualcomm, we are engineering human progress. Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, substantially all of our engineering and research and development functions and substantially all of our products and services businesses, including our QCT semiconductor business. Snapdragon and Qualcomm-branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm patents are licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated. About the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority The Research, Development, and Innovation Authority seeks to enhance collaboration among the public, private, and academic sectors and provide advanced infrastructure and facilities dedicated to entrepreneurs and innovative startups. This contributes to developing local investments and attracting international partnerships, in addition to providing financing opportunities, guidance, and capacity development, which in turn drives economic growth.
Arabian Post
25-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Saudi Arabia Emerges as Leading Venture Capital Hub in Emerging Markets
Saudi Arabia has surpassed Singapore to become the top destination for venture capital funding among emerging markets, securing $391 million in the first quarter of 2025. This 53 percent year-on-year increase positions the Kingdom ahead of regions including the Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Southeast Asia, according to data from venture analytics platform MAGNiTT. The Kingdom accounted for 58 percent of all venture funding in the Middle East and North Africa region during this period, with 41 percent of the total transactions. This performance reflects a significant shift in investor confidence, driven by a combination of strategic government initiatives, active sovereign wealth fund participation, and a focus on early-stage investments. Notably, there was an 87 percent year-on-year increase in non-mega deal funding and a 437 percent rise in Series A and B rounds. Key transactions included $28 million raises by and Merit Incentives, indicating robust support for startups at critical growth stages. The broader MENA region also experienced a resurgence in venture capital activity, with total funding reaching $678 million in the first quarter—a 58 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This growth occurred despite a 21 percent decline in the number of deals, which totaled 133 transactions. The uptick is attributed to improved investor sentiment following interest rate cuts across the Gulf in late 2024, as well as sustained activity from sovereign funds and flagship ecosystem initiatives like LEAP 2025.
Daily Tribune
24-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Zain Bahrain Q1 profit rises 9.6%
Zain Bahrain, a leading telecommunications provider in the Kingdom, yesterday announced its financial results for the first quarter (Q1 2025). The company reported a total profit attributable to the shareholders of BD 1.17 million for the three months ended 31 March 2025, representing a 9.6% increase compared to BD 1.07 m for the same period in the previous year. Basic and Diluted earnings per share remained stable at 3 fils, compared to Q1 '24. Revenue increased to BD 21.01 m, representing a growth of 7.7% compared to BD 19.51 m for the same period in 2024. EBITDA reached BD 5.38 m, down by 5.6% from BD 5.70 m in Q1 '24. At the balance sheet level, Zain Bahrain's total equity as of 31 March 2025 accumulated to BD 85.92 m, down by 2.50% from BD 88.12 m at the end of 2024. The Company's asset base stood at BD 138.22 m, a reduction of 2.60% from BD 141.91 m as of 31 December 2024. Commenting on the results, Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa, Zain Bahrain Chairman, said, "I am pleased to share Zain Bahrain's latest milestones and developments for the first quarter of 2025. These highlight our remarkable progress in expanding our capabilities and enriching customer experiences. Over the past few months, Zain Bahrain has significantly enhanced its 4G and 5G network coverage across the Kingdom, boosting network efficiency and delivering faster connectivity to our customers. This expansion also supports our sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption by up to 50%—a major step forward in our commitment to environmental responsibility. It is also notable to mention, that our innovative microfinance app Bede, has achieved remarkable success and continued to gain a widespread acceptance, emerging as a key player in the Kingdom's fintech sector.' Tripled internet speeds 'In line with our mission to deliver the best possible digital experience, we have also tripled our fiber internet speeds for new and existing customers. Base speeds have increased to 300 Mbps, with offerings reaching up to 2 Gbps. This positions Zain Bahrain as a leader in high-speed internet services, setting a new benchmark for fiber connectivity in the Kingdom and ensuring that all Zain customers can enjoy unprecedented speeds." Zain Bahrain Chairman continued: "We have also forged new strategic partnerships, including Takaful International Company. The partnership aimed to expand our portfolio to offer affordable, comprehensive insurance solutions alongside our telecom services through Zain App. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, as we proudly received the "Best Connected Customer Experience Award" by IST Networks and Genesys at LEAP 2025. In addition, we recently achieved the highly regarded "Corporate Ethical Procurement and Supply" certification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), which underscores Zain's continuous commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical business practices in its procurement and supply chain operations. Another proud achievement this quarter is Zain Bahrain's official certification of ISO 22301:2019 for Business Continuity Management, along with our successful transition to ISO 27001:2022 standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). These internationally recognized certifications underscore Zain's unwavering commitment to business resilience, customer data privacy, and the continuous enhancement of our cybersecurity and continuity practices.' The Chairman concluded: "Looking ahead, 2025 will be a year of achievements and endless possibilities, and we are already off to a good start. Zain Bahrain will continue to push boundaries in innovation to meet its customers' changing needs, expand digital services, revolutionaries' new technologies, and uplift customer experience to remain the leading telecom and technology provider across the Kingdom."
