Latest news with #SupernovaChallenge
Morocco World
14-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Vinsighte CEO Oluwatomisin Kolawole Is Building Tech That Sees Beyond Sight
Marrakech – On the first day of GITEX Africa 2025, Oluwatomisin Kolawole was amongst the semi finalist startups pulling out all the stops of the Supernova Challenge, representing his company CEO of Vinsighte. When I met Oluwatomisin Kolawole on Day One of GITEX Africa 2025, he didn't introduce himself like your typical tech founder. There was no jargon, no rehearsed script — just sincerity. Kolawole attended the tech event as CEO of Vinsighte . And just like that, you could tell — this wasn't someone building tech for the hype. He was building it with heart and looking forward to sharing his insights with Morocco World News. 'At Vinsighte we make use of artificial intelligence technology to stop the visually impaired to read and navigate the environment independently,' he explained. Kolawole's journey into tech wasn't paved in pitch decks and seed rounds — it started with something personal. 'I started Vinsighte after seeing lots of visionary persons around me when I was in medical school drop out of college because they could not read and navigate the environment independently,' he shared. 'So I took it upon myself to start building a solution that can actually help them to gain access to inclusive education and job opportunities.' There it was again: that word. Visionary. And not just in the metaphorical, startup-speak kind of way. For Oluwatomisin, the people Vinsighte serves are nothing short of extraordinary. Apparently, visually impaired persons, after they use their product, 'they become more confident, they feel more included and they feel they have more convenience and happy life.' The mobile app available on iOS and Android. But it doesn't stop there. 'We also have eyeglasses which is upcoming at the moment and will be launched in a couple of months from now,' he added — almost as if he were sharing a secret he couldn't wait for the world to see. The tech behind it might sound complicated — OCR, text-to-speech, AI — but the intention behind it is heartbreakingly simple: inclusion. 'One thing we try to do is keep our costs low while making and producing our solution,' he mentioned. 'And one thing we try to do in that way is working with local developers and also trying to upskill ourselves to be able to build and build effectively.' But like any good story, there were plot twists. 'One of the major challenges we faced while building Vinsighte was the fact that it was difficult to get access to local producing materials within Africa,' he expressed. 'Also, AI technology was not really advanced in Africa at that point in time. So we had to take upon ourselves to upskill ourselves and, you know, put in more effort and resources to be able to build what we have today.' Some founders build apps. Others build empires. Oluwatomisin is building confidence. He's building access. He's building the future. And when asked what he'd say if he met Elon Musk? 'I'll tell Elon Musk: join us using AI to do good for the world.' Tags: GITEX AFRICAGITEX Africa 2025techTechnology
Mid East Info
20-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy showcases benefits of participating in Expand North Star 2025 to 350 Canadian startups
67% of Canadian startups that participated in last year's edition had established their businesses in Dubai. The chamber visited Toronto, Mississauga, and Vancouver and organised several events to help businesses operating in Canada capitalise on emerging opportunities within Dubai's thriving digital economy. Dubai, UAE – Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, recently conducted a promotional roadshow in Canada with Dubai World Trade Centre to highlight the benefits of participating in Expand North Star 2025, the world's largest event for startups and investors. The chamber will host the upcoming edition of Expand North Star at Dubai Harbour from 12 – 15 October 2025. The roadshow seeks to build on the success of the Canadian startups that participated in last year's edition of the event, 67% of which have already established their businesses in Dubai. These companies are now aiming to leverage the emirate as a launchpad for local and regional expansion and building the necessary partnerships to grow their operations. As part of the roadshow, the chamber organised a series of events across three Canadian cities, including Toronto, Mississauga, and Vancouver, which brought together more than 350 founders, investors, accelerators, and policymakers. The discussions showcased Dubai's position as a global hub for the growth and expansion of digital business, as well as the benefits and opportunities available to participants in Expand North Star. The annual event is organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. The campaign provided a dynamic platform for networking and knowledge exchange, as well as showcasing initiatives to help Canadian companies enter Dubai's dynamic Dubai market and exploring opportunities within its thriving digital economy. The chamber also highlighted the services it provides to support the successful expansion of Canadian entrepreneurs across various advanced technology sectors in Dubai. As part of the roadshow, pitch competitions were held across the three cities, attracting the participation of 31 innovative startups. Bidblocks, Dia Labs Canada, and three companies specialising in artificial intelligence and healthcare technologies, emerged as the winners, with each securing fully funded participation in Expand North Star 2025. This opportunity offers a unique gateway to access new markets, as well as the chance to compete in the semi-final stage of the Supernova Challenge, which will take place during the event. The 2024 edition of Expand North Star achieved record-breaking participation and strong visitor and exhibitor engagement, together with an exceptional level of innovation on display and wide international presence. The event attracted over 1,800 startups and more than 1,200 investors from 100 countries managing assets exceeding US$ 1 trillion. In addition, 65 unicorn companies with a combined market value of more than US$ 400 billion took part in the exhibition. Canada is the second stop in the broader global campaign to highlight the significance and influence of Expand North Star 2025. The event serves as a key global gathering for startups, innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders seeking to capitalise on unique growth opportunities in Dubai and shape the future of the digital economy. Expand North Star plays a pivotal role in attracting the global tech community to Dubai, serving as a powerful platform for innovation, collaboration, and fostering connections with some of the world's most promising startups, investors, and tech pioneers. Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy remains committed to advancing Dubai's digital ecosystem and positioning the emirate among the world's leading digital economies, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Expand North Star has emerged as a key pillar in the chamber's strategy to cement Dubai's position as a global hub for innovation and technology, contributing to accelerating economic growth and development both locally and globally. About Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy: Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, aims to strengthen Dubai's position as a global leader in the digital economy; attract specialised talent, leading companies, and new investments; and create a stimulating environment that supports the growth of digital companies. The chamber was established by a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Hi Dubai
20-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy Promotes Expand North Star 2025 in Canada
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, in collaboration with Dubai World Trade Centre, recently conducted a promotional roadshow across Canada to highlight the benefits of participating in Expand North Star 2025, the world's largest event for startups and investors. The event will take place at Dubai Harbour from 12 – 15 October 2025. The roadshow built on the success of Canadian startups at last year's event, where 67% established their businesses in Dubai. The campaign spanned Toronto, Mississauga, and Vancouver, attracting over 350 founders, investors, and policymakers. Discussions highlighted Dubai's role as a global hub for digital business growth and the vast opportunities available at Expand North Star. A key highlight of the roadshow was pitch competitions featuring 31 innovative startups, with Bidblocks, Dia Labs Canada, and emerging as winners. They secured fully funded participation in Expand North Star 2025 and the chance to compete in the Supernova Challenge semi-finals. Expand North Star 2024 saw record-breaking participation, welcoming 1,800 startups, 1,200 investors managing over $1 trillion in assets, and 65 unicorns valued at over $400 billion. The Canadian leg marks the second stop in a global campaign promoting the event's significance in shaping the digital economy. Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy remains committed to advancing Dubai's position as a global digital hub in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), reinforcing Expand North Star as a key pillar in driving innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Zawya
20-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy showcases benefits of participating in Expand North Star 2025 to 350 Canadian startups
The chamber visited Toronto, Mississauga, and Vancouver and organised several events to help businesses operating in Canada capitalise on emerging opportunities within Dubai's thriving digital economy. Dubai, UAE – Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, recently conducted a promotional roadshow in Canada with Dubai World Trade Centre to highlight the benefits of participating in Expand North Star 2025, the world's largest event for startups and investors. The chamber will host the upcoming edition of Expand North Star at Dubai Harbour from 12 – 15 October 2025. The roadshow seeks to build on the success of the Canadian startups that participated in last year's edition of the event, 67% of which have already established their businesses in Dubai. These companies are now aiming to leverage the emirate as a launchpad for local and regional expansion and building the necessary partnerships to grow their operations. As part of the roadshow, the chamber organised a series of events across three Canadian cities, including Toronto, Mississauga, and Vancouver, which brought together more than 350 founders, investors, accelerators, and policymakers. The discussions showcased Dubai's position as a global hub for the growth and expansion of digital business, as well as the benefits and opportunities available to participants in Expand North Star. The annual event is organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. The campaign provided a dynamic platform for networking and knowledge exchange, as well as showcasing initiatives to help Canadian companies enter Dubai's dynamic Dubai market and exploring opportunities within its thriving digital economy. The chamber also highlighted the services it provides to support the successful expansion of Canadian entrepreneurs across various advanced technology sectors in Dubai. As part of the roadshow, pitch competitions were held across the three cities, attracting the participation of 31 innovative startups. Bidblocks, Dia Labs Canada, and three companies specialising in artificial intelligence and healthcare technologies, emerged as the winners, with each securing fully funded participation in Expand North Star 2025. This opportunity offers a unique gateway to access new markets, as well as the chance to compete in the semi-final stage of the Supernova Challenge, which will take place during the event. The 2024 edition of Expand North Star achieved record-breaking participation and strong visitor and exhibitor engagement, together with an exceptional level of innovation on display and wide international presence. The event attracted over 1,800 startups and more than 1,200 investors from 100 countries managing assets exceeding US$ 1 trillion. In addition, 65 unicorn companies with a combined market value of more than US$ 400 billion took part in the exhibition. Canada is the second stop in the broader global campaign to highlight the significance and influence of Expand North Star 2025. The event serves as a key global gathering for startups, innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders seeking to capitalise on unique growth opportunities in Dubai and shape the future of the digital economy. Expand North Star plays a pivotal role in attracting the global tech community to Dubai, serving as a powerful platform for innovation, collaboration, and fostering connections with some of the world's most promising startups, investors, and tech pioneers. Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy remains committed to advancing Dubai's digital ecosystem and positioning the emirate among the world's leading digital economies, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Expand North Star has emerged as a key pillar in the chamber's strategy to cement Dubai's position as a global hub for innovation and technology, contributing to accelerating economic growth and development both locally and globally. To find out more about Expand North Star 2025, please visit -Ends- About Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy: Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, aims to strengthen Dubai's position as a global leader in the digital economy; attract specialised talent, leading companies, and new investments; and create a stimulating environment that supports the growth of digital companies. The chamber was established by a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Follow us on: For more information, please contact: Mohamad Mouzehem PR & Corporate Communications Email:
Morocco World
28-02-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
GITEX Africa Returns for Another Exciting Edition Full of Opportunities and New Connections
Save the date: from April 14-16, Africa's top tech and startup event returns to the vibrant city of Marrakech for another edition full of inspiration, connections and entrepreneurship focused on the latest tech that is transforming Africa's tech ecosystem. Whether you are a small entrepreneur or a large enterprise owner, GITEX Africa returns to offer a platform to engage in discussions about the current monumental shifts that are propelling Africa's tech-driven future, connect with fellow visionaries and business leaders, or discover cutting-edge tools and technology. The latest edition of GITEX Africa promises a lineup of exciting summits and fora where the latest trends and technological developments in the African and global tech scene take center stage. At GITEX Africa 2025, visitors and participants are able to visit the event's Tech Talks, the Supernova Challenge, AI Everything Africa, as well as the Cybersecurity Forum. The event further hosts several exciting summits, including the GITEX Africa's Digital Summit, Future Connectivity Summit,and the Future of Finance Summit. The international event is also an excellent place for visitors to browse the exciting array of exhibiting companies, which includes top brands such as Acer, Aba Technology, Autodesk, Deloitte,IFC, Kaspersky, Nokia, Orange, Sandisk, Salesforce, as well as the Saudi Exports Development Authority. Visitors have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the latest tech products and services, all under one roof. Conversations focusing on Africa's Agritech, sustainability and Edutech sectors are also on the schedule, offering glimpses of the importance of Africa's digital growth and exploring topics like smart city transformation and e-governance. The event is once again bringing together key speakers who will share their expertise in their fields, including AI governance, 5G, finance, healthcare and climate finance. Influential names from Africa and beyond will be present to share their expertise from different sectors and share their experiences with the technological revolution the continent is currently undergoing. The event is also an opportunity for startups to receive more exposure, get inspired, and build new connections. Once again, GITEX Africa is the place to be for founders and funders of the hundreds of exciting African startups that travel to Marrakech for this remarkable forum on innovation and disruptive tech. The Moroccan government is celebrating the upcoming edition, stressing that the pioneering initiative is in line with Morocco's digital strategy. Last year's edition, Gitex Africa 2024, brought together 1,400 exhibitors, 680 startups, and over 40,000 visitors from 130 countries. The new edition aims to build on this milestone by providing an exciting platform for Africa's tech-driven future by bringing together the content's most relevant stakeholders, innovators and investors. Tags: GITEX 2024GITEX Africa Morocco
