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Welcome to this week's technology updates & insights in the Tech A newsletter.

⚡ Your 2-Minute Summary

📊 MENA Tech Updates

• Dubai launches "Dubai AI Seal" to certify trusted AI companies - free certification with unique serial number. Companies with the seal will have preference in working with government.

• DMCC and REIT Development building 17-storey Crypto Tower in JLT - 150,000 sq ft, completion Q1 2027

• Sigma Capital launches $100M fund for Web3 startups targeting 100 investments

• Petromin partners with Gupshup for Saudi's first automotive AI agent (PETROMINit!) offering bilingual support

💶 Tech Funding & Support Programs

• Sheraa Startup DOJO: AED 25K grants + AED 3M resources, deadline Feb 13

• Hub71 Programs (AI, ClimateTech, Digital Assets, Access): All due Feb 1

• Misk Accelerator: 3-month program for early-stage tech, deadline Feb 10

• Flat6Labs Riyadh: SAR 500K seed + SAR 2.4M follow-on, deadline Jan 28

🗓️ Upcoming Events

• Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival: Feb 1-2, featuring 150+ startups, 100+ investors, AED 700K funding

• Arab Health: Jan 27-30, Dubai World Trade Centre - 3,800+ exhibitors, 60,000+ professionals from 180+ countries

🔍 Resources & Market Insights:

Saudi Arabia Deep Tech Report findings:

• 43+ deep tech startups (50% in AI/IoT)

• $100M+ raised by deep tech startups since 2020

• 72% increase in startup funding (2021-2022)

• 104 active startup investors (+41% since 2018)

Interested to know more? Scroll below ⬇️ (10 minutes read)
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Read Online 

📊 MENA Tech Updates

We’ve got a mix of AI & Web3 news that I found interesting this week.

Dubai Introduces AI Seal to Certify Trusted AI Companies

The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) has launched the "Dubai AI Seal" to certify trusted AI companies. The initiative aims to build trust in AI solutions and foster public-private partnerships.

Highlights

• Companies can apply for the AI Seal for free. The certification includes a unique serial number and classification

• Certified companies gain a competitive edge in government projects and can showcase their credibility across digital platforms

Source: MSN 

DMCC and REIT Development to Build Crypto Tower in JLT

DMCC continues to push toward web3 with it’s partnership with REIT Development. They are constructing a 17-storey Crypto Tower in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai. The tower will support blockchain, DeFi, and Web3 companies. The tower will offer 150,000 sq ft of leasable space, including nine office floors, three floors for blockchain incubators, and one floor for AI innovation. Construction is expected to be completed by Q1 2027

Source: GulfBusiness

Sigma Capital Launches $100 Million Fund to Accelerate Web3 Innovation

Sigma Capital has launched a $100 million fund, Sigma Capital Fund I, to support early-stage Web3 startups. The fund will focus on DeFi, blockchain infrastructure, real-world asset tokenization, gaming, and the metaverse.

Highlights

• The fund aims to invest in 100 startups, 25 liquid tokens, and 10 fund-of-funds allocations over the next three years

Source: Wamda

Petromin and Gupshup Partner to Launch Saudi Arabia’s First Generative AI-Powered Automotive AI Agent

Petromin Corp has partnered with Gupshup to introduce PETROMINit!, an advanced customer service AI agent. The AI agent leverages generative AI capabilities to offer seamless vehicle support in both Arabic and English. The AI agent provides support for a range of services, including vehicle quick servicing, EV solutions, and loyalty points assistance, transforming customer engagement in the automotive industry.

Source: ArabianBusiness

💶 Tech Funding & Support programs

We’ve got a lot of funding programs with deadlines at the end of January. Here is a quick recap.

Sheraa Startup DOJO Program 

This 12-week accelerator is designed for students and recent graduates based in the UAE who are eager to validate their ideas, develop prototypes, and refine go-to-market strategies with expert guidance.

Key Information

• Win AED 25,000 in grants

• Participate in expert-led workshops

• Receive one-on-one mentorship

• Access free coworking space

• Unlock over AED 3M in resources & tools

Application Deadline:13th February 2025
Apply Here & Learn More About the Program

Source: Sheraa newsletter.

Last week’s funding programs are still open, here is the recap.

Hub71 Programs (Abu Dhabi) - All deadlines: Feb 1, 2025

• AI Program: For AI technology startups

• ClimateTech Program: Focused on climate solutions

• Digital Assets Program: Supporting blockchain/digital asset ventures

• Access Program: For scaling established startups

• Source: link

Misk Accelerator (Saudi Arabia)

• Application deadline: Feb 10, 2025

• 3-month program (Feb 23 - June 29, 2025)

• For early-stage tech startups targeting Saudi market

• Includes coaching, investor events, and VC investment opportunities

• Past success: 173 startups across 9 cohorts, collective valuation $2.28B

• Source: link

Flat6Labs Riyadh Seed Program

• Extended deadline: Jan 28, 2025

• Program runs Feb 15 - May 15, 2025

• Funding: SAR 500K seed + up to SAR 2.4M follow-on

• Open to Saudi residents (including non-nationals)

• Provides mentorship, legal support, marketing assistance, and investor connections

• Source: Flat6Labs Riyadh Seed Program website.

🗓️ Upcoming Events

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival

Maybe the most dynamic entrepreneurship gathering! The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2025 brings together investors, and innovators for two days of collaboration and opportunity. With over 150 startups, 100+ investors, and AED700,000 in potential funding up for grabs.

Dates: February 1-2, 2025 Location: Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park

Key Features:

• Startup Town Zone: 150+ startup pods

• Investors Lounge: 100+ investors, 320+ meetings scheduled

• Founders Stage: Industry leaders discussing disruption, sustainability, EdTech

• SEF x 1Tank Competition: Grants up to AED200,000 + potential AED500,000 investor funding

• 30+ workshops and masterclasses via SEF Academy

Arab Health: The largest healthcare exhibition in MENA

It' has become a tradition for me to go there. I’ve met potential business partners, startups & saw the latest innovation in healthcare. The exhibition features 3,800+ exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge medical innovations, AI healthcare solutions, and sustainable technologies. Connect with 60,000+ healthcare professionals from 180+ countries.

Who is it for and why:

• Healthcare Professionals & Practitioners: Access CME-accredited conferences and latest industry insights

• Medical Technology Companies: Showcase products across 9 sectors including medical equipment, IT solutions, and imaging

• Startups: Pitch opportunities at Innov8 platform and connect with investors

• Investors: Dedicated Investor Lounge for funding discussions with startups and scale-ups

Key Features:

• New Al Mustaqbal Hall focusing on sustainable healthcare

• Transformation Zone featuring expert talks on AI, robotics, and nanomedicine

• Smart Hospital Zone demonstrating next-gen patient care technologies

• 12 specialized conferences covering digital health, AI, and public health

Dates & Registration: January 27–30, 2025 Dubai World Trade Centre Register at Arab Health Online

🔍 Resources & Market Insights

Saudi Arabia's Deep Tech Ecosystem: A 2024 Mapping Report

The report maps out Saudi Arabia's ambitious transformation into a deep tech hub, analyzing major investments across healthcare, clean energy, sustainable food systems, and smart cities. Backed by Vision 2030 initiatives and substantial government funding ($1.5B for tech development), the ecosystem offers significant opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.

Key Stats:

• 43+ deep tech startups identified, with 50% focused on AI/IoT

• Over $100M raised by Saudi deep tech startups since 2020

• 72% increase in total startup funding from 2021 to 2022

• 104 active startup investors, up 41% since 2018

Want to explore Saudi's tech transformation and investment landscape? Access the full report by KAUST, MCIT, and Hello Tomorrow for detailed analysis and market opportunities.

Read the report: Link to the source.

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