Expand North Star 2024 (www.ExpandNorthStar.com), the world’s largest startup and investment event, continued its journey of innovation on its third day at Dubai Port. Participants from around the world witnessed revolutionary developments in applied AI and Deep Tech, demonstrating how these technologies are disrupting industries and solving complex global challenges.
Expand North Star, integrated with GITEX GLOBAL, runs until October 16 and provides a powerful platform for more than 1,800 exhibiting startups and more than 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding $1 trillion.
Applied AI and Deep Tech innovations are redefining healthcare and space innovation
Day three was a showcase of next-generation solutions in robotics, AI and deep tech, offering a glimpse into the future of these sectors.
Innovative startups such as China’s RoboCT, which launched the UGo Rehab exoskeleton with its innovative exoskeleton technology, burst through the noise, specifically designed for patients with lower limb dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, strokes or cerebral palsy. Dr. Tian Wang, Founder and CEO of RoboCT Group, stated: “UGo improves the rehabilitation process and delivers an effective gait training solution by integrating advanced sensors, data analysis and research, allowing patients to rehabilitate more effectively at home.”
In the digital health space, JADE introduced a platform tailor-made for neurodivergent children, including children with ADHD, Down syndrome and autism. The app’s advanced tracking of eye movements, cognitive response times and memory functions provides healthcare professionals and educators with accurate data to create personalized care and learning strategies.
Meanwhile, scanO, a pioneering Indian-born deep tech company, is leading the development of generative AI models for predicting disease progression. The company showcased its flagship product, scanO air – the world’s first contactless AI-powered robotic oral health screening system – which revolutionized early detection and diagnosis.
In the space technology sector, Mauritius-based Triggers-Reports introduced Triggers-sat, a satellite platform that provides high-resolution imaging and 3D modeling to help companies and governments in areas such as natural resource management and climate risk disaster monitoring.
Increasing international participation from Asia and Latin America
As a global innovation hub, Expand North Star continues to see international participation increase, demonstrating how regions and countries are pushing boundaries with new solutions.
Tatiana Riera, COO of ApexBrasil, highlighted Brazil’s growing presence at Expand North Star: “From just 20 startups in 2019, we have expanded to 45 startups this year, along with four innovation hubs. Brazil is a great hub for fintech because of its diversity at social levels, so most of our unicorns come from fintech. We also focus a lot on Deep Tech, AI and Climate Technology solutions as we have six biomes and need to take care of them. We have a company that uses natural foam to make soundproofing material for construction and another company that builds silent tractors that run on sustainable energy.”
Similarly, Singapore’s SGTech made a notable debut at Expand North Star, highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration in advancing technology-driven solutions. Alex Ng, Exco Member, SGTech said: “Singapore’s innovative startups are making a significant impact at Expand North Star 2024, with six outstanding companies exhibiting under the Singapore Pavilion. These companies will showcase breakthrough technologies across industries including digital twins, industrial AI and biotechnology, with the event serving as a game-changing global launchpad for startups to foster valuable networking with investors.”
Africa’s path to economic growth
As global participation continues to flourish, the spotlight also turned to Africa, where burgeoning technology ecosystems are paving the way for a new wave of entrepreneurs and innovators. HE Savannah Maziya, Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Eswatini, together with other thought leaders, emphasized the importance of structured development to address unique market challenges and unlock Africa’s economic potential.
Celina Lee, CEO and co-founder of Zindi, South Africa, highlighted the trend of talent returning to Africa to start businesses and create ecosystems that foster innovation and attract global companies such as Microsoft to set up laboratories in Ghana and Nairobi.
Speaking on the challenges facing Africa, Olatunbosun Alake, Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Lagos State Government, Nigeria, said: “The biggest challenge in Africa is education. In Nigeria, if you look at the most educated parts, they show economic value, while in the north, where education levels are not as high, economic productivity is lower. There needs to be an African Renaissance of education financing across the board because if you encourage education, educate and enlighten people, people will change the environment.”
Over four days, Expand North Star continues to shed light on the future of industries by defining events such as GITEX Impact, Fintech Surge, Future Blockchain Summit and Marketing Mania. These events underscore how emerging technologies are transforming the way we live and also playing a crucial role in reshaping the future.
