Day three of Expand North Star 2025, the world’s largest startup and investor gathering under the umbrella of GITEX GLOBAL, delivered another dynamic showcase of innovation at Dubai Harbour.
The event’s packed agenda highlighted the UAE’s growing social impact tech ecosystem, breakthroughs in sustainable AI infrastructure, and pivotal discussions on inclusive global AI governance.
Now in its 10th edition, Expand North Star features 2,000 exhibiting startups and 1,200+ investors with collective assets under management exceeding US$1.1 trillion, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a powerhouse for innovation and investment.
Empowering the Next Wave of Social Entrepreneurs
His Excellency Salem Ali Al Shami, Executive Director of Social Incubation & Contracting at the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, headlined the day’s social impact discussions.
In a fireside chat, he spotlighted Ma’an’s pivotal role in nurturing social impact entrepreneurship across the UAE. Following the session, H.E. Al Shami awarded Nesma Amin and Ameen Abo Diak, the winners of a joint Ma’an–Expand North Star competition recognizing innovative solutions to pressing social challenges.
“Today’s social entrepreneurs are developing ideas that strengthen communities. Through collaboration and innovation, these solutions will create the lasting impact we aspire to achieve,” H.E. Al Shami emphasized.
Reimagining AI Sustainability: Beyond Large Language Models
With global AI data centers consuming vast amounts of energy—up to 40% wasted as heat—sustainability took center stage.
Taavi Madiberk, CEO & Co-Founder of Skeleton Technologies (Estonia), introduced a graphene-based dual-layer battery system designed to smooth power peaks and reduce energy waste. Free of lithium, cobalt, and manganese, Skeleton’s eco-friendly ultracapacitors promise a cleaner, more efficient foundation for the world’s AI infrastructure.
Having already partnered with leading U.S. and European corporations, Madiberk identified the Gulf region as a crucial growth market:
“Renewable energy adoption here is among the fastest globally. Any tech company serious about innovation must be in the Gulf,” he said.
At the same session, Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, discussed the next frontier beyond Large Language Models (LLMs)—the rise of Large Quantitative Models (LQMs).
Valued at US$5.7 billion, SandboxAQ is pioneering this next generation of AI to drive breakthroughs across energy, biopharma, and space industries.
Inclusive AI Governance for a Fairer Global Future
A major highlight came from Amandeep Singh Gill, UN Under-Secretary-General, who addressed the need for inclusive AI governance, especially for innovators in emerging economies.
During his fireside chat titled “Emerging Economies: AI Governance at a Tipping Point”, Singh Gill emphasized progress toward inclusivity but called for deeper collaboration and open data ecosystems.
He urged founders to tackle complex global issues rather than pursuing short-term gains:
“Solve the hard problems—boost productivity in agriculture, build climate resilience, and address societal challenges. Don’t settle for the easy wins,” he advised.
Major Partnership Deals and Million-Dollar Investments Announced
Day three also witnessed significant investment activity. Mobility Fintech Group (MFG), a leading AI-driven mobility fintech platform, signed multiple agreements to scale innovation in the automotive sector.
In a high-profile signing, AHOY Technology announced a US$2 million investment in MFG, combining AHOY’s deep-tech expertise with MFG’s AI-powered 360° mobility solutions—serving dealers, rental companies, insurers, banks, and consumers.
Further expanding its ecosystem, MFG inked a partnership with Mawarid Finance, a Sharia-compliant finance company licensed by the UAE Central Bank, to introduce a new credit facility for fleet and rental businesses, enhancing SME financing accessibility.
Additionally, a collaboration with Mazeed will integrate AI-based accounting and e-invoicing solutions to streamline financial operations for SMEs within the UAE’s mobility industry.
Looking Ahead: Expand North Star 2025 Continues
As Expand North Star 2025 heads into its final day, the event continues to reaffirm Dubai’s role as a global nexus for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.
With groundbreaking discussions on AI, sustainability, and inclusive growth, day three set the tone for a future driven by collaboration, technology, and impact.
For more information, visit expandnorthstar.com.
Sign up for our mailing list to receive the latest news.
Follow us also on the tech news portal in the Egypt