Expand Polar Star 2024 (www.DevelopNorthStar.com), the world’s largest startup and investment event, continued its innovation journey on its third day at Dubai Port. Attendees from around the world witnessed groundbreaking advances in applied AI and Deep Tech, demonstrating how these technologies are disrupting industries and solving complex global challenges.
Part of GITEX GLOBAL, Expand North Star runs through October 16, providing a powerful platform for more than 1,800 exhibiting startups and more than 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding US$1 trillion.
Applied AI and Deep Tech innovations are redefining innovation in healthcare and space
Day three was a showcase of next-generation solutions in robotics, AI and deep technology, providing a glimpse into the future of these sectors.
Innovative startups such as Chinese company RoboCT, with its innovative exoskeleton technology, launched the UGo Rehab exoskeleton, specially designed for patients suffering from lower limb dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, stroke or cerebral palsy. Dr. Tian Wang, Founder and CEO of RoboCT Group, said: “UGo enhances the rehabilitation process and provides an effective gait training solution by integrating advanced sensors, data analytics and research, allowing patients to rehabilitate more effectively at home. »
On the frontier of digital health, JADE has introduced a platform tailored to neurodivergent children, including those with ADHD, Down syndrome and autism. The app’s sophisticated tracking of eye movements, cognitive response times and memory functions provides healthcare professionals and educators with precise data to create personalized care and learning strategies.
Meanwhile, scanO, a pioneering deep-tech company born in India, is leading the way in developing generative AI models to predict disease progression. The company introduced its flagship product, scanO air, the world’s first AI-powered contactless robotic system for oral health screening, revolutionizing early detection and diagnosis.
In the space technology sector, Triggers-Reports from Mauritius presented Triggers-sat, a satellite platform that provides high-resolution imagery and 3D modeling to help businesses and governments in areas such as natural resource management and climate risk and disaster monitoring.
Growing international participation from Asia and Latin America
As a global innovation hub, Expand North Star continues to see increasing international participation, demonstrating how regions and countries are pushing boundaries with innovative solutions.
Tatiana Riera, COO of ApexBrasil, highlighted Brazil’s growing presence at Expand North Star: “From just 20 startups in 2019, we have grown to 45 startups this year, as well as four innovation hubs. Brazil is a big hub for fintech due to the diversity of social levels, which is why most of our unicorns come from fintech. We also focus a lot on Deep Tech solutions, AI and climate technologies, because we have six biomes and need to take care of them. We have a company that uses natural moss to make soundproof materials for construction and another company that builds quiet tractors that run on renewable energy.
Similarly, Singapore’s SGTech made a notable debut at Expand North Star, highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration to advance technology solutions. Alex Ng, Executive Member of SGTech, said: “Singapore’s innovative startups are making a significant impact at Expo North Star 2024, with six exceptional companies exhibiting under the Singapore pavilion. These companies showcase cutting-edge technologies across various sectors 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 has also turned to Africa, where booming technology ecosystems are paving the way for a new wave of entrepreneurs and innovators. HE Savannah Maziya, Minister of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology of Eswatini, alongside other thought leaders, highlighted 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 like Microsoft to set up labs in Ghana and Nairobi.
Speaking on the challenges facing Africa, Olatunbosun Alake, Honorable Commissioner in the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Lagos State Government, Nigeria, said: “The most The big challenge in Africa is education. In Nigeria, if you look at the more educated regions, they have economic value, whereas in the north, where education levels are not as high, economic productivity is lower. There must be an African renaissance of education financing at all levels, because if you drive education, educate and enlighten people, people will change the environment.
Over its four days, Expand North Star continues to shine a light on the future of industries through defining events such as GITEX Impact, Fintech Surge, Future Blockchain Summit and Marketing Mania. These events highlight how emerging technologies are transforming the way we live and also playing a central role in reshaping the future.