Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Forty-six deep-tech startups graduated from the KACST Venture Program in Riyadh, representing sectors like energy, healthcare, and renewables. The program, backed by the National Technology Development Program, supports emerging technologies and aims to transform research into marketable products. The new phase will involve partnerships with Saudi universities.
Indonesia is set to launch SpaceX’s Starlink satellite broadband within two weeks, following approvals from Indonesian authorities. This initiative aims to enhance internet accessibility across remote areas and the new capital city, promising a significant boost in connectivity and digital inclusion for the geographically diverse nation.
Parcel, a Hope Ventures portfolio company, has expanded its operations into Saudi Arabia after revolutionizing delivery services for 3,000 businesses in Bahrain. Through its tech-driven platform, it offers a cost-effective alternative to fleet management, empowering businesses to streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction.
Dubai Internet City and in5 will join the Dubai delegation at GITEX Asia 2025 in Singapore, showcasing Dubai’s digital economy. The partnership highlights success stories from over 4,000 businesses and 31,000 professionals, supporting innovation, start-ups, and multinational firms. The initiative strengthens Dubai’s role as a global tech hub.
JoAcademy partners with Truecaller to deliver trusted, Arabic-localized communication for students and parents, enhancing clarity and engagement in digital learning. The integration features verified branding, call reasons, video caller ID, and callback options to foster stronger connections.
Network International and AlWasleh have partnered to enhance buy now, pay later services in the Kingdom. This collaboration will provide seamless installment payment options, exclusive discounts, and introduce co-branded Visa credit cards, expanding AlWasleh’s reach beyond its current network of merchants.
Ten female-led startups across multiple sectors have been selected for Standard Chartered and Bahrain FinTech Bay’s Futuremakers Women in Tech Bahrain programme. The eight-week acceleration initiative supports entrepreneurial growth through mentorship, workshops, and networking, culminating in Demo Day with financial awards.
Rezaul Karim Arif from Bangladesh won the global AI Showdown Hackathon with PixelFlow, an AI-powered infinite mood-boarding app. Built in 24 hours, PixelFlow stands out for simplicity and powerful AI features. Rezaul plans to scale it independently and inspire others in Bangladesh to explore AI innovation.
MNT-Halan, Egypt’s leading fintech company, has entered the UAE market with its innovative Halan Advance salary financing solution. This marks the company’s expansion across the region, bringing financial inclusion, cash flow management, and economic empowerment to underserved communities. MNT-Halan aims to reach 250,000 customers by 2025.
A Telenor Asia study shows that nearly 90% of Bangladeshi internet users are incorporating AI into their daily lives, with mobile usage being the main driver. AI is particularly popular for social media, work, and entertainment. However, concerns around data privacy and the security of online accounts remain prevalent.