Business Connect | Page 3

Over 400 tech startups and hundreds of global investors will be a part of the tenth edition of Step Conference, which will feature keynote speeches and workshops on contemporary topics such as Web3, non-fungible token (NFTs), blockchain technology, and fintech.

Led by husband-and-wife duo Ben and Neha Samuel, Fit On Click helps corporates and residents in the UAE maintain an active lifestyle by incorporating sports and physical activity in their day-to-day lives.

As a community-based platform that works on a freemium model, Hayi aims to bring together communities in a safe and exclusive environment, both online and offline.

Driven by the notion that access to a safe internet is a basic right that needs to be protected, the startup runs on a subscription model with prices that vary depending on the size of the organization.

"For UPS, [Expo 2020 Dubai is an ideal opportunity] to showcase the future of logistics, and to do that, we have partnered with entities who are part of the Expo family."

The Hydro Wind Energy team has built QuenchSea, a low-cost seawater desalination device that produces fresh water from seawater using only manual power.

PalletPal's offerings aim to optimize freight shipments and streamline supply chain management.

CogniSigns is a digital screening app that uses an algorithm-driven chatbot powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to detect diseases and mental health conditions in a user.

By enabling consumers to try out multiple samples before finalizing on using a particular product, Hamples aims to help them make more informed decisions while purchasing.

"Our inspiration is the natural water cycle in geographical locations where water availability never requires human interference."

EduPloyment is a social enterprise that leverages technology to educate blue-collar workers in order for them to find better livelihoods.

"The platform acts as a dedicated space for performing artists and musicians to manage their bookings and tap into a new pool of growing clients, using a unique business model that takes zero commission from the artists, and simply charges clients an industry low agency fee when making a booking."

Christopher Arida and Aya Hariri are the founders of Diwama, an AI-based image recognition software that automates waste analysis, and one of the 10 finalists of Smartpreneur Competition 6.0.

Using a single log-in on the Direct Debit platform, users can ensure that they pay their major bills and fees in monthly instalments.

"As an Emirati, I am overwhelmed with pride and humility at the same time, as well as a sense of responsibility while my country hosts this world-class event in parallel with its Golden Jubilee."

Volte Art Projects kicked off its innings in the UAE with an exhibition titled Sublime Convergence, which was described as one that united "themes of nature and time through art and technology."

"I feel that the best thing about Dubai is its acceptance of expatriates. We are a small Indian startup, and we are among the top 10 finalists for this competition, which in itself shows that the city welcomes foreign entrepreneurs with open arms."

The success invygo has seen so far is a testament to the potential of the car subscription market, which, globally, is expected to reach US$12 billion by 2027.

"The UAE is made up of many nationalities from all over the world which offers the potential to get insights that will help companies scale on a global level."

HyperSpace claims to be the first in the world to build physical attractions that are blockchain-enabled and extended reality-native, with it making use of cutting-edge emerging technologies, spatial compute layers, real life virtual effects, NFT projects to create these purpose-built parks.

By listing over 100 conversation starters, this game's prompt cards aim to help break the ice between colleagues in a team, while also encouraging deeper conversations among themselves.