Moscow Startup Summit displays technologies of the future from startups worldwide

Updated 16 min 45 sec ago

October 06, 2025 15:22

The Moscow Startup Summit, held on Oct. 1–2, welcomed startups from around the globe to showcase future technologies. Organized by Sber and the Moscow government, the event featured more than 60 sessions and presentations by over 150 experts from Russia and abroad.

The summit’s agenda covered five key tracks catering to all participants. Main stage sessions explored global tech trends and the impact of generative AI on innovation-driven businesses. Topics included macro-trends and autonomous entrepreneurship, highlighting how generative AI transforms markets, supply chains, and partnership models.

The opening remarks were delivered via a video message by Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin, who stressed the significance of collaborating with BRICS and SCO nations to promote tech startups.

Highlights included a panel discussion featuring Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and CEO and Chairman of the Sberbank Executive Board Herman Gref, stressing the importance of advancing new technologies, creating jobs, and attracting talented professionals by offering a comfortable lifestyle.

Gref said that Moscow now offers distinctive living conditions. These include a comfortable urban environment, an expanded subway system, and overall improvement in transportation infrastructure. Ultimately, these developments create superior living conditions for young people, encouraging them to remain in their home country, while also fostering unique opportunities for startup ventures.

Moscow, noted Sobyanin, possesses all necessary conditions for growing high-tech industrial enterprises. Entrepreneurs and businesses are actively returning to the city due to highly skilled and motivated talent pools unavailable elsewhere.

Creating a welcoming environment and new employment opportunities, Moscow invests heavily in industrial sector upgrades. Priority lies in import-substitution technologies, whose advancement fuels adjacent industries.

Both Gref and Sobyanin concurred that having the right environment is vital for fostering startups. Creating opportunities for work and living encourages young professionals to stay in their home country and pursue pioneering ideas locally.

Gref added that building environments in Russian cities is a social duty and mission of Sber. Employees at Sber take pride in their accomplishments, striving to make each project a benchmark for the nation.

A tech exhibition displayed 60 booths showcasing startups. Forty-one Russian teams joined forces with 19 international startups from Brazil, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Pakistan, ��, Uzbekistan, and France.

Another highlight was the Demo Day of the international IT accelerator Sber500. Any angel investor or venture fund representative could declare investment readiness online — either fully funding or partially joining syndicated rounds. Startups received over 1.2 billion Russian rubles ($14.6 million) in investment proposals from angels, VC funds, and investor clubs.

Final presentations were given by 30 startups, including 25 graduates of the main track and five participants from the AI-focused Sber500-GigaChat track. Session moderator Alexander Vedyakhin, Sberbank’s first deputy chairman of the executive board, said that nearly 70 percent of finalists utilized generative AI, with 48 percent classified as deep-tech projects.

Six of the 25 finalists were international, originating from India, Algeria, the UAE, South Korea, and Pakistan, while two teams had co-founders from Denmark and Iran.

Applications for the sixth wave of the accelerator program exceeded 1,900 submissions from 42 countries. Following bootcamp evaluations, 150 startups progressed, resulting in the selection of the top 25 teams. Almost 85 percent worked with AI, and 70 percent leveraged generative AI. Twelve finalists presented deep-tech projects.

Finalists demonstrated solutions spanning biomedicine (33 percent), industrial robotics and tech (15 percent), corporate software (12 percent), fundamental technologies (12 percent), construction and development (7 percent), and cybersecurity (7 percent).

Notable innovations included diagnostic platforms detecting mental disorders via lipidome blood tests, next-generation neuroprocessors turning ordinary gadgets into intelligent systems, and AI-powered photo-to-detailed-3D-model conversion technology. Also shown were 3D printing technologies for buildings of varying heights, IoT sensors with deep AI analytics for industrial machinery, and portable breath trainers paired with personalized AI assistants.

Capping the summit was the presentation of Startup Summit Awards. The award was initiated by the Moscow Government and Sber and is intended to recognize best practices in innovation and encourage large companies and investors to support tech entrepreneurs.. More than 1,700 applications were received from 79 regions of Russia. On Oct. 2, winners were honored across 17 categories, encompassing startups, investors, corporations, universities, and media outlets.

Awe Research unveils ‘CX-awe’ platform to accelerate Kingdom’s transformation

Updated 06 October 2025

October 06, 2025 10:48

Awe Research unveils ‘CX-awe’ platform to accelerate Kingdom’s transformation

Updated 06 October 2025

October 06, 2025 10:48

The energy was electric at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh as Awe Research, a leading marketing research agency in the MENA region, welcomed more than 90 senior executives and leading experts to its flagship forum “Saudi Next: From Vision to Impact.” The event showcased the Kingdom’s rapid transformation and revealed CX-awe, a breakthrough platform that could revolutionize customer experience research in �� and beyond.

Ahmed Said, CEO and founder, opened the forum with a call to action: aligning insight-driven strategies with ��’s Vision 2030. Ghaida Fatany, KSA country manager and partner, emphasized the importance of grounding strategies in local realities, while Mona Ahmed, regional managing director and partner, described the event as “a room alive with engagements, collaborations, and Saudi pride.”

Tamer Ali, General Manager Healthcare, MENA, highlighted the latest health and wellness trends in Saudi, focusing on the fight against obesity with its social and economic impact.

The day’s biggest reveal came when Vimal Kumar introduced CX-awe, an AI-integrated platform capable of turning weeks of CX research into just minutes of actionable insights. By combining automation, advanced analytics, and local expertise, the system promises to reshape how corporations and government entities make decisions.

“CX-awe is not just a tool, it is a response to the pace of transformation,” Kumar said. “In today’s ��, every decision counts, and speed is everything.”

Samar Abdelaal, vice president insights and co-founder, led a thought-provoking panel discussion that offered a cross-section of perspectives and enlightening conversations:

Dr. Saud El-Sifri, vice president MENA, Saudi Scientific Diabetes Society and president, Saudi Society for the Study of Obesity, spoke passionately about public health challenges, stressing collective action to reduce obesity.
Noble Coker, customer experience and QA adviser, Diriyah, reminded attendees that “impact is not transactional, it is rooted in resonance and authenticity of the Saudi people.”
Saleh Alsuwaiyel, tourism data and insights adviser, Saudi Tourism Authority, highlighted how tourism data can spark wider industry growth — not just tourism, but the entire ecosystem.
Iman Tolba, marketing director, BMW Group, captured the audience’s mood, describing the insights as “mind-blowing and strategy shaping.”

Their messages pointed to a common truth: ��’s future is not just about infrastructure or policy, it is about understanding people.

Since its founding in 2012, Awe Research has evolved into the fastest-growing research consultancy in MENA, serving 300+ clients across 35+ markets. Its 200+ professionals represent more than 14 nationalities, bringing both local understanding and global expertise.

The company has received several accolades including Fastest Growing Marketing Research Agency in MENA (2022) and the Business Excellence Award for Innovation and Leadership (2024).

“Saudi Next was a milestone,” said CEO Said. “It’s proof of our mission: to create insights that live and breathe with the people they represent. We call it ‘living research’.”

For many in attendance, the forum was more than a corporate event — it was a lens into the Kingdom’s transformation story. By launching CX-awe, Awe Research signaled its readiness to support leaders who must move at the speed of transformation.

“�� is moving forward with incredible momentum,” said Ahmed. “With CX-awe, we are making sure leaders have insights as fast as the change itself.”

Why organizations in �� are moving to Google Cloud — with Bespin Global

Updated 05 October 2025

October 05, 2025 09:45

Why organizations in �� are moving to Google Cloud — with Bespin Global

Updated 05 October 2025

October 05, 2025 09:45

As �� accelerates its digital transformation under Vision 2030, organizations across the Kingdom are re-evaluating their cloud strategies. One major trend being seen at Bespin Global MEA is the growing adoption of Google Cloud, especially following the launch of the Google Cloud region in Dammam.

With enhanced data sovereignty, low-latency services, and compliance with local regulations, Google Cloud is rapidly becoming the platform of choice for organizations looking to modernize operations and scale efficiently. As a Premier Google Cloud Partner and Managed Services Provider, Bespin Global MEA has helped leading enterprises across industries transition smoothly, unlocking tangible benefits in security, reliability, cost-optimization, and innovation.

Why organizations are switching to Google Cloud

1. Enterprise-grade security

Security remains the top concern for CIOs and CISOs. Google Cloud’s built-in security features such as Cloud Identity, Identity and Access Management, and a security-first global infrastructure, offer a robust foundation. Bespin Global MEA builds upon this with customized security architectures, 24/7 threat monitoring, and compliance frameworks tailored to sector-specific needs, from finance to healthcare.

2. Unmatched reliability

Downtime is not just inconvenient; it directly impacts customer trust and business continuity. Google Cloud’s advanced features, including live migration and automated failovers, keep systems running smoothly, even during updates. With Bespin Global’s proactive monitoring and incident response, clients experience significantly improved uptime and operational resilience.

3. Scalability and elasticity

Organizations in �� are growing fast. Whether expanding internationally or responding to sudden surges in demand, Google Cloud’s architecture supports real-time scaling. With Kubernetes auto-scaling, elastic workloads, and intelligent resource allocation, scalability becomes seamless. Bespin Global designs cloud environments that flex with your growth, ensuring long-term agility.

4. Cost transparency and optimization

Cloud budgets can spiral without oversight. Google Cloud’s pricing model, featuring pay-as-you-go, committed use discounts, and spot instances offers real cost control. Bespin Global further enhances this with FinOps services, including budget forecasting, cloud spend governance, and optimization strategies.

One standout offering is the OpsNow platform: a smart invoicing and cost-management system powered by AI. It includes anomaly detection, cost chargeback by department, and real-time insights that help organizations track and control cloud expenses effectively.

5. Innovation-ready toolset

From AI and analytics to modern application development, Google Cloud is packed with cutting-edge tools like BigQuery, Cloud Spanner, and Gemini AI. Bespin Global enables clients to turn these tools into business value, consolidating complex data environments into real-time analytics dashboards that empower smart, fast decision-making.

Why choose Bespin Global?

Bespin Global MEA stands at the forefront of cloud innovation in the Kingdom. With hundreds of successful migrations across the MENA region, the company goes beyond simple lift-and-shift projects. Its approach is strategic, hands-on, and outcome-driven.

The company provides:

Cloud strategy and assessment
Seamless, zero-downtime migrations
Secure, scalable GCP architectures
Compliance and security configuration
24/7 managed services and cloud optimization

Whether you are in finance, healthcare, retail, or the public sector, Bespin Global helps you maximize your Google Cloud investment, turning cloud into a growth engine.

To learn more, visit: www.bespinglobal.sa

Greek islands, Turkish cities & more: Aroya Cruises launches Season 2

Updated 04 October 2025

Lama Alhamawi

October 04, 2025 12:42

Greek islands, Turkish cities & more: Aroya Cruises launches Season 2

Updated 04 October 2025

Lama Alhamawi

October 04, 2025 12:42

��’s first-ever cruise line Aroya Cruises has launched a new season featuring Greek islands Mykonos, Athens and Crete, and the Turkish cities of Bordum and Kaş.
“It is a butterfly itinerary between the Greek Islands and Turkish destinations, and also includes Alexandria in Egypt,” Turky Kari, executive director of marketing and corporate communications at Aroya, told Arab News.
Arab News was onboard the Mediterranean leg of the cruise, sailing between Türkiye and Egypt and stopping at popular destinations such as Marmaris, Bodrum, Kaş and Alexandria.
Aroya’s first season set sail from the Jeddah Islamic Port to other destinations, including the Jabal Al-Sabaya Island on the Red Sea coast. More than 95,000 guests enjoyed a personalized Saudi hospitality experience at sea as they explored different destinations.
Abroad, the cruise has distinct features, including the AlKhuzama VIP Experience that provides a round-the-clock butler service and curated moments throughout the journey.
“The AlKhuzama VIP Experience is an elevated service that we provide in suites. We have around 145 suites with nine villas, two of them are presidential and royal, with a capacity of 12 guests each,” Kari said.
“In AlKhuzama, we offer a dedicated lounge, restaurant, and a 24-hour butler service as well as a private boutique retail area,” he added.
“Aroya Cruises is proudly the first Arabian cruise line. What makes us unique is our remarkable Arabian experience. The Saudi hospitality that we offer on board is different from any cruise line. Our main focus is on family; we are offering many activities, events, entertainment and F&B options that focus on the family,” Kari said.
Aroya is the only cruise in the world that houses a Saudi restaurant — Irth. The restaurant, set up in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, offers local dishes from each of the major regions of the Kingdom.
Other dining options include the Amwaj Buffet, Al-Waha, AlKhuzama lounge and restaurant for VIP guests, and Layalina, which offers an authentic taste of Lebanon with live dances and musical performances.
In terms of activities, there is something for everyone — from movie nights to live performances such as clown shows and Saudi orchestra.
“As the first Arabian cruise line, we are incorporating the Arabian experience in all of our touch points, including hospitality, F&B, and entertainment, which features Arabian Nights,” Kari said.
Moreover, what sets Aroya apart is its special offerings for women, including women-only hours in its spa, sky pool, and gym.
For a relaxing cruising experience, Bloom, the Aroya cruise spa, offers state-of-the-art treatments, including facials, massages, and body treatments. Moreover, for the guest’s peace of mind, the ship also includes a fully staffed medical center, offering emergency and primary healthcare.
Meanwhile, a kids’ center hosts cooking classes, art workshops, a state-of-the-art sailing game, as well as other activities for children aged six months to six years.
Kari said the next season of Aroya will primarily focus on the Arabian Gulf, starting from Dammam and cruising to various locations such as Doha, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and more.
“In these journeys, we will welcome guests from �� and other GCC countries as well as international guests,” he added.

Riyadh Emerges as Global Hub for Purpose-Driven Investment

Updated 02 October 2025

October 02, 2025 23:03

Riyadh Emerges as Global Hub for Purpose-Driven Investment

Updated 02 October 2025

October 02, 2025 23:03

��’s capital is emerging as a global reference point for responsible wealth stewardship. Today, visionary investors Genia Xasis, chief executive officer and partner, and Christopher Aw, chief investment officer and partner, announced the launch of Berkana — a Riyadh-based investment alliance designed to redefine how capital is deployed, not just for returns but for generational impact.

Structured as a circle of influential families and financial leaders from ��, the Gulf, Dubai and London, Berkana aligns with the ambitions of Vision 2030, catalyzing three key shifts:

From passive ownership to informed stewardship.
From charitable giving to measurable impact.
From opportunistic deals to purpose-led capital strategies.

As part of its strategic roadmap, Berkana has identified five priority sectors aligned with its mission and ��’s national transformation goals:

Affordable housing: Addressing access to quality living and urban growth
Climate technology: Innovations in renewable energy, carbon reduction and sustainability
Water supply and preservation: Technologies and infrastructure ensuring water security
Food and Agriculture Technology: Scalable innovation driving transformation across industries
Healthcare and life sciences: Solutions improving access, efficiency and longevity

“Riyadh embodies the spirit of leadership that inspires action. It is a place where men and women are equally encouraged to lead, innovate and invest with vision. For me, this city is more than a home — it is a compass. Berkana reflects the confidence, openness and ambition that Riyadh is now projecting onto the world.” said Genia Xasis, Berkana’s co-founder.

Christopher Aw, Berkana’s chief investment officer and partner, said: “This is not only about capital; it is about responsibility. Berkana’s framework is a reference point for how investment can shape economies and societies for generations to come.”

Berkana will launch through a series of private roundtables and strategic briefings in Riyadh, Dubai and London, with select opportunities for media engagement. The initiative is already in discussions with regional family offices, sovereign platforms and institutional investors to embed its model across key financial ecosystems.

Al-Futtaim BYD KSA unveils SHARK 6 — ��'s first-ever plug-in hybrid pickup

Updated 02 October 2025

October 02, 2025 18:10

Al-Futtaim BYD KSA unveils SHARK 6 — ��'s first-ever plug-in hybrid pickup

Updated 02 October 2025

October 02, 2025 18:10

Al-Futtaim BYD KSA, the official distributor of BYD, a global tech leader and pioneer in New Energy Vehicles, has launched the highly anticipated BYD SHARK 6, ��'s first-ever plug-in hybrid pickup.

As the global pickup market expands, the SHARK 6 arrives as a game-changing addition, seamlessly blending commercial utility with premium passenger comfort.

Positioned as a premium, versatile lifestyle vehicle, the BYD SHARK 6 is engineered to meet the evolving demands of modern drivers.

It leverages BYD’s pioneering PHEV technology, combining the convenience of traditional refueling with the high performance, efficiency, and sustainability of electric propulsion.

This innovative approach aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting a cleaner and more diversified energy future.

"The launch of the BYD SHARK 6 Super Hybrid marks a pivotal step in redefining mobility in the Kingdom," said Jerome Saigot, managing director of Al-Futtaim BYD in KSA.

"It’s more than a vehicle, it’s a statement of power, innovation, and sustainable progress. With the SHARK 6, we’re delivering not just a drive, but a lifestyle built for the future," he added.

This landmark launch represents a significant milestone in ��'s automotive landscape, reinforcing BYD’s commitment to innovation and long-term investment in the Kingdom.

At the heart of the SHARK 6 is the DMO Super Hybrid Off-road Platform, an in-house innovation by BYD that delivers nearly 430 horsepower, equivalent to a 4.0L V8 engine, through an intelligent electric four-wheel drive system.

This dual-mode architecture eliminates range anxiety while enabling exceptional performance across both off-road and urban environments.

The SHARK 6 also sets a new standard for vehicle architecture and safety. It features BYD’s Cell to Chassis technology, integrating the ultra-safe BYD Blade Battery directly into the high-strength steel frame.

This design increases torsional stiffness, enhances battery protection in harsh off-road conditions, and allows for a flat rear floor, significantly improving passenger space and ride comfort.

The premium driving experience is further elevated by a double-wishbone independent suspension on both the front and rear, a feature typically found in luxury SUVs, which provides exceptional comfort and agility.

Furthermore, with its electric-driven mode covering over 80% of typical driving conditions, the SHARK 6 achieves an industry-leading NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) level for a near-silent and serene journey.

Technologically advanced, the SHARK 6 is equipped with a 540° panoramic view camera, offering full visibility of surroundings and undercarriage. The vehicle-to-load function transforms the pickup into a mobile power station, ideal for powering tools at a worksite or appliances during outdoor activities like camping or grilling.

The launch event was held at Riyadh Arena and brought together media representatives, influencers, customers, and sub-dealers for an exclusive first look at BYD’s cutting-edge hybrid technologies.

Looking ahead, BYD KSA is preparing to unveil even more models, expanding its portfolio of innovative electric vehicles tailored to meet the evolving needs of the Kingdom’s market. This commitment is part of BYD’s global vision to accelerate the transition to new energy mobility through continuous technological advancement.

The all-new BYD SHARK 6 is available for customers in �� starting Oct. 1.

��