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of Economy to enhance SMEs’ capabilities through innovative solutions. The session featured
Bassam Shaker, General Manager of Creative Advanced Technologies.

Another session, "Accelerating Future: Transforming Growth through AI and Emerging
Technologies," featured industry leaders, including Ahmed Alwan, CEO of Hub71, Mohammed Al
Blooshi, CEO of Dubai International Financial Centre Innovation Hub, and Mansoor Jafar, CEO of
Abu Dhabi Global Academy. Discussions focused on the role of accelerators and incubators in
supporting AI-driven and advanced technology startups, exploring financing strategies, expansion
opportunities, and emerging market trends in sustainable technologies.

A session titled "Coming of Age: Technology and Entrepreneurship Are Changing the Face of MENA"
examined the transformation of emerging markets and the role of innovation and entrepreneurship
in reshaping the region’s economic landscape, highlighting success stories, challenges, and future
opportunities.

The "Crimson Founders Demo Session: Startups with Founders from MIT and Harvard" showcased
six leading startups founded by MIT and Harvard graduates, with presentations on artificial
intelligence, energy, biotechnology, financial technology, and security solutions. Entrepreneurs and
investors, including Arya Bolourfrushan, Founder of Applied AI, and David Brown, Founder of Helix
Carbon, attended the session, moderated by Anousheh Kalantari, Founder of Crimson Founders.

A closed session, "DHL Forward Challenge," highlighted its winners, with an interactive discussion
on innovations and strategies reshaping the logistics sector through digital transformation and
advanced technology solutions. Participants included Irina Albanese, Head of Innovation Center in
the Middle East and Africa at DHL, and Anjan Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Greendzine.

On the second day, a session titled "Funding the Future: Innovative Models for SME Finance"
addressed how SMEs can secure financing for advanced technologies. Speakers discussed how
technology simplifies financing processes and the role of strategic partnerships in creating a
dynamic financing ecosystem. The session featured Farooq Siddiqui, Head of Projects at SC
Ventures, and Francesco Velea, CEO of Vasanara Capital.

Another discussion, "Empowered and Enabled: Women Entrepreneurs Driving Impact," explored
the role of women in entrepreneurship and the balance between professional and family life.
Participants included Maha Al Gergawi, Vice President of the Business Community Support Sector
at Dubai Chambers, and Salama Al Amimi, Director-General of the Family Care Authority in Abu
Dhabi. The session emphasised investment opportunities and social policies supporting women in
business.

Jayesh Patel, CEO of Wio Bank, led a session on advanced financing solutions for SMEs, discussing
Wio Bank’s role in providing innovative financial solutions to enhance business growth.

A discussion titled "Investing in Tomorrow: Unlocking the UAE’s New Economy Potential" examined
investment strategies and their role in expanding businesses in future economy sectors,
particularly artificial intelligence, modern technologies, and financial technology. Speakers
included Walid Mansour, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Middle East Venture Partners, and Julian
Plozo, Senior Partner at Eurasia Capital.

https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/other/future100-initiative-discusses-enhancing-uae-s-
entrepreneurial-ecosystem/ar-AA1zVUnb?ocid=BingNewsSerp