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UAE Shorooq offers $8 million to startups at 1 Billion Followers Summit

UAE Shorooq offers $8 million to startups at 1 Billion Followers Summit

The 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s first and largest content-focused event, has partnered with UAE Shorooq a venture capitalist firm to contributed 30 million AED ($8 million) to the AED 50 million equivalent to $13.6 million in funding for the groundbreaking 1 Billion Pitches competition.

This unique competition offers startups and individuals with innovative content-focused ideas the opportunity to pitch to a panel of leading investors and companies, securing potential funding and support.

Shorooq, a leading alternative investment firm based in Abu Dhabi and regulated by the FSRA, will contribute AED 30 million ($8 million) in funding and direct investments, while the 1 Billion Followers Summit will contribute AED 20 million.

Twenty-five startups and individuals have been shortlisted for the competition’s pre-final round. Ten finalists will then compete for first and second place, receiving funding and support for their winning ideas.

The winners will be announced on the closing day of the 1 Billion Followers Summit’s third edition, hosted by the New Media Academy in Dubai from 11th to 13th January, under the theme “Content for Good.”

A jury of experts, prominent investors, and companies selected the top 25 applications based on criteria including feasibility, pitch quality, market potential, creativity, scalability, potential social and economic impact, and leadership capabilities.

Shorooq’s contribution will support participating startups and individuals who made it to the finals of the 1 Billion Pitches competition. This contribution comprises two components: direct investment and funding through in-kind services. The majority of this contribution will be allocated as direct investment in one or more finalists, depending on Shorooq’s due diligence.

In-kind services will cover essential technical resources that will add value to the winning projects, such as cloud credits.

Mahmoud Adi, Founding Partner, Shorooq, said, “We are honoured to partner with the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s largest event of its kind, known for its contribution to fostering a supportive ecosystem for creative industries. We are confident this partnership will deliver funding and investment solutions that empower content creators and enhance their capabilities.”

He added, “Our collaboration with the 1 Billion Pitches competition demonstrates our commitment to driving innovation in the technology, digital, and entertainment content industries. By providing financial support to startups and individuals, we aim to foster the creation of impactful content that benefits communities.”

Alia AlHammadi, CEO of the New Media Academy, said, “The third edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit will attract numerous creatives seeking funding and investment to transform their ideas into businesses. Our partnership with Shorooq underscores our commitment to fostering knowledge and advancing the Summit’s goals. We aim to promote the role of digital content and new media, transforming impactful content creation and the use of social media tools.”

“The 1 Billion Pitches competition aims to support creatives, startups, and content creators, motivating them to develop innovative ideas that will transform the content industry and drive the knowledge-based economy,” she added.

With a focus on fintech, software, deep tech and platforms, Shorooq’s portfolio boasts over 80 companies across 11 countries, generating over US $500 million in revenue. Some notable examples include Pure Harvest, a sustainable agriculture company growing fresh produce year-round in the Middle East; Tamara, a Buy-Now-Pay-Later platform operating in Saudi Arabia; TruKKer, a tech-driven logistics solutions provider in the Middle East; Lendo, a P2P SME lending platform for SME companies in Saudi Arabia; Mozn, an AI-powered financial solutions provider; NymCard, a digital issuer processor in the payment solutions space; Sarwa, a wealth management and trading platform; Breadfast, an online grocery platform and Prypco, a real estate ecosystem simplifying property transactions.

Projects submitted to the 1 Billion Pitches competition primarily focused on education, advanced technology and innovation, women’s empowerment, creativity, community development, literature, entrepreneurship, healthcare, social media, and creative content.

Shortlisted applicants include Bump (USA), a fintech platform empowering creators to build wealth through enterprise partnerships and creator collaboration; Atlaseek (UAE), a platform connecting travel creators, unique destinations, and travelers; Trugetherness (Singapore), a tech platform leveraging creative content to empower social causes and drive sustainable impact through collaboration between individuals, creators, and brands; Ad-Shield (South Korea), a next-generation solution helping publishers recover revenue lost to ad blockers; and SoSquared (UK): A data-driven marketplace streamlining influencer and content marketing campaigns for businesses, maximising ROI.

The list of top projects selected for the next round includes the Arabic Archive Project (Egypt), aiming to digitise millions of historical press clippings to expand access to Arabic content on local and international issues; Hubee (Brazil), a design subscription platform providing growing brands and content creators with on-demand access to personalized design services and talent; PenSell (UAE), a platform revolutionizing content creation through AI-driven talent matching, blockchain-secured intellectual property, and streamlined collaboration tools and Division (UAE), which connects brands with gamers and streamers through targeted branding streams, in-game advertising, and immersive experiences.

Other shortlisted projects include HelloCreator (USA), an AI-powered SaaS platform providing creators with personalized insights and practical guidance; Eugenius (South Korea), which aims to produce TV shows including a documentary, a variety show, TV series remakes, and K-Pop music academy; Halo AI (UAE), a platform leveraging AI to connect brands with ideal creators for collaborations, streamlining the influencer marketing process; and EPL World (UAE), a platform connecting Arab fans with English Premier League content and marketing opportunities

The list also includes Shooty (UAE), an e-commerce and creative SaaS platform streamlining product cataloging, social media content creation, and delivery through cloud-based software; Ta Marboota (UAE), podcast and media platform aiming to create a safe and supporting network for Arab women; Unreel Network (UK), a collaborative collective of social media channels and creators promoting positive change through action sports and adventure travel; Voral Media (UAE), a platform empowering creators to produce authentic video reviews, fostering trust between brands and audiences; Lobster Money (UK), a fintech platform providing financial tools and credit solutions for the creator economy; Livelogue (UK), a platform accelerating the creator economy in the MEA region by offering streamlined monetization, instant cart and payment solutions; Verix (India), a blockchain and AI-powered platform for authentication and verification in the age of AI and ReadCoin (UAE), platform tokenizing literary content via blockchain, empowering readers, authors and creators of written content.

Other startups that made it to the next round include The Middle Frame (Jordan), building the first Arab image generator; Majarah (UAE), which is a dynamic startup in the media industry, specializing in content creation, production, and social media management; Stashem (USA), a trading app designed for influencers who can convert their influence into tradable shares and Tubelator (Pakistan), a Chrome extension designed specifically for YouTube, allowing users various features including converting videos to text, adding dubs and AI-created summaries.

Dubai Police collaborates with Crystal Intelligence to identify crypto crimes in digital era

Dubai Police collaborates with Crystal Intelligence to identify crypto crimes in digital era

Crystal Intelligence an advanced blockchain analytics and on-the-ground intelligence firm empowering financial institutions, governments & regulators in the fight against cryptocurrency crime, has signed an MOU ( Memorandum of Understanding) with Dubai Police in specific the Department of Criminal Investigation.

As per the blog post, the partnership aims to promote collaboration in identifying and predicting future economic crimes, an increasingly important issue as digital threats continue to evolve.

“At Dubai Police, we are committed to strengthening our security infrastructure by collaborating with internal and external partners. Based on global studies, the General Department of Criminal Investigation develops strategic plans that anticipate future security challenges, including economic crimes, which are becoming more sophisticated,” stated Brigadier Al Shamsi. “As countries and individuals increasingly rely on technology in both professional and personal spheres, we must adapt to these trends to ensure that Dubai remains the safest city in the world.”

Navin Gupta, CEO of Crystal Intelligence, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, describing the MoU as a strategic milestone. “This partnership underscores Crystal Intelligence’s commitment to working closely with Dubai Police to share knowledge and expertise across various fields. Together, we aim to develop and implement high-impact initiatives and projects that will strengthen our collaboration,” Gupta added.

A month prior to this Crystal Intelligence announced that BitOasis, crypto exchange would be utilizing Crystal’s advanced blockchain analytics and anti-money laundering (AML) solutions setting a new standard for compliance and security in the region.

Using Crystal Intelligence AML and transaction monitoring technology, BitOasis would have access to real-time insights and analytics designed to prevent fraud and ensure compliance with regional regulations.

At the time of the announcement, Navin Gupta, CEO of Crystal Intelligence, notes, “The UAE, with its forward-thinking approach, is poised to become the Crypto Capital of the world. With our blockchain intelligence expertise, we are proud to empower licensed firms like BitOasis to keep their platform and users safe.”

By integrating Crystal’s blockchain intelligence capabilities, BitOasis will not only bolster its compliance framework but also lead the way in establishing best practices for crypto regulations in the region. The partnership underscores the importance of aligning technological innovation with robust regulatory standards, ensuring that the growth of the digital assets space is both secure and sustainable.

Crystal’s recent announcement of opening a new office in Dubai, highlighting its commitment to serving the MENA region. As regulations continue to evolve in this fast-paced sector, Crystal aims to provide its partners with the tools they need to stay ahead of compliance challenges.

Outlier Ventures AI, tokenization and Digital Identity teams participate in Saudi Arabian Future Spark accelerator

Outlier Ventures AI, tokenization and Digital Identity teams participate in Saudi Arabian Future Spark accelerator

Outlier Ventures has announced that its AI, tokenization, digital identity teams have joined the FutureSpark Base Camp accelerator program taking place in Riyadh at Monsha’at.

The cohort comprises teams from countries including Saudi Arabia, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Portugal and The Marshall Islands. Collectively the founders are developing cutting-edge technologies across Gaming, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Payment Solutions, Real World Assets (RWA) and Digital Identity, helping advance the Web3 ecosystem in the region and driving technological advancements across Saudi Arabia as part of Vision2030.

Announcing the first FutureSpark Base Camp cohort with the support of NTDP is an exciting moment in Outlier Ventures’ commitment to accelerating the development of high-growth Web3 ecosystems globally.

“We are very excited to welcome the founders participating in the first FutureSpark Base Camp program in Saudi Arabia. Over the 12-week program, the cohort is gaining invaluable tailored guidance from Outlier Ventures’ team of experts, the incredible mentors and support from NTDP.” Said Stephan Apel, CEO and Founding Partner. “This unique experience will not only accelerate their growth, but also help forge meaningful connections within the rapidly developing Web3 ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. We look forward to supporting the founders as we continue to build on our mission to help grow Web3 ecosystems globally.”

The teams participating include Astra Nova (Saudi Arabia), an expansive multimedia gaming universe that leverages web3 and user generated content (UGC) for immersive gaming, Byzanlink (United Arab Emirates), a platform connecting tokenized real-world assets to onchain yield, stability, and sustainable growth.

Byzanlink is a cutting-edge Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization platform revolutionizing the management of traditional financial assets on-chain. By seamlessly bridging traditional finance (TradeFi) with decentralized finance (DeFi), Byzanlink empowers institutions and investors with access to diverse, yield-generating opportunities. It enables asset managers and SMEs to tokenize assets, reduce operational costs, unlock new capital sources, and achieve optimal risk management, transparency, and efficiency.

Also included are Feed Protocol (United States of America) which unlocks the blockchain for developers, startups, and organizations by providing powerful data streams, Kodex (United Kingdom) a unified Digital Law and Order Protocol: Censorship-Resistant Safety Monitoring for Web3 dApps, Games and Metaverses.

Kodex is the first truly decentralized, censorship-resistant trust and safety solution for social media, online games, and metaverses. At its core is The Kode – a unified rulebook defining harmful behaviors like fraud, harassment, toxic content, and disinformation, supported by a decentralized array of AI nodes and human reviewers that operate solely based on The Kode and nothing else, ensuring a consistent, impartial approach that’s both standardized and immune to external bias.

In addition LIFT (United States of America) a decentralized platform enables non-technical users to train AI Agents to analyze sports, games, social and security video — and trigger actions based on events detected in real-time is also participating.

As well as Oumla (Saudi Arabia) who are simplifying blockchain technology by providing a secure and scalable infrastructure for businesses and government agencies. Oumla enables developers to easily build on top of blockchains. You don’t need to learn complex, low-level Blockchain-specific APIs. By using our API/SDKs, you can accelerate your time to market and minimize security concerns.

Others include Ouroboro Labs (Portugal) a Layer-3 blockchain built to seamlessly onboard millions of gamers to web3. With lightning speeds, abstractable infrastructure and games across various genres.

Sorbet (Saudi Arabia) The modern digital wallet for freelancers—collect payments globally, store earnings in USDC, and manage your business as an independent, all in one place.

Waslah (Saudi Arabia) Waslah unlocks power of energy aggregation to save money and stabilize the electric grid. Saudi built circular energy network – that connects appliances, use AI for data processing to optimize energy management. Through predictive analytics and real-time demand-supply balancing we enhance grid stability.

Finally, YalGamers (Marshall Islands), a Web3 gaming ecosystem empowering gamers to earn, and developers to build with innovative tools and social features.

The FutureSpark program forms part of Outlier Ventures’ Base Camp accelerator programs that focus on supporting founders globally helping them to accelerate their product market fit. The program will culminate in a demo day in January in Riyadh. For more information go here: https://outlierventures.io/base-camp/

MEDGULF UAE introduces blockchain and AI solutions

MEDGULF UAE introduces blockchain and AI solutions

MEDGULF UAE has recently promoted a campaign on its social media platforms noting that AI and blockchain technologies are transforming the insurance sector by enhancing transparency, efficiency, and consumer protection.

For those who are interested as per their post, they can contact MEDGULF UAE for support.

MEDGULF Saudi in 2024 partnered with iO Health, which develops AI and digital solutions. As per the announcement at the time, iO Health will collaborate with MEDGULF to bring forward transformative, AI-driven innovations that will reshape patient care, optimize insurance services, and enhance overall healthcare experiences.

Together, the two organizations aim to create a next-generation health insurance model, tailored to meet the dynamic needs of today’s healthcare landscape in Saudi Arabia and beyond. By leveraging AI and advanced data analytics, this partnership is designed to empower healthcare providers and insurers to offer timely, effective care, significantly improving the quality of healthcare delivery.

By harnessing iO Health’s expertise in AI and digitization, MEDGULF will be able to deliver personalized, data-driven health insurance solutions, allowing for greater precision in healthcare recommendations and patient engagement. With these capabilities, iO Health and MEDGULF aim to address key healthcare challenges, facilitating preventive care and managing patient risk more proactively.

In addition within the UAE, The DFSA ( Dubai Financial Services Authority) the regulatory arm of Dubai’s International Financial center announced that it would be updating its crypto assets regulatory framework with new amendments that would cover crypto assets, crypto custody DeFi, stablecoins, crypto investment funds money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as blockchain and crypto in insurance.

One of the most interesting topics mentioned by DFSA was utilization of Blockchain and crypto in insurance.

The DFSA noted in their consultation paper that given that crypto tokens are being discussed in the context of insurance including the utilization of DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology), for insurance, as well as crypto tokens for denominating policies, receiving premiums and paying out claims, even underwriting risks in crypto market, has prompted DFSA to seek feedback.

In parallel BCG  published an article on how insurance firms are utilizing metaverse and blockchain in their operations, and how this trend will grow.

According to BCG some firms use blockchain records to process claims and detect fraud, while others deploy the technology to offer customized insurance products. It is noteworthy that UAE’s Ministry of Health has utilized blockchain technology for some time now.

BCG believes there are six strategic opportunities for the insurance industry after BCG evaluated leading insurance companies on 43 relevant dimensions and found that insurance companies were not only willing but it was feasible for them to do so.

Today with this announcement by MEDGULF UAE, it seems insurance companies in the UAE have started to implement Blockchain in their offerings.

Saudi Arabian entrepeneur patents DeFi protocol, Quintes

Saudi Arabian entrepeneur patents DeFi protocol, Quintes

A Saudi woman entrepreneur Ran Al Kharashi, has patented the Quintes Protocol a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol with its innovative no-depreciation cryptocurrency model.

The Quintes Protocol is protected by a newly-secured Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) PCT/IB2024/061188 from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This groundbreaking protocol offers a unique approach to perpetual asset growth, ensuring long-term value stability and positioning itself as a global disruptive force in the evolving cryptocurrency market.

Rand Al Kharashi aims to redefine the world of DeFi. By securing a WIPO PCT for the proprietary technology behind Quintes Protocol, she has reaffirmed her mission to upend the cryptocurrency market with the world’s first perpetually appreciating asset, which is expected to increase in price at an annual rate of 18-30%.

“This is more than a milestone for Quintes Protocol – it’s an affirmation that exceptional and continued value can be created in the crypto field,” said Al Kharashi. “Quintes is the world’s first crypto asset that is engineered for continued high price growth. Backed intensive research, verifications, and the knowledge of renowned token engineers and researchers from leading blockchain companies, Quintes has just one destination: to pioneer the future of DeFi with unmatched growth, blazing the way for an exciting new world of cryptocurrency value.”

The Quintes Protocol is poised to disrupt the market with its unprecedented cryptonomics. This protocol aims to outperform established asset classes, including S&P 500 equities, gold, high-yield fixed income, and many cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum and Bitcoin, unlocking massive market opportunities and setting new benchmarks for financial performance and growth.

Quintes introduces QNT, the first token designed to achieve a secure price appreciation of 18-30% per year through utilizing its unique over-collateralization strategy, novel cryptonomics mechanisms and AI-driven high-frequency trading to deliver unparalleled scalability and sustainability.

According to Al Kharashi: “We’ve seen the potential for cryptocurrencies to achieve great returns for investors, but that growth is fickle. Growth bubbles occur, burst suddenly and unexpectedly, and the value is often lost. It may be possible for an asset to rebuild to match or even exceed its previous high, but there’s always an element of risk. The value of existing crypto, and even more traditional investment assets, is never guaranteed. That is what inspired the creation of Quintes and the concept of perpetual growth, based on predictable collateral value appreciation.”

The decision to file for a WIPO PCT patent underscores Al Kharashi’s commitment to protecting Quintes’ pioneering engineering on a global scale. This strategic move ensures that Quintes’ innovative protocol is safeguarded as it seeks patent protection in numerous countries, providing a robust foundation for its international expansion, future success and eventual preparation to become open source.

The development and engineering of Quintes Protocol is grounded in rigorous research conducted by Kitabq Research Lab, which was founded by Al Kharashi. Over two years, Kitabq’s cryptonomics research has been instrumental in shaping Quintes’ architecture and mechanisms.

Quintes’ technical team is a powerhouse of talent, featuring elite token engineers and data scientists from industry giants like ConsenSys, Binance, Algorand, and Morgan Stanley. Collectively, this team has raised over $600 million in capital and achieved successful exits in both Web3 and Web2 domains.

Scheduled for an official launch in January 2025, the Quintes Protocol represents an exciting opportunity for investors and stakeholders eager to be part of the new future of DeFi. A recent simulation test revealed Quintes’ positive performance even in bearish market conditions, highlighting its resilience and potential. As Quintes gears up for its groundbreaking debut, the team is actively seeking investment to drive its vision forward.

Greengage completes debt instrument transaction on the Coinbase Diamond tokenization platform

Greengage completes debt instrument transaction on the Coinbase Diamond tokenization platform

Greengage & Co. Limited, a digital finance firm, has completed the first external debt instrument transaction on the Coinbase Diamond tokenization platform, operating under the regulatory oversight of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).


The transaction represents a key development for Project Diamond, which seeks to integrate blockchain technology with asset management. Project Diamond leverages smart contracts to improve transparency and efficiency in financial systems.

“The successful completion of this transaction is a testament to Coinbase’s mission of creating an open financial system,” Marcel Kasumovich, Deputy CIO at Coinbase Asset Management, commented.

“This collaboration with Greengage under the purview of ADGM allows us to innovate responsibly, ensuring that technological advancements align with regulatory compliance and investor protection.”

According to Greengage’s press release, the deal was executed under ADGM’s regulatory framework, which balances innovation with strict standards. ADGM supports financial technologies aimed at sustainable and inclusive solutions.

“Our collaboration with Coinbase on this transaction exemplifies Greengage’s commitment to driving sustainability in the digital finance sector,” said Sean Kiernan, CEO at Greengage & Co.

“By combining innovative blockchain solutions with a clear focus on SME lending, we are proud to contribute to a more transparent and efficient financial ecosystem.”

DRIFE decentralized ride hailing platform partners with Coinlist to test new Share2Earn campaign

DRIFE decentralized ride hailing platform partners with Coinlist to test new Share2Earn campaign

DRIFE, Web3 DePin (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Provider) built on Sui Blockchain, operating a decentralized ride-hailing application in India and UAE, has collaborated with CoinList, the premiere token launch platform, to launch its incentivized testnet for DRIFE Share2Earn location data campaign on DRIFE app.


Users who participate will earn tokens by sharing their location data on the DRIFE App as they commute. The dynamic reward system tracks participants’ contributions based on the Commute & Galxe leaderboard standings.


DRIFE and CoinList will work together to test the new Share2Earn campaign before it is rolled out to the general public. The collaboration reflects the company’s involvement with its community as it develops innovative products and features, and is designed to attract a broader range of participants and test DRIFE’s network capabilities. Users can earn rewards through the Share2Earn program while contributing to the development and testing of the platform.


The collaboration also showcases the importance of decentralization, community engagement, and data sharing in the ride-hailing sector. It also highlights DRIFE’s commitment to transparency, user empowerment, and innovative monetization of data using blockchain technology.


Participating in the DRIFE CoinList incentivized Testnet program will help enhance location-based services and improve service quality with community feedback and testing. This is especially significant, given that DRIFE is not just designed to enhance the ride hailing experience, but also to monetize vehicle data, which will unlock new services, experiences, and economic opportunities for users.


Firdosh Sheikh, Founder and CEO of DRIFE states, “We are thrilled to team up with CoinList for this incentivized testnet program. This collaboration not only validates our vision for a decentralized ride-hailing ecosystem, but also empowers our community to play an active role in shaping the future of transportation.”

Reward tokens are on the SUI chain and will be available for claim post TGE, with a weekly linear unlock over a 3-month period.
Participation in this campaign is open to individuals from across the globe, with the exception of residents or citizens from the following countries: United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan, Russia, China, Israel, the United States (US), and Palestine. This restriction is in place due to regulatory and compliance requirements. Individuals from all other eligible countries are welcome to participate, subject to meeting the campaign’s terms and conditions.

Bahrain based Singapore Gulf Bank to raise $50 million for stablecoin payment entity

Bahrain based Singapore Gulf Bank to raise $50 million for stablecoin payment entity

Singapore Gulf Bank, a subsidiary of Whampoa Group, with a license in Bahrain, is in talks with a Middle East sovereign wealth fund to raise $50 million to acquire a stablecoin payments company in 2025 either in the Middle East or Europe. The news was published in a Bloomberg article. SGB is backed by Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat and privately held Singapore-based investment firm Whampoa Group.

The startup bank, will sell an equity stake of less than 10% by early 2025 according to the Bloomberg article.

The proceeds will primarily go toward accelerating product development, enhancing the bank’s payment network and hiring more staff, the people said. The purchase of a stablecoin payments firm is planned for the first quarter in the Middle East or Europe, they said.

Recently, Gulf Bank (SGB) appointed former Goldman Sachs executive Ali AlShamma as chief financial officer and ex-Sygnum executive Elaine Leong as chief operating officer. These two hires reinforce the mission of SGB to provide frictionless interaction between digital and traditional finance, said the digital bank.

On launching in Bahrain Singapore Gulf Bank noted that it would provide a real-time settlement network, digital assets custody and intuitive trading solutions, all underpinned by robust AML/KYC measures. As per the announcement this would enable businesses to manage their finances flexibly, whether they are traditional or digital assets – facilitating their participation in the digital economy.

Stablecoin usage has been growing in the Middle East and across the globe. Chainalysis in its recent MENA report noted that stablecoins and altcoins making gains across MENA particularly in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Turkey is number one in the world in stablecoin trading volume as a percentage of GDP, by a large margin. It’s important to note this measure is not saying that nearly 4% of Turkish GDP is stablecoins, but that stablecoin trading volumes on CEXs are equal to 4% of GDP in dollar equivalent terms, meaning crypto trading volumes could one day exceed a country’s measure of GDP.

Stablecoins consistently represent the majority of crypto assets purchased with the Turkish Lira, approaching nearly $6 billion in purchases in March of this year. Stablecoin purchases with the Turkish Lira are closely correlated with inflation rates.

Most recently the UAE Central Bank announced its stablecoin regulations as well.

UAE travelers on EasyMyTrip can purchase carbon credits with blockchain BNZ Green platform

UAE travelers on EasyMyTrip can purchase carbon credits with blockchain BNZ Green platform

UAE based EaseMyTrip.ae, an online travel tech platform has partnered with BNZ Green, a sustainable technology solutions provider, to foster eco-friendly travel choices for the UAE travelers using its blockchain platform. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in EaseMyTrip’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly green travel and reducing the environmental impact of the tourism industry.

EaseMyTrip will integrate BNZ Green’s cutting-edge APIs into its booking platform. All of this will be provided through a seamless sync of a blockchain-based carbon offset program, enabling travelers to purchase carbon credits directly through the platform and receive verifiable certificates stored on a secure blockchain. The users will also have real-time access to carbon emission calculations which will make them aware of their flight’s carbon footprint. In the broader sense, this initiative would create responsible travelers that are committed to doing their bit for the environment.

BNZ Green Technologies is an innovator in climate-tech, dedicated to helping organizations achieve sustainability goals with advanced, tech-driven solutions. Their proprietary platform, BNZ X, leverages blockchain to manage and trade climate commodities, including carbon credits, International Renewable Energy Certificates (IRECs), and Extended Producer Responsibility credits (EPRs), driving impactful change toward a net-zero future. BNZ Green remains at the forefront of climate-tech, committed to redefining sustainability solutions for a greener tomorrow.

Commenting on this initiative, Mr. Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, stated, “At EaseMyTrip, we recognize our responsibility to promote sustainable travel options. Our partnership with BNZ Green aligns perfectly with our vision to offer innovative solutions that benefit both our customers and the environment. By providing transparent carbon footprint data and easy offset options, we’re empowering our users to make eco-conscious decisions without compromising on their travel experiences.”

Dr. Neha Jain, Co-Founder of BNZ Green, added, “We’re excited to collaborate with EaseMyTrip on this forward-thinking project. By integrating our APIs into their popular platform, we’re bringing sustainable travel options to millions of users. This partnership demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to create meaningful change in the fight against climate change.”

The integration of BNZ Green’s technology into the EaseMyTrip platform is expected to significantly enhance EaseMyTrip’s position as a leader in sustainable travel solutions and cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly travel options among environmentally conscious consumers.

As the travel industry continues to evolve, EaseMyTrip remains committed to innovating and providing solutions that not only meet the needs of modern travellers but also contribute to a more sustainable future for global tourism.

DMCC and Bybit announce 5 blockchain startup winners for Web3 hackathon

DMCC and Bybit announce 5 blockchain startup winners for Web3 hackathon

DMCC, the Dubai Multi Commodities Center and the global crypto exchange Bybit, concluded their second edition of the Middle East’s largest Web3 hackathon focused on pioneering the latest innovations in Web3 with five winning blockchain startups.

With an increased prize pool of USD 160,000, the event saw 15 of the world’s most innovative Web3 startups compete to develop creative technical solutions to a range of challenges at the cutting edge of the sector including tokenisation, AI, Web3 infrastructure, zero-knowledge protocols, digital identity and DePIN (decentralised physical infrastructure networks).

The 15 projects were carefully curated to promote real-world industry solutions, encouraging tangible, practical applications that create meaningful impact. Judges evaluated each project based on creativity, technical implementation, practicality, business potential and impact, focusing on how effectively each project addressed genuine challenges.

The five startup winners included, KelpMe, Trepa, Mavryk Network, Hive and Poppin.

  1. KelpMe – KELP (Key-Loss Protection) is a blockchain-based solution designed to address the loss of private keys and misdirected transactions, which can lead to permanent asset loss. It offers a fully reactive recovery mechanism, allowing users to reclaim assets even after key loss, without needing preemptive backup measures. (USA, UAE, Greece)
  2. Trepa – Trepa is a Telegram-based app that lets users predict majority opinions on any topic through easy prediction pools. Stake tokens, align with the consensus, and earn rewards. Powered by TON blockchain for secure, transparent, and low-cost participation. (South Korea, Singapore)
  3. Mavryk Network – Mavryk Network is the Layer 1 blockchain designed to revolutionize asset ownership and nurture the RWA community building the tokenization of assets for tomorrow. By leveraging RWA tokenization, DeFi applications, and robust infrastructure, Mavryk aims to transform how individuals interact with and leverage tokenized assets. (Dubai, Gibraltar, Singapore, Paris, Kiev, Tel Aviv)
  4. Hive – Hive is building a solution that is leading the compute sharing economy with every home’s GPU. By empowering individuals to share their computing resources, Hive can democratize access to technology. This shift challenges the dominance of big tech and puts the power back into the hands of everyday people. (Abu Dhabi, Belgium)
  5. Poppin – Poppin is a browser extension that turns any webpage into a social hub, allowing users to connect and interact with others on the same webpage through comments, real-time chats, and voice streams. (Turkey)

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, stated, ““By pioneering new solutions in tokenization, AI, and zero-knowledge protocols, the DMCC-Bybit hackathon continues to show why Dubai remains at the forefront of Web3 innovation. With an expanded competition of 15 global start-ups and an increased prize pool of USD 160,000, we are attracting the world’s best talent to Dubai to encourage practical applications and create meaningful impact. This is another great example of the innovation being carried out from within DMCC Crypto Centre, with the support of Bybit and our other dedicated ecosystem partners, as we showcase Dubai’s vast Web3 potential for the benefit of the entire industry.”

Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit added, “It is safe to say there is such an abundance of Web3 talent here in Dubai. The fierce competition displayed a clear ethos of innovation, so we are proud to work with DMCC to advance Web3 globally. We look forward to seeing all of today’s competitors make their mark on the world of Web3.”

In addition to co-organiser Bybit, the hackathon was held in partnership with DWF Labs, Meezan Ventures, Injective, 1inch, CVVC, Blockchain for Good Alliance and Hacken, each providing key contributions to the programme. Cointelegraph sponsored the event as the media partner, with Superteam UAE, Web3 TV, College DAO, Hackquest, BeWater, Bloc Soc IITD and KEY Difference joining as community partners. 

In November 2023, three Web3 startups were chosen including Pravica, Evai and TimesSwap.