Swiss based Dfinity Foundation launches ICP Hub GCC and supports UAE recycling project

Swiss based Dfinity Foundation launches ICP Hub GCC and supports UAE recycling project

Dfinity Foundation a major contributor to the Internet Computer Platform (ICP) blockchain and a Swiss-based not-for-profit organization with the largest R&D team in blockchain is making waves in the MENA and Asian region with partnerships such as with Roland Berger on UAE launched Voluntary recycling credits, as well as a $20 million grant to Asian startups and grants to MENA based startups such as ChainSight, an inter-chain data processing network to be able to use on-chain data with smart contracts.

The Internet Computer is a general-purpose, layer one blockchain that acts as a Cloud 3.0. The network has been operating for over two years, and has grown its daily transactions size to over 750 million, a 425% increase from its first year of operation. Notably, Dfinity Foundation asserts that its service has been provided with zero downtime.

Partnership with UAE Recycling Project

Most recently Roland Berger, a global strategic management consultancy firm with a strong presence in MENA selected Switzerland-based Dfinity Foundation as the technology partner for the development of the ‘Voluntary Recycling Credits’ standard announced by UAE’s BEEAH Group  with Roland Berger and the International Solid Waste Association.

As per their announcement the three companies aim to develop a new standard powered by the blockchain that can help beef up recycling numbers in the waste sector. As such businesses with sparse recycling infrastructure who are keen on aligning with Sustainable Development Goals can buy credits on the forthcoming marketplace. These credits are provided by companies with surplus recycling capabilities. Meanwhile, the flow of funds will free up more money to boost investment in further enhancement and emerging recycling technologies.

“We have a unique opportunity to redefine waste management and make tangible strides in environmental stewardship,” said Hani Tohme, managing partner at Roland Berger in the Middle East.

The Voluntary Recycling Credits standard is being built on blockchain technology. According to the initiators, blockchain is a “foundational element critical to the success” of the standard, guaranteeing a transparent, auditable, and secure record of recycling credits and transactions. “This transparency ensures that all parties – whether waste producers or recyclers – can trust in the veracity of the credits they purchase, sell, or trade.”

“Selecting the right blockchain technology that harmoniously balances decentralization, security, usability and storage space is key for a project of this importance. We are happy to have selected Dfinity Foundation as our technology partner. The Internet Computer is one of the most advanced blockchains in the world, its efficacy and security make it the perfect platform to build this project on,” said Pierre Samaties, partner at Roland Berger.

“We are honored to have been selected by the Roland Berger team to collaborate on the Voluntary Recycling Credit. This initiative aligns with the core values of our team at Dfinity and Internet Computer, as we always look to ensure the blockchain remains at the forefront of sustainability and work with leading enterprises,” said Dominic Williams, Founder of Dfinity Foundation.

Through the partnership, Dfinity Foundation will develop the underlying technology for standard. The first milestone will take place at COP28 in Dubai, when the private-public coalition behind the standard will display the first-ever live recycling credits transaction.

Launch of ICP Hub GCC

As part of Dfinity’s efforts to support the ICP blockchain platform, ICP Hub GCC has been launched to support the growth of the ICP ecosystem in the GCC ( Gulf Cooperation Council) region as well as the in MENA region.

Saed Ereiqat, Co-Founder of ICP Hub GCC tells LaraontheBlock, “The UAE is undoubtedly amongst the most advanced countries to deploy and develop on Web3 and Blockchain. It was therefore only a matter of time, that the ICP.Hub GCC launched in the UAE, where it is accelerating the mass adoption of the Internet Computer Protocol in the Gulf Region.”

As per Saed the ICP.HUB GCC has ambitious plans in the region as a community based project aiming to empower users and providing a robust platform for the development and hosting of secure software systems and open internet services.

ICP.HUB GCC is supported by Dubai based Crypto Oasis while partnering with UAE VC firm Cypher Capita. .Together with local Education Institutes, the hub aims to further raise awareness and provide education for young developers and entrepreneurs to learn about Blockchain and how to effectively apply it for future-ready developments. Investors are offered an opportunity to invest in the rapidly expanding Ecosystem and projects therein.

Through its grant program UAE based ChainSight an inter-chain data processing network to be able to use on-chain data with smart contracts.  ChainSight gains financial and technical support and with the connection to the hub, they are also provided with community support and communities to raise awareness for their development.

UAE Enjinstarter launches AYA Web3 Launchpad to tackle climate challenges

UAE Enjinstarter launches AYA Web3 Launchpad to tackle climate challenges

UAE Enjinstarter launched in 2021 as a Launchpad, incubator, crowd funding, and advisory platform for Web3 metaverse, gaming, entertainment and impact and sustainable projects has announced the launch of AYA, ( means miracle in Arabic) dedicated to empowering innovators to tackle climate challenges.

“MENA is at the forefront of climate change, with temperatures expected to rise by 2.5 degrees by 2050. The UAE is emerging as a global leader in sustainability and Web3, attracting builders, investors, and climate warriors,” says Prakash Somosundram, our CEO.

With a focus on areas like reforestation, mangrove conservation, and sustainable agriculture, AYA aims to bridge the climate financing gap, offering a platform for high-impact startups to access innovative technologies, raise funds, and leverage tokenized carbon credits.

At the beginning of 2023, Enjinstarter appointed Vasseh Ahmed as the new Managing Director to lead the Web3 efforts in the MENA region. Vasseh spoke with LaraontheBlock discussing Enjinstarter’s plans to help companies reach their Web3 ambitions while positioning Enjinstarter as the go to provider for impact and sustainability projects.

In the interview Ahmed states, “Web3 has a major role to play in addressing the climate crisis. Carbon credits, in particular, can benefit from Web3’s underlying technology to increase transparency and accessibility. We want to support projects that are looking for ways to shift incentives away from exploitation and toward preservation and regeneration.”

In May 2023 EnjinStarter MENA, a web3 Launchpad and incubator, became the first Launchpad globally to receive initial approval by Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority.

UAE based Solarix Ventures is seeking to invest in Web3 technology entities and will be participatiog at the Abu Dhabi Family office Summit on the 23rd of November 2023.

IOTA Blockchain for internet of things launches headquarters in UAE

IOTA Blockchain for internet of things launches headquarters in UAE

IOTA, distributed ledger built for the “Internet of Everything” , has announced that it is establishing a foundation and another headquarter in Abu Dhabi UAE, as part of their commitment to developing a digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem in the UAE.  IOTA’s Tangle is an open, feeless and scalable distributed ledger, designed to support frictionless data and value transfer.

The IOTA foundation will  grow IOTA’s reach and importance around the globe. As per IOTA news release, the purpose of this entity is to become one of the primary organizations to foster the growth, adoption, and global expansion of IOTA.

IOTA states, “As we open up a new chapter with IOTA, we need to match technology with the right support to establish IOTA as a global ecosystem. We can only do this by operating out of the right environment. We are convinced that the UAE will offer IOTA the best environment to realize its global ambitions.”

IOTA considers the new entity in Abu Dhabi as an additional headquarter, to further decentralize the governance of IOTA.

The news adds that IOTA is to become one of the leading DLT ( distributed ledger technology) entities in the UAE. The news adds, “ Being established under the new regulatory framework, we intend to work closely with regulators, business leaders, and government entities to further advance the UAE’s global role as a leader in technology and business. This distinction highlights our dedication to embracing robust oversight and well-defined procedures to support and enhance the crypto community within the UAE and worldwide.”

According to Dominik Schiener, Chairman of the IOTA Foundation: ”From the very beginning, we have experienced a very warm welcome and unwavering support from leaders, regulators, and businesses in Abu Dhabi. I am simply amazed at how the country operates and how it is being led by visionary and open-minded leaders. This “can-do” mentality is the perfect environment for us to take IOTA to the next level. We are excited to play a role in helping to establish the UAE as a hub for technology innovations.”

One of its primary objectives of the UAE based IOTA entity will be to provide essential funding and support to the rapidly growing IOTA ecosystem. This commitment aligns with our mission to foster innovation and development within the broader DLT space.

The move doesnt come as a surprise as in May 2023, IOTA executives and UAE governmental leaders had fruitful discussions on IOTA’s role in the UAE digital strategy. 

UAE based Helion Ventures to invest in Web3 gaming companies

UAE based Helion Ventures to invest in Web3 gaming companies

Dubai headquartered Helion Ventures, Web3 VC and venture builder, has announced that it will be investing in gaming companies.

In a linkedin post, Helion ventures are announcing investment in gaming companies. As they noted in their post, “ The web3 gaming industry will hold significant importance for the economy by transforming the gaming industry and creating new economic opportunities.”Entities can apply now and get the chance to fund your project: https://lnkd.in/djj_uycNThis announcement comes after Web3 gaming startup GAM3S.GG.based out of Abu Dhabi UAE has just raised $2 million in seed funding led by investment firm Mechanism Capital and other angel investors including  Polygon, Double Peak, ArkStream Capital, LD Capital, ROK Capital, Hyperithm, Snackclub, Emurgo Ventures, Eden Ventures and Mix Marvel Ventures.In addition South Korea’s Blockchain, NFT, metaverse game developer and publisher WeMade  also recently signed an onboarding agreements with several domestic and international game companies for the blockchain game platform “WEMIX Play.” One of those is a UAE game company, Project Seed, which will be working on a fantasy action role playing game RPG titled Outland Odyssey.In May 2023 South Korean blockchain developer WEMIX and Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to create and accelerate growth opportunities for their respective portfolio companies and Web3 startups.Earlier this year in January Abu Dhabi in its stive to become a global gaming hub through the AD Gaming government led initiative partnered with AA Meta a local Metaverse and Web3 Development Company. The company will deliver cutting-edge Web3 solutions to the emirate’s game development eco-system.

MENA based Flat6Labs selects Jordanian blockchain startup for its StartMashreq growth program

MENA based Flat6Labs selects Jordanian blockchain startup for its StartMashreq growth program

MENA based Flat6Labs, an early stageventure capital firm, has selected Jordanian blockchain startup Konn Technologies, a fintech company that offers blockchain-based solutions among the 24 tartups in its StartMashreq growth track program supported by the International Financial Corporation.

The program aims to help startups from Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq to scale their businesses.The selected startups operate in various sectors, such as fintech, healthtech, e-commerce and agritech. Five of them are co-founded by female entrepreneurs, working in edtech, energy tech and proptech. The startups collectively generate an annual recurring revenue of $20.8m and have raised a total of $38.5m. They also create around 700 direct jobs across the three countries.“We are delighted to partner with Flat6Labs to support these promising startups from the Mashreq region, especially those founded by women,” said Abeer Shalan, Senior Operations Officer at IFC. “Mashreq startups can demonstrate resilience and innovation in the face of challenging circumstances and prove their ability to create value for their stakeholders by venturing into new markets. By providing them with funding and resources, we hope to help them reach their full potential and contribute to the development of the regional startup ecosystem.”Ragia Amr, Programme Director of StartMashreq at Flat6Labs, said: “We are very excited to welcome the 24 startups to our Growth Track programme. We have been impressed by the quality and diversity of the applications we received and we are confident that they have what it takes to succeed in their markets. Through our programme, we will offer them tailored support and guidance to help them overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. We look forward to working with them over the next six months and beyond.” The StartMashreq Growth Track programme started in June 2023 and will run until December 2024. The programme will include workshops and mentorship by international experts, business networking events, investor mixers and participation in international events and roadshows. The 24 startups that joined the StartMashreq Growth Track programme  include fromLebanonCompost Baladi: A social enterprise that provides waste management solutions.Ecomz: An e-commerce platform that enables merchants to create online stores.KamKalima: An edtech platform that helps Arabic teachers and students.Moodfit: An online interior design service that connects clients with designers.Presentail: An online gift delivery service that connects expats with local shops.Purpl: A proptech platform that simplifies property management.Shelvz: A retail intelligence platform that helps brands optimize their shelf presence.IraqKESK: A fintech platform that provides digital banking services.Lezzoo: A super app that offers delivery, e-commerce and payment services.Midient/Padash: A cloud kitchen platform that enables food entrepreneurs to launch online brands.Orderii: An online marketplace that connects customers with local service providers.Toolmart: An e-commerce platform that sells tools and hardware products.Jordan Algebra Intelligence: A healthtech platform that provides AI-powered medical diagnosis.Arab Therapy: An online platform that connects users with licensed therapists.Dinarak: A fintech platform that offers mobile wallet and payment services.Hello World Kids: An edtech platform that teaches coding to children.InvoiceQ: A fintech platform that provides invoice financing solutions.Jordilight: An energy tech company that produces solar-powered street lights.Konn Technologies: A fintech company that offers blockchain-based solutions.Little Thinking Minds: An edtech company that creates digital learning products for children.Nestrom: An agritech company that provides farm management software.Palmear: An e-commerce platform that sells handmade products from local artisans.Repzo: A mobile CRM platform that helps sales teams manage their activities.Shop4Me: An e-commerce platform that delivers groceries and other products.

Daoversal first Blockchain AI startup to graduate from Dubai’s DIFC metaverse accelerator program

Daoversal first Blockchain AI startup to graduate from Dubai’s DIFC metaverse accelerator program

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), announced graduation of its first metaverse cohort of 10 regional and global start-ups as part of its ‘DIFC Metaverse Accelerator Programme, which included blockchain Web3 Social ecosystem platform startup Daoversal. 

The news follows the launch of DIFC’s Metaverse Platform earlier this year, in line with the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, which aims to add USD 4bn to Dubai’s GDP, support 40,000 virtual jobs by 2030, and attract 1,000 companies specialised in blockchain and metaverse technologies. At the time DIFC had noted it would choose 50 startups, yet it seems that only 10 have graduated. The inaugural ‘DIFC Metaverse Accelerator Programme’ was the first initiative announced under the ‘DIFC Metaverse Platform’ umbrella, and attracted over 160 applicants from the UAE, UK, US, India and France, with a focus on primarily Metaverse, AI, Web3, AR/VR and Blockchain sectors.The ‘DIFC Metaverse Accelerator Programme’, backed by programme partners Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), DP World, and Daoverse Capital, onboarded 10 promising start-ups on 5 June 2023 with 3 months of intense bootcamp workshops to follow.Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of the DIFC Innovation Hub, said, “Earlier this year, Dubai’s Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy endorsed the DIFC Metaverse Platform, positioning DIFC as the first government entity globally to champion an integrated Metaverse hub. To see the DIFC Metaverse Accelerator Programme come to fruition as part of that initiative with over 160 international applicants, a network of over 60 ecosystem partners, and 10 talented start-ups graduating already is encouraging and will no doubt inspire others to join us as we together embark on our next phase of growth.”Among the startups selected were Artichoke Labs, a spatial computing company specialising in creating city-scale augmented reality applications; Cognitive Technologies, experts in establishing Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks to enable both hardware and software automation; Daoversal, an expansive blockchain-based Web3 social ecosystem platform; and DoDocs, which is building a service to generate legal documents in any language for any country or jurisdiction for both individuals and businesses.In addition there was Duverse, a start-up involved in developing and implementing advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions; Evometa, a boutique digital studio providing Metaverse-as-a-service solutions for enterprises in real estate, hospitality, industrial and automotive markets; and Flan, engaged in creating micro communities for clients and creative workers to meet, Intelligent Assist and ShopDoc, two digital healthcare delivery platforms, and GoPal, a revolutionary Metaverse-based EdTech Platform.

BECO Capital joins Dubai AI Web3 Campus to foster Web3 startups’ innovations

BECO Capital joins Dubai AI Web3 Campus to foster Web3 startups’ innovations

BECO Capital is now part of the Dubai AI and Web3 Campus based out of DIFC ( Dubai International Financial Center). BECO capital VC firm manages more than $450 million in assets. According to Dubai AI and Web3 campus, BECO capital will supercharge their ecosystem.

In a LinkedIn post Dubai AI and Web3 Campus stated, “ With BECO Capital onboard, we’re introducing dynamic initiatives like demo days, offering startups a platform to showcase their innovations, and office hours, providing direct access to industry experts.”

BECO Capital’s impressive track record places them consistently in the top 10% globally for fund performance. They’ve played a pivotal role in nurturing regional unicorns like Careem and Property Finder, and we’re eager to see what future successes this partnership will bring.

Prior to this, the Dubai AI and Web 3.0 Campus, announced that it will be issuing artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 licenses supporting activities ranging from Distributed Ledger Technology Services (DLT), specialised Artificial Intelligence Research & consultancies, IT infrastructure builders, Technology Research and Development and Public Networking Services.

UAE DMCC Crypto Center and TDEFI incubator offers $100 K to select startups with the launch of second cohort

UAE DMCC Crypto Center and TDEFI incubator offers $100 K to select startups with the launch of second cohort

UAE DMCC crypto center TDeFi , a global Web3 incubator and consultancy company,  have entered the final phase of registrations for the second cohort of a Web3 startup incubator at the DMCC Crypto Centre. Last day for applications is September 1st 2023. TDEFI will offer $100,000 for select startups with VC Funding. 

All applicants will receive priority guidance and services from DMCC to formally set up in the DMCC Crypto Centre, with a handful of successful businesses set to receive USD 100,000 in liquidity from TDeFi, subject to meeting the criteria. Applications close on 1st September 2023.

The five-week programme is focused on enhancing expertise including refining business strategies, ensuring Web3 compliance, and marketing. The accelerator will culminate in a VC-focused fundraising event, ultimately bringing a new wave of innovative Web3 businesses to Dubai.

Ahmad Hamza, Executive Director – Free Zone, DMCC, said, “Providing a platform for success is an intrinsic trait of DMCC, and the Web3 space is no different. Through our Crypto Centre we are proud to be bringing this exciting accelerator opportunity to a new wave of innovative Web3 businesses to Dubai, particularly as the emirate grows as a competitive knowledge-based economy. With the mentoring services and liquidity on offer through TDeFi, there has never been a better time to establish a crypto business in the emirate.”

Gaurav Dubey, CEO TDeFi, added,  “From ideation to developing business scaling strategies, our extensive accelerator programme is designed to prepare nascent Web3 businesses for VC funding rounds and operating efficiently in the real-world. We are excited to partner with DMCC for this second cohort, developing these startups into thriving businesses.”

The second cohort follows on from the successful first round in March, in which 15 Web3 businesses successfully graduated from the accelerator programme.

With an impressive lineup of over 20 mentorship sessions led by senior leaders from the Web3 industry, such as Coinbase Singapore, StepN, Footprint Analytics, Hacken, Enjin, and more, participants will gain insights spanning from compliance practices to the intricacies of Token Engineering and Markets Management. This comprehensive journey is poised to attract a fresh influx of Web3 enterprises to Dubai and guide nascent concepts toward thriving businesses under expert tutelage.

UAE Blockchain startups among UAE’s Ministry of Economy choices for top 100 future enterprises

UAE Blockchain startups among UAE’s Ministry of Economy choices for top 100 future enterprises

The UAE Ministry of Economy in partnership with the Minister of State for Government Development and the future has commenced application for the top 100 future enterprises including blockchain startups.

The initiative which was launched in December 2022 aims to accelerate the growth of promising UAE ‘Future Economy’ SMEs, encourage investment in ‘Future Economy’ companies in the UAE, strengthen UAE’s position as the start-up and scale-up nation and support the continued sustainable growth of the ‘Future Economy’ ecosystem.

100 startups based out of the UAE and utilizing technologies such as Blockchain, AI, Web3, robotics, IoT, 3D printing, working in sectors such as renewable energy, agritech, space, advance manufacturing, biotech, creative industries, sustainability, healthtech and cybersecurity will be able to participate in the competitionad be awarded Future 100 Label with various perks and benefits.

The chosen startups will have fast Access to Investors, Regulators And Business Community, support – Funding, Legal, Commercial, and Capacity Building

Applicants for the Future 100 will be evaluated on the basis of their creative capacity, market potential, and environmental, social and corporate governance impact.

Startups andSMEs  that have offices or operations in the UAE that are eligible to apply can submit an online application on the Future 100 website.

Brinc launches its 2023 startup Web3 cohort with two startups from GCC

Brinc launches its 2023 startup Web3 cohort with two startups from GCC

Brinc, a leading global venture accelerator, with operations in the UAE has selected 25 promising global startups, launched by a total of 66 founders, for its Summer 2023 cohort under its host of Web3 accelerator programs. Two startups from the GCC region have been selected. The first is UAE AI NFT BentleyRecords.io , an AI-powered music development program dedicated to helping artists grow their career online, offering 35+ tools for music production and distribution was chosen among startups and the second one is Bahrain based Eye Labs, a pioneering platform dedicated to guiding brands into the Web3 realm, simplifying blockchain infrastructure while emphasizing storytelling and user journeying to make the transition more accessible to a wider audience.

Brinc’s Summer 2023 cohort represents a diverse range of innovative ventures at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies in blockchain, decentralized applications, and peer-to-peer networks. This round is Brinc’s third cohort in Web3-startup acceleration, confirming its commitment to the incredible potential that blockchain technology and online ecosystems offer to all areas of decentralized business.

From more than 700 applications from across 27 countries received for its various Web3 accelerator programs, Brinc’s rigorous selection process identified 25 startups poised to make significant advancements in their respective industries. The cohort, of startups at pre-seed or seed stage, is grouped under five Web3 verticals: DeFi (4), Entertainment & Loyalty Platforms (2), Gaming (8), Healthcare (5), Technology & Infrastructure (6).

The chosen startups will virtually join Brinc’s 12-week accelerator program, receiving comprehensive support, mentorship, as well as access to resources to scale their growth, elevate strategies, expand their network, and contribute to the advancement of technology-driven solutions. Aligned with Brinc’s company vision to support and maximize positive impact, the Web3 cohort will also be guided on diversity and inclusivity strategies.

The cohort’s Summer 2023 program will feature mentorship and sessions hosted by high-profile industry leaders — including Brinc’s Manav Gupta as well as Animoca Brands’ Robbie Yung and Animoca Ventures’ James Ho. Other program mentors and collaborators include:prominent investors (including Babu SK of True Global Ventures, Prashanth Swaminathan of Woodstock Fund, Sidd Gandhi of Growx); Web3 partners (including Anthony Diaz of Health Hero, Dario Heymann of Galen Growth, Douglas Corley of Alaunius Labs, Ryan Horn of N3ON, Vikash Suresh of Recorem, Yassamin Issapour of Agora Digital Capital Markets); specialized field consultants (including Andy Liu of Basebit Technologies, Robbie Nakarmi of Simmons & Simmons).

Manav Gupta, founder and CEO of Brinc, said: “Our third cohort in the Web3 realm welcomes the 25 selected startups, who bring exciting ideas and breakthrough perspectives to the blockchain space, which continues to evolve and shape our future. We are excited to work with these forward-thinking entrepreneurs to build new business models, propel creative innovation and advance incredible technologies, as well as promote diversity and inclusivity for a decentralized future.”

Brinc’s Web3 program is supported by key industry partners including Animoca Brands, DMCC, Fusang, Zilliqa, Protocol Labs, OliveX, and Prenetics.