AI decentralized network Allora and stc Bahrain to advance AI

AI decentralized network Allora and stc Bahrain to advance AI

Allora Network, an AI decentralized network has collaborated with stc Bahrain, a world-class digital enabler, through its Web3 Launchpad Program under the Pearling Path initiative.

As per the blog, the collaboration highlights Allora’s commitment to partnering with leading innovators like stc Bahrain to advance decentralized AI, fostering innovation and growth across the GCC region and beyond.

As part of this collaboration, stc Bahrain will join the Allora Network as a validator node, contributing to the network’s security, reliability, and consensus. By joining the Allora Network as a validator node, stc Bahrain takes on a critical role in bolstering network security and maintaining consensus. This collaboration reflects stc Bahrain’s commitment to harnessing the transformative capabilities of decentralized AI, powered by Allora’s advancements in crowdsourced intelligence, reinforcement learning, and regret minimization.

Allora powers innovative, secure, and decentralized applications, driving cutting-edge protocols and unlocking new use cases for advanced solutions.

Mr. Saad Odeh, Chief Wholesale Officer at stc Bahrain, commented, “At stc Bahrain, we are dedicated to embracing emerging technologies that redefine industries and contribute to Bahrain’s Vision 2030 goals. Allora Network’s cutting-edge AI capabilities are a valuable addition to our Web3 Launchpad Program, further cementing Bahrain’s position as a hub for innovation and digital transformation.”

Nick Emmons, Co-Founder and CEO of Allora Labs, added, “We are thrilled to partner with stc Bahrain under the Web3 Launchpad Program. Their role as a validator node directly strengthens the security, consensus, and reliability of the Allora Network, which is essential for fostering trust and driving growth in decentralized infrastructure. Together, we strive to advance blockchain technology and explore AI innovations within and beyond telecommunications.”

Allora blog notes, “As the Web3 and AI ecosystems continue to expand, our collaboration with stc Bahrain strengthens the foundation for a robust, innovative, and decentralized digital economy. By working together to foster a collaborative environment for emerging technologies, we are proud to contribute to Bahrain’s Vision 2030 program, advancing progress toward a more innovative and sustainable future.”

UAE Sigma Capital venture firm launches $100 million Web3 fund

UAE Sigma Capital venture firm launches $100 million Web3 fund

UAE based Sigma Capital, a Web3 early-stage venture firm, has launched a $100 million fund dedicated to accelerating the next wave of Web3 innovation in the Middle East and globally. As per the press release, the fund launch spotlights the UAE’s growing role as a global hub for the Web3 & Blockchain sector.


The fund will focus on early-stage venture investments in transformative areas such as DeFi, blockchain infrastructure, real-world asset tokenization, gaming and the metaverse.

Sigma Capital will actively manage a portfolio of liquid tokens, seizing market opportunities to generate consistent returns. The fund will also leverage high-yield DeFi strategies to optimize portfolio performance and invest in high growth crypto venture funds that broaden exposure to emerging innovations.


Vineet Budki,an expert in the Web3 space, and the former CEO and Managing Partner of Cypher Capital, also a Web3 VC based out of UAE, will lead the fund.

Vineet spearheaded over 300+ investments in high-profile projects, including Mysten Labs, Sei Network, Casper Labs, Web3Auth, Casper labs, Manta network, Mocaverse, Peak network and MyPetHooligan.


The Sigma Capital Team has years of experience in the Blockchain investing space and have been invested or partnered with multiple reputed players in the Blockchain space which include Polygon Technology, Morningstar Ventures, Blockchain Founders Fund, Woodstock Fund and many others.


Vineet Budki, CEO and Managing Partner of Sigma Capital, said, “We envision a digital economy that is more open, inclusive, and innovative. The UAE’s dynamic economy and forward-thinking regulatory environment provide the perfect backdrop for Web3 innovation. This fund empowers startups with capital, equips them with access to our extensive network and expertise, and enables them to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.”


Sandeep Naliwal, Founder Polygon Technology one of the leading players in the Blockchain space noted, “ Vineet’s track record as a visionary leader in Web3 speaks for itself. His deep understanding of market dynamics and foresight in nurturing high-impact projects have been pivotal in advancing the ecosystem. The launch of Sigma Capital’s $100 million fund is a testament to his expertise and the UAE’s emergence as a global hub for blockchain innovation. I have no doubt this fund will catalyze the next wave of groundbreaking startups and solidify the region’s role in the decentralized economy.”


Sigma Capital plans to deploy investments across 100 early-stage projects, 25 liquid tokens, and 10 fund-of-fund allocations over the next three years. The firm’s strategic edge lies in its proven expertise and global reach, leveraging its network to provide access to key exchanges, market makers, exchanges, launchpads and opinion leaders.

Danilo S. Carlucci, Founder & CEO at Morningstar Ventures, and a key partner in the fund sdded, “Since our establishment in Dubai in 2020, Morningstar Ventures has been committed to supporting transformative projects and bold founders that push the boundaries of blockchain innovation. Sigma Capital’s $100 million fund is a testament to the region’s growing influence in blockchain and financial technology. It will support the growth of Web3 startups and further solidify the region’s position as a leader in financial innovation.”


Sigma Capital collaborates with Web3 hubs across 10 global cities, providing portfolio companies with deep market insights and comprehensive support to enable success in a competitive market. By combining a diversified approach with deep market access, Sigma Capital aims to drive sustainable growth in both the Global and GCC Web3 ecosystem.


The firm’s dual presence in Dubai and Singapore, coupled with regulatory oversight from the Cayman Islands, ensures access to global opportunities while maintaining a strong compliance framework.

In December 2024, The Hashgraph Group (THG), the Swiss-based international business, technology, and investment firm that operates exclusively within the Hedera ecosystem, secured a fund management license through its subsidiary Hashgraph Ventures Manager Ltd in ADGM planned to launch a $100 million global venture fund (Hashgraph Venture Fund-I). The strategic Web3 venture fund would focus on generating attractive long-term returns by investing in proven early-stage and well-established companies utilizing deep technologies to build and commercialize enterprise-grade solutions and products for the Web3 economy.

Saudi Princess Nourah Al Faisal leads Web3 Blockchain hackathon for youth innovation

Saudi Princess Nourah Al Faisal leads Web3 Blockchain hackathon for youth innovation

Saudi Arabia recently hosted the NEXTG3N Hackathon, led by Her Royal Highness Princess Nourah Al Faisal. The event was held from January 9th until the 11th 2025 at Princess Nourah University in Riyadh. It gathered international innovators alongside Saudi talent to develop groundbreaking solutions at the crossroads of Web3 and gaming using decentralized solutions for learning environments. Selected innovations from the hackathon will be showcased at a side event during the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Her Royal Highness Princess Nourah Al Faisal, Chief Creative Director of Adhlal sponsored the event in collaboration with W3 ff Venture Builder. Adhlal brings deep expertise in empowering Saudi youth through creative ecosystems aligned with Vision 2030, while W3-ff leverages cutting-edge Web3 technologies and venture-building strategies.

The Hackathon included a track under the theme of Web3 and Identity, where participants were asked to create secure, decentralized, and personalized learning environments using Web3 technologies. The track question was “How can decentralized identities empower young learners and creatives in Saudi Arabia to securely access, develop, and share learning content?”

In an article published in Arab News, Princess Nourah was quoted as highlighting how blockchain could provide a secure space for young users fostering their engagement with digital platforms. Princess Nourah remarked on the significance of soft skills in preparing the youth for future challenges, and added: “When we think about the evolving landscape over the next few years, we must consider how to foster innovation and creativity among youth.”

The second track covered Future Skill Development. It centered on building future skills through immersive hackathon experiences.
How can we empower Saudi Arabia’s youth to develop future literacy, creative collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking while solving real-world challenges?

While the third track covered Games to grow, where participants were asked to design engaging and innovative gaming experiences that enhance creative skillsets, promote problem-solving, and encourage design thinking. How can gaming be leveraged to accelerate the development of young designers in a fun and impactful way?

Speakers at the event included Princess Nourah; Hamad Al-Owaishiq, founder and CEO of the Saudi Youth Society; Tanja Ludwig from W3 ff Venture Builder in Germany; Dalia Samra-Rohte from the Algemeine Handels Kamer; and Xavier Prost from Veridos UAE, one of the event’s sponsors.

42.000,- SAR in prizes were distributed to winning the teams.

Animoca Brands moves to next stage with Saudi Neom

Animoca Brands moves to next stage with Saudi Neom

 In 2024, Animoca Brands and Saudi Arabian NEOM Investment Fund signs a strategic partnership that included a $50 million convertible notes financing from NEOM into Animoca, today Animoca Brands announce that the next step of the partnership is fast approaching and it includes building a solid web3 infrastructure using innovative technologies.

In the 2024 announcement, as part of the partnership, Animoca Brands would work with NEOM to build Web3 enterprise service capabilities which would be deployed to support technology advancements in Riyadh and the NEOM region.

As per the news at the time, these projects would include a range of Web3 initiatives, including plans to establish a hub within NEOM to nurture the local Web3 ecosystem and bring in extensive capabilities from across Animoca Brands and its subsidiaries, partners, and broad portfolio of investments.

In a recent Linkedin post, Animoca Brands noted that they continue to support NEOM and its commitment to driving regional web3 development.

In 2024, Animoca Brands facilitated the Web3 development of NEOM with dedicated Web3 strategy workshops, and the networking conference “Outer Edge Riyadh” in KSA.

In 20205 the next phase starts which will include building the Web3 infrastructure.

As per the LinkedIn post which quoted Yat Siu as saying, “NEOM is the world’s most ambitious project seeking to use innovation and technology to redefine how we live, work, and play.”

Animoca Brands has invested in startups in KSA including Saudi’s first NFT marketplace platform, Nuqtah.

Web3 Blockchain market to reach $104 billion by 2032

Web3 Blockchain market to reach $104 billion by 2032

The SNS Insider report has indicated that the Web 3.0 blockchain market size which was valued at USD 3.59 billion in 2023 is expected to grow to USD 104.04 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 45.47% over the forecast period of 2024-2032.

According to the Web3 report by 2023, there were over 3,000 active dApps, with decentralized finance applications contributing a substantial portion of the market’s value.

The total value locked in DeFi reached an estimated USD 60 billion in 2023, reflecting the rising demand for decentralized financial services.

Additionally, the non-fungible token industry, which has transformed industries like art and gaming, saw sales surpassing in 2023, a notable increase compared to previous years.

Smart contracts have also been pivotal in accelerating Web 3.0 adoption. By 2023, Ethereum, the leading blockchain for smart contracts, processed over 1.5 million smart contract executions daily, demonstrating the widespread use of blockchain-based automation across sectors such as supply chain management, insurance, and healthcare.

Finally, in 2023, venture capital investments in blockchain startups reached USD 30 billion, highlighting the growing interest in Web 3.0 technologies. These investments are expected to drive further innovation and the development of more advanced blockchain solutions in the coming years.

Circle of Games has launched in MENA out of UAE

Circle of Games has launched in MENA out of UAE

Circle of Games (COG), the blockchain enabled Web3 global multi-gaming platform backed by Nazara, has launched in the MENA region at the renowned Global Game Show held at the Grand Hyatt Exhibition Centre in Dubai.

The launch event drew an audience of industry pioneers, gamers, and Web3 enthusiasts, with Yat Siu, Chairman of Animoca Brands, as the distinguished chief guest. His keynote address celebrated COG’s innovative integration of casual gaming with blockchain technology, positioning it as a leader in the Web3 gaming ecosystem.

The event highlighted COG’s robust portfolio of games, including globally popular titles like Ludo, Fruit Slash, Bubble Shooter, Chess, and 8-Ball Pool. With six games already live and an ambitious roadmap to surpass ten titles by Q1 2025, COG is set to become the preferred destination for casual gamers worldwide.

The launch underscored COG’s strategic collaborations with key global corporations and leading strategic partners. These alliances offer access to over 500 million users across 50+ countries, strengthening the company’s competitive edge. By drawing users from an established ecosystem, COG is accelerating its growth and establishing a foundation for long-term success.

Attendees witnessed live demonstrations of COG’s state-of-the-art features, including seamless user experiences, multi-chain integrations, and engaging game mechanics. With over 500,000 registered users so far and ambitious goals to reach 25 million users by the end of 2025 and 100 million users by the end of 2027 worldwide, COG is reshaping the future of casual gaming in the Web3 era.

“Today marks a significant milestone for Circle of Games as we expand into the MENA region. With our robust ecosystem, strategic partnerships, and an experienced team, we are committed to delivering an unparalleled gaming experience for users worldwide,” said Rabilal Thapa, CEO/Co-Founder of Circle of Games, during the event.

Circle of Games, funded by Nazara, has outlined an ambitious regional expansion strategy, with launches slated for the UAE in Q4 2024, followed by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain in Q1 2025, and Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco in Q2 2025. With projections to achieve 7.5 million users by 2025, 18 million by 2026, and 25 million by 2027, COG is poised to dominate the Web3 gaming landscape in the region.

Circle of Games receives investments from THA and Nazara

In April of 2024, Circle of Games (COG), raised $1 million in equity funding from strategic investors Nazara Technologies FZ LLC, (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Nazara Technologies Limited) and The Hashgraph Association, the Swiss-based organization at the forefront of global digital enablement for Hedera.

At the time, COG noted that it intended to use this funding to fast-track its go-to-market strategy, improve platform capabilities, and widen its international presence in the US, EU, Middle East, Africa, and Asia in 2024.

COG has implemented multi-chain technology, with Hedera being the primary mainnet where the majority of on-chain transactions occur, and is empowering players with full ownership and control over their in-game assets and tokens.

Gaming in MENA region

Gaming in the MENA region and especially in the UAE has become a big market. According to recent reports, the gaming market value in the MENA region is expected to reach $10 billion by 2027. This surge is driven by the growing number of gamers and the rising popularity of mobile games.

Saudi Arabia is more than just participating in the global gaming arena. As the 19th largest gaming market in the world, with 89% of its population engaged in gaming, including 42% women and 45% aged 21-35—the kingdom is redefining what it means to be a player in this dominating entertainment frontier.

Aligned with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to develop 30 competitive games and establish itself as a global gaming hub by 2030. The kingdom is backing this ambition with a bold $38 billion investment from the Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s Savvy Games Group, which is focused on acquiring publishers and nurturing local talent.

UAE is also becoming a fast mover by embracing the developing blockchain gaming sector. After a brief period of decline due to innovative and regulatory challenges, Web3 gaming has seen a revival in user engagement this year. In the third quarter, the sector reached 4.4 million daily active wallets. In the same period, blockchain games attracted more than $110 million in funding.

The UAE has positioned itself as a global leader in driving the blockchain gaming sector. Proactive policies and strategic investments are transforming the country into a central hub for Web3 gaming projects. The sector is expected to hit $1 billion in the UAE alone by 2025.

Recently The Beam Foundation launched Beam Ventures in Abu Dhabi, the first venture fund focused exclusively on Web3 gaming from ADGM. The $150 million gaming fund aims to accelerate promising founders and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s transformation into a global gaming hub.

Global Blockchain show is covering Web3, Crypto mining, and AI in UAE

Global Blockchain show is covering Web3, Crypto mining, and AI in UAE

Join the Global Blockchain Show: The Ultimate Blockchain Season Finale!

Welcome to the Global Blockchain Show, the Web3 Founders’ Festival set to unite industry leaders, developers, and blockchain enthusiasts from around the world. Taking place in the vibrant city of Dubai on 12-13 December 2024, this event will immerse you in the future of blockchain with 16 hours of unplugged networking, discussions, and collaboration with Web3’s top 1%.

This year’s show is more than just a conference – it’s a festival including the best minds in Web3. With 3000+ Web3 Founders, 75+ industry icons, 200+ startups, and 100+ of the most sought-after investors, you’ll be part of something truly exceptional.

Our agenda covers a wide range of trending topics across various verticals, including:

  • Web3 Gaming: Explore the future of gaming in the decentralized web.
  • Digital Currency: Understand the evolving landscape of digital financial systems.
  • Blockchain Regulations: Gain insights into the regulatory frameworks shaping the blockchain industry.
  • Crypto Mining & Trading: Learn from experts about the latest strategies and technologies in cryptocurrency mining and trading.
  • Web3 Security: Discover cutting-edge security measures to protect decentralized applications and platforms.
  • Integration of AI & Blockchain: Examine how artificial intelligence and blockchain are converging to create innovative solutions.
  • Crypto Collectibles: Dive into the world of NFTs and other digital collectibles.

The Global Blockchain Show provides an unparalleled opportunity to network in an unhinged, informal setting with top professionals from sectors such as startups, corporations, solution providers, and investors.

Event Highlights:

  • Meet the top 1% in Web3 during a 16-hour mixer
  • 200+ of the top 1% Web3 Startups showcasing their innovations
  • 100+ of the most influential Web3 investors ready to connect, and with buying intent

Top Speakers Include:

  • Yat Siu: Co-Founder and Chairman, Animoca Brands
  • Rachel Conlan: Global Chief Marketing Officer, Binance
  • H.E. Justin Sun: Founder of TRON, Member of the HTX Global Advisory Board
  • Marcello Mari: CEO & Founder of SingularityDAO
  • Alicia Kao: Managing Director, Kucoin
  • David Palmer: Chief Product Officer, Co-founder, Vodafone
  • Vivien Lin: Head of BingX Labs, BingX
  • Jason Allegrante: Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Fireblocks
  • Dr. Sameer Al Ansari: CEO, RAK DAO
  • Pierre Samaties: Chief Business Officer, DFINITY
  • Alex Fazel: Chief Partnership Officer, Swissborg

To View the Full List of Speakers – Click Here

Who Should Attend? 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, developer, researcher, or simply passionate about Web3, this event is for you. If you’re looking to explore opportunities, gain cutting-edge insights, or connect with like-minded individuals shaping the future of blockchain, the Global Blockchain Show in Dubai is the place to be.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this revolutionary event.

For more information and to secure your ticket, visit: https://www.globalblockchainshow.com/tickets/

ABO Digital invests $5 million in UAE Blockchain enabled Binary Holdings

ABO Digital invests $5 million in UAE Blockchain enabled Binary Holdings

ABO Digital, a digital asset investment firm has invested $5 million in UAE based The Binary Holdings, a UAE-based technology powerhouse valued at $16.9 billion.

As per the release, this investment will power The Binary Holdings to accelerate its mission of transforming the global digital economy. With a robust user base of 169 million across multiple verticals, The Binary Holdings is reshaping how businesses, consumers, and investors interact in the digital landscape, and is targeting one billion users by 2025.

The company seeks with this investment to drive the expansion of a decentralized open network that seamlessly integrates with Web2 infrastructure while unlocking the full potential of Web3, empowering businesses and users to benefit from digital services such as cross border payments, gaming, digital social and other compelling services.

The Binary Holdings has contracts with seven leading telcos and a growing network of non-telco partners. At the center of the Decentralized Open Network for Distribution and Commerce is The Binary Network, where users, businesses, and service providers can seamlessly connect and transact across borders.

By using BNRY, the network’s single digital currency, The Binary Network is redefining the way value flows between participants, ensuring that payments are frictionless and accessible to users worldwide. This bold vision of using a single digital currency across its vast ecosystem enables true interoperability and cross-pollination amongst its diverse range of partners in both the telco and non-telco sectors, allowing for commerce to flow in a way that was previously unimaginable, eliminating the barriers between platforms and national borders.

The platform’s ability to facilitate seamless transactions and interactions across multiple industries has already garnered attention from some of the world’s largest companies. With contracts signed with seven major telcos, The Binary Holdings is on track to reach 1 billion users by December 2025, becoming a true global player in the decentralized economy.

In Q2 2025, The Binary Holdings will launch Millenia, a digital bank aimed at simplifying cross-border payments and remittances for users within The Binary Network. Designed to empower seamless transactions for individuals and businesses, Millenia will offer a low-cost, fast, and transparent service powered by the secure decentralised and interoperable infrastructure of The Binary Network, with BNRY as the primary transaction digital currency.

The Binary Holdings’ blockchain infrastructure is gaining strong traction among dApp developers. Through partnerships with over seven Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchain networks, The Binary Holdings has created unique bridges which provide dApps immediate access to Binary’s expanding user base of 169 million, projected to reach one billion by 2025, creating unmatched engagement and utility.

“The Binary Holdings is at the forefront of creating a new global standard for digital distribution and commerce,” said Siddharth Sahi, CBO, The Binary Holdings. “With the launch of the Binary Digital Bank, support from ABO Digital, and an expanding network of partners, we’re excited to continue pushing boundaries and bringing innovative solutions to our global community.

A Tech Powerhouse in Southeast Asia and the Middle East and a Global Leader in the Digital Economy through Mass Adoption

The Binary Holdings is rapidly establishing itself as one of the region’s most valuable and innovative tech companies, with a valuation of $16.9 billion. With strong partnerships, an expanding user base, and a commitment to essential infrastructure, The Binary Holdings is on track to become a global digital economy leader. Its blockchain technology drives innovation in decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, gaming, and digital commerce at scale, building a robust ecosystem that redefines business, payments, and global interactions.

“We are excited to collaborate with The Binary Holdings at such a pivotal time in the evolution of the digital economy” said Talal Samy, Investment Associate at ABO Digital. “The company’s ability to innovate, scale, and bring real-world solutions to a global audience is unmatched. Their groundbreaking work in creating seamless global interoperability and fostering mass adoption of decentralised technologies aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are proud to support them as they continue to shape the future of Web3.”

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.

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.