Accenture has recognized leading startups at its second Accenture Innovation Awards held during GITEX Technology Week 2018. The initiative, in partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai, Fintech Hive at DIFC and Etisalat Digital, recognizes up-and-coming start-ups that play a major role in changing and improving aspects of people’s lives. The awards are part of the company’s vision to support emerging talent and identify forward-focused ideas that use technology to solve tomorrow’s challenges.
Startups from around the world have applied for the Awards, and shortlisted participants had the chance to present their ideas in front of a jury comprising of senior executives from Accenture, Expo 2020 Dubai, Fintech Hive at DIFC and Etisalat Digital. Winners were chosen across three categories: Artificial Intelligence, Fintech and Social Impact.
The overall winner of the all-expenses paid trip to Silicon Valley, with Accenture assisting them in investor relation meetings:
“Nabta” for their healthcare app that empowers women to manage their own health by seamlessly integrating traditional forms of care with the latest technologies.
The winner of the Fintech category with an automatic placement at the Fintech Hive Investor Day in November 2018:
“Slidr” for their e-commerce marketplace which uses a dynamic pricing technology that analyses consumer behaviour patterns and decides price reductions accordingly.
The winner of the Social Impact category with a fast-track to the live presentation stage of Expo Live’s Innovation Impact Grant Programme in March 2019:
“Tareeqi” for their smart navigation app for both passengers and drivers that does not require GPS
The winner of the Artificial Intelligence category that will have the opportunity to participate in Future Now by Etisalat Digital, the Open Innovation program of Etisalat Digital that includes mentoring, training sessions, access to co-working spaces and the network of clients of Etisalat:
“Nabta” for their healthcare app for women that empowers women to manage their own health by seamlessly integrating traditional forms of care with the latest technologies.
“There is an incredible pool of talent in the region. Through Accenture’s Innovation Awards, we are truly making a commitment to help startups grow within the ecosystem.” said Xavier Anglada, managing director and Accenture Digital lead in the Middle East & Turkey. “We look for startups that will propel change and redefine the way things are done. Last year’s awards presented a plethora of innovation. This year, we have seen innovation at a prominent level, as well as the readiness to innovate. The talent presented has been impressive, and we are proud to be able to recognize the startups and celebrate their success with them.”
Yousuf Caires, Vice President of Expo Live – Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “As Expo 2020’s innovation and partnership programme, we share Accenture’s enthusiasm and its vision to encourage the use of technology to positively impact society. As the proud supporters of 70 Global Innovators from 42 countries, we are constantly inspired by the impact that these creative solutions to global problems are having.
“We believe that innovation can come from anyone, to anywhere, and we are especially excited to see more social innovators from the region participating in the current cycle of our Innovation Impact Grant Programme. They can apply at www.expo2020dubai.com/expo-live/Innovation#how-to-apply.” he added.
Francisco Salcedo, SVP, Etisalat Digital said: “We support the ecosystem of innovation by providing the tools that accelerate the growth of companies with Etisalat. That´s why we have launched Future Now in GITEX 2018. We look forward to working with the winners of ‘Accenture Innovation Awards’, by giving access to our robust network and digital platforms to build viable products and new revenue streams.
Raja Al Mazrouei, Executive Vice President of FinTech Hive at DIFC, said: “We are thrilled with the quality of the ideas presented by the startups during this competition. It’s our pleasure to partner with the Accenture Innovation Awards that represent a great platform to recognize the startups’ innovations. FinTech Hive at DIFC will give the winner a chance to showcase its solutions in front of potential investors and partners from the region’s financial industry at the Investor Day. We look forward to see these smart and innovative ideas come to life.”
Source: Press Release