Latest news with #KFED
Web Release
13 hours ago
- Business
- Web Release
KFED and ADPIC sign strategic agreement to collaborate on infrastructure development in Abu Dhabi
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) and the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) signed a strategic agreement to advance bilateral cooperation and support the procurement activities of entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the Abu Dhabi SME Champions Programme. The agreement was signed by Mouza Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and H.E. Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, Director General of ADPIC, during the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit, held recently at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre. The strategic decision reaffirms both entities' commitment to accelerating industrial development and offering innovative solutions to entrepreneurs operating in the infrastructure sector. Most notably, the agreement seeks to accomplish key objectives –providing targeted procurement support programs for SMEs, connecting these enterprises with government and private sector entities across Abu Dhabi to capitalise on available procurement opportunities, and facilitating cooperation and participation in SME-focused programs and activities in the emirate to promote the sustainable development of the sector. Commenting on the agreement, Mouza Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said: 'We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with ADPIC through this strategic agreement, enabling us to empower entrepreneurs and enhance their role in Abu Dhabi's vital infrastructure sector. The collaboration fuels our shared commitment to supporting SMEs and fostering an environment that promotes innovation and growth, which aligns with the forward-thinking vision of our wise leadership and Abu Dhabi's goals of building a more sustainable and advanced future.' H.E. Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, Director General of ADPIC, added,'This strategic partnership with the Khalifa Fund is a pivotal step in strengthening Abu Dhabi's economic ecosystem. Our collaboration underscores ADPIC's commitment to a holistic approach to infrastructure development. By actively supporting our SMEs and integrating them into critical infrastructure projects, we are fostering innovation and local content while also diversifying our supply chain, driving sustainable growth, and building a more resilient and inclusive economy for the future of our Emirate.' The Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit serves as a comprehensive platform for policymakers, investors, developers, contractors, and industry experts from around the world to address emerging trends, showcase innovative solutions, and expand strategic partnerships that drive the development of resilient, integrated cities. By gathering industry leaders and innovators under one roof, the event seeks to promote excellence in the construction and urban planning sectors, ultimately raising living standards in accordance with Abu Dhabi's ambitious vision for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Al Etihad
UAE's homegrown tech startups showcase nation's innovation drive at VivaTech in Paris
16 June 2025 00:11 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)UAE innovators and tech startups have showcased a diverse array of products, services, and solutions on the global stage, reinforcing the country's growing influence as a hub for digital advancement and by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, the UAE participated in VivaTech 2025, held in Paris from June 11 to 14. More than 50 entities offered European entrepreneurs and investors a compelling glimpse into the UAE's rapidly evolving tech the participants were three startups backed by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), each introducing cutting-edge developments spanning artificial intelligence, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and sustainable biochar solutions. Vcharge's EV Infrastructure Vcharge, one of the KFED-backed firms at VivaTech, has been supporting the UAE's Net Zero 2050 vision by developing and deploying EV charging solutions, making it easier for motorists to make the switch to green company has so far installed more than 8,000 chargers across the country — from private residences to commercial establishments, said Abdulaziz Saoud Alshamsi, Founder and CEO of Vcharge.'We focus on local manufacturing and the development of smart, cloud-based solutions that cater to the specific needs of the UAE market,' Alshamsi told has designed charging stations that are resilient to high temperatures, as well as software and apps that enhance the customer experience, he added.'By building our own software platforms and mobile apps, we also ensure digital sovereignty — keeping control of critical infrastructure within the UAE', Alshamsi Vcharge founder admitted that scaling EV solutions is both costly and complex but with the support from KFED, the company grew and landed key thousands of successful installations in its track record, the company is now eyeing to move beyond the country's borders. 'To enter markets like France and the EU, Vcharge plans to adjust its technology to comply with regional regulations, such as the Open Charge Point Protocol, ensuring interoperability with existing infrastructure,' Alshamsi said, adding that partnerships with local entities are also in the works to better meet the needs of the EU market.'Vcharge aims to establish strategic partnerships with European technology firms and research institutions to enhance our R&D capabilities,' the founder said. HyveGeo's Carbon Sinks Another UAE startup at VivaTech presented a biochar technology that transforms desert land into productive carbon sinks.A carbon sink refers to a reservoir that absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere — and HyveGeo's innovation does the job well.'Our biochar not only locks away carbon for over 1,000 years, but also restores degraded soils — improving food security and water retention in arid zones,' HyveGeo Founder and Director Abdulaziz bin Reda told creates microbe-enriched biochar tailored to arid regions, helping restore soil health and combat climate change while supporting global environmental goals through carbon implementing localised pilot programmes, the company has drastically reduced soil recovery time from five to seven years to only 30 days, while also boosting plant growth by 200%, as confirmed by third-party laboratories and advanced digital monitoring managed to overcome initial doubts and infrastructure challenges by conducting local trials, using modular technology, and receiving support from both UAE and international incubators, bin Reda company is now looking to deploy its systems in Europe. 'Our systems scale easily and are well-suited to Europe's decentralised agriculture,'bin Reda said.'We are working with EU regulators, carbon registries, and soil scientists to localise our solutions and ensure compliance.'HyveGeo seeks to 'pilot recovery projects, co-develop new formulations, and scale nature-based carbon removal across the region', bin Reda said. SENIAR's AI ChatbotUAE-based AI platform SENIAR also took its chatbot solutions to VivaTech, highlighting the deep local roots of its technology. 'SENIAR's AI platform is designed to empower digital sovereignty by offering a locally built, culturally adapted chatbot solution that aligns with the UAE's digital transformation agenda. Our innovation reduces reliance on foreign AI tools and supports secure, Arabic-native interactions, enhancing public and private sector efficiency,' said Abdullah Albadi, Founder of SENIAR the tech sphere, the company initially faced legal and trust issues but with the support of KFED, it managed to build its platform now trusted by government and enterprise clients, SENIAR is looking to scale up and expand its global footprint.'We are preparing to align with European standards such as GDPR, ensuring ethical AI usage, secure data practices, and multilingual support,' Albadi told plans to co-develop with EU partners and offer tech solutions that are rooted in the Gulf region.'Unlike generic global solutions, SENIAR is deeply rooted in the cultural, linguistic, and operational realities of the Gulf region,' he said. 'We also design our systems to perform reliably in environments with connectivity or infrastructure challenges, reflecting regional climate and usage conditions.'
Web Release
13-06-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Khalifa Fund opens registration for 8th edition of ‘Venturist' Summer Camp focused on game development
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has opened registration for the 8th edition of its 'Venturist' Summer Camp, targeting Emirati students aged 13 to 18. The week-long summer camp will be held from July 7 to 11, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi 42 headquarters in Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi. This first of its kind camp is designed to empower the youth and enhance their skills in technology and game development fields. Its training programme is divided into two distinct pathways based on age. The first one, for those between the ages 13 to 15, aims to build a strong foundation in programming and game development. The second, tailored for those aged 16-18, offers the opportunity to explore advanced concepts in game development and design. The programme serves as a dynamic platform to explore game development in an educational environment, blending learning and recreation. It also encourages collective work and enhances team spirit, while cultivating entrepreneurial and creative thinking. Participants are encouraged to develop innovative ideas and practical solutions that align with current market trends and demands. Moreover, the camp is organised under the supervision of specialised trainers in game development, aiming to enhance students' skills in programming and project development aspects. Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said, 'The camp is much more than just an educational programme, rather it aims to foster a dynamic environment that contributes to enhancing creativity, developing technical skills, teamwork and entrepreneurial thinking, while enabling participants to gain game development experience. Such an approach empowers Emirati youth to hone their skills and develop innovative ideas. This further aligns with our vision to promote innovation in Abu Dhabi, recognising its vital role in strengthening the small and medium-sized enterprise ecosystem, especially within the realm of game development. The camp will also prepare students for freelance and future career opportunities in the gaming sector.' Since its launch in 2022, the summer camp has attracted the participation of 750 Emirati students across its intensive training programmes. Participants were even awarded a prestigious training certificate from Stanford University, reflecting the superior quality of the training. The Khalifa Fund invites ambitious young minds to leverage this valuable opportunity and become a part of an inspiring educational journey. Registrations are open for Emirati students aged 13 to 18, and residing in Abu Dhabi, until June 30, 2025. To register and learn more about the application criteria, please visit the website:
Mid East Info
12-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Khalifa Fund opens registration for 8th edition of ‘Venturist' Summer Camp focused on game development - Middle East Business News and Information
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development KFED has opened registration for the 8th edition of its 'Venturist' Summer Camp, targeting Emirati students aged 13 to 18. The week-long summer camp will be held from July 7 to 11, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi 42 headquarters in Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi. This first of its kind camp is designed to empower the youth and enhance their skills in technology and game development fields. Its training programme is divided into two distinct pathways based on age. The first one, for those between the ages 13 to 15, aims to build a strong foundation in programming and game development. The second, tailored for those aged 16-18, offers the opportunity to explore advanced concepts in game development and design. The programme serves as a dynamic platform to explore game development in an educational environment, blending learning and recreation. It also encourages collective work and enhances team spirit, while cultivating entrepreneurial and creative thinking. Participants are encouraged to develop innovative ideas and practical solutions that align with current market trends and demands. Moreover, the camp is organised under the supervision of specialised trainers in game development, aiming to enhance students' skills in programming and project development aspects. Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said, 'The camp is much more than just an educational programme, rather it aims to foster a dynamic environment that contributes to enhancing creativity, developing technical skills, teamwork and entrepreneurial thinking, while enabling participants to gain game development experience. Such an approach empowers Emirati youth to hone their skills and develop innovative ideas. This further aligns with our vision to promote innovation in Abu Dhabi, recognising its vital role in strengthening the small and medium-sized enterprise ecosystem, especially within the realm of game development. The camp will also prepare students for freelance and future career opportunities in the gaming sector.' Since its launch in 2022, the summer camp has attracted the participation of 750 Emirati students across its intensive training programmes. Participants were even awarded a prestigious training certificate from Stanford University, reflecting the superior quality of the training. The Khalifa Fund invites ambitious young minds to leverage this valuable opportunity and become a part of an inspiring educational journey. Registrations are open for Emirati students aged 13 to 18, and residing in Abu Dhabi, until June 30, 2025.
Al Etihad
12-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development opens registration for 8th Venturist Summer Camp
12 June 2025 15:14 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has opened registrations for the 8th edition of its Venturist Summer Camp, targeting Emirati students aged 13 to 18. The week-long summer camp will be held from July 7-11 2025, at the 42 Abu Dhabi headquarters in Zayed Port, Abu first-of-its-kind camp is designed to empower the youth and enhance their skills in technology and game development fields. Its training programme is divided into two distinct pathways based on age. The first one, for those between the age groups between 13 and 15, aims to build a strong foundation in programming and game development. The second, tailored for those aged 16-18, offers the opportunity to explore advanced concepts in game development and programme serves as a dynamic platform to explore game development in an educational environment, blending learning and recreation. It also encourages collective work and enhances team spirit, while cultivating entrepreneurial and creative thinking. Participants are encouraged to develop innovative ideas and practical solutions that align with current market trends and demands. The camp is organised under the supervision of specialised trainers in game development, aiming to enhance students' skills in programming and project development on the summer camp activities, Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said, 'The camp is much more than just an educational programme, rather it aims to foster a dynamic environment that contributes to enhancing creativity, developing technical skills, teamwork and entrepreneurial thinking while enabling participants to gain game development experience." She added, "Such an approach empowers Emirati youth to hone their skills and develop innovative ideas. This further aligns with our vision to promote innovation in Abu Dhabi, recognising its vital role in strengthening the small and medium-sized enterprise ecosystem, especially within the realm of game development. The camp will also prepare students for freelance and future career opportunities in the gaming sector.'Since its launch in 2020, the summer camp has attracted the participation of 750 Emirati students across its intensive training programmes. Participants were even awarded a prestigious training certificate from Stanford University, reflecting the superior quality of the Khalifa Fund invites ambitious young minds to leverage this valuable opportunity and become a part of an inspiring educational journey. Registrations are open for Emirati students aged 13 to 18, and residing in Abu Dhabi, until June 30, 2025. To register and learn more about the application criteria, please visit the website: Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
