Rabat – October 13, 2024
Under the sponsorship of the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency (BMAQ), and with support from the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, five Palestinian start-ups led by young entrepreneurs from Al-Quds are showcasing their work at the third edition of the “Expand North Star” exhibition. The event opens today in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and will run until October 16.
The BMAQ Agency, under the Al-Quds Committee chaired by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, has decided to keep pace with the technological boom by adopting a digital strategy for the 2024-2027 period. This strategy includes an incubator (BMAQ Innovation Hub) aimed at supporting Palestinian youth projects in the fields of innovation and renewal.
On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, BMAQ will present to stakeholders, partners, and funders at the exhibition venue the key aspects of its digital strategy under the theme: “Digital Development in the Service of Economic and Social Development in Al-Quds.” This presentation will also include other elements of its annual action plan for the Holy City, in line with the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God preserve him, the Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee.
Also participating in the Agency’s incubator pavilion at the exhibition is “Act+Tech,” which offers smart technology solutions to help companies enhance their transportation services through innovative systems. “Healers” is developing a medical device aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of sternotomy (chest bone cutting) procedures to enhance quality of life. Meanwhile, “Metajer” is showcasing its platform specialized in connecting and networking merchants with suppliers.
In this regard, BMAQ is establishing an institutional pavilion alongside a dedicated space for the project incubator, showcasing five Palestinian start-ups. One of these is “Data Deeper,” which has created a tool for automating competitive information in e-commerce, allowing for effortless tracking of competitor offers and market trends. Another notable start-up, “Kanz,” has introduced an innovative AI-driven lending platform designed to evaluate customers’ creditworthiness and enhance financial inclusion for those seeking loans.
The cohort of Palestinian start-ups participating in the Dubai 2024 exhibition is the second of its kind to be sponsored by the BMAQ Agency through its Innovation and Renewal Projects Incubator. This follows the success of the first cohort, which took part in the “GITEX Africa” exhibition in Marrakech last July.
The Agency provides beneficiaries, selected based on specific criteria set by a special committee of experts and institutional representatives, with an intensive incubation program. This program includes 190 hours of interactive lessons over a five-month period, focusing on entrepreneurial support and enhancing project advocacy mechanisms, while building confidence and resilience. Additionally, the program offers beneficiaries access to financing and investment opportunities that may arise from their participation in prestigious international exhibitions like the “GITEX” global events.
It is worth noting that the “Expand North Star” exhibition in Dubai provides an opportunity for over 1,800 start-ups from 100 countries to showcase their products in the field of digital technology. The event attracts entrepreneurs, investors, and financial institutions, offering a unique platform to explore growth opportunities and contribute to shaping the future of the digital economy.
