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 innovation.Led 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 ecosystem.Among 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 vehicles.The 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 Aletihad.Vcharge 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 said.The Vcharge founder admitted that scaling EV solutions is both costly and complex but with the support from KFED, the company grew and landed key partnerships.With 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 Aletihad.HyveGeo creates microbe-enriched biochar tailored to arid regions, helping restore soil health and combat climate change while supporting global environmental goals through carbon credits.By 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 systems.HyveGeo 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 said.The 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 Technology.In the tech sphere, the company initially faced legal and trust issues but with the support of KFED, it managed to build credibility.With 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 Aletihad.SENIAR 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.'
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