logo
Aria Ventures launches $1 million fund to bolster deeptech investment in Egypt

Aria Ventures launches $1 million fund to bolster deeptech investment in Egypt

Wamda4 days ago

Aria Ventures, an Egypt-based venture studio focused on building deeptech startups, has announced the launch of a $1 million (EGP 50 million) investment to support promising early-stage companies between 2025 and 2026. The firm plans to grow this commitment to $4 million over the next four years.
The fund targets high-impact innovation across deeptech sectors, including industry, agriculture, healthcare, AI and machine learning, biotechnology, IoT, nanotechnology, robotics, and other science-driven fields with complex technical challenges.
Aria Ventures' model combines hands-on company building—from idea validation and team assembly to infrastructure support—with strategic capital deployment to bridge the gap between pioneering research and market-ready startups.
As part of its innovation strategy, Aria Ventures recently launched the DeepTecher competition, designed to scout and transform cutting-edge research into viable deep-tech startups. Winners will receive funding and tailored support through the studio's programmes.
Beyond capital, Aria Ventures provides end-to-end support, including R&D, product development, market research, legal services, and commercialisation advisory—aiming to position Egyptian startups as leaders in the global deep-tech ecosystem.
Press release:
Aria Ventures, a specialised venture studio focused on building startups, has announced the launch of a 50 million EGP investment to support promising companies in the Deep-Technology sector. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between pioneering research and market applications, enabling deep technological innovations to grow and flourish.
Aria Ventures aims to increase this funding to EGP 200 million over the next four years, reinforcing its commitment to supporting deep technological innovation in the region.
Aria Ventures operates as a venture studio, concentrating on Deep-Technology innovation across diverse sectors. These sectors include industry, agriculture, healthcare, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, Biotechnology, industrial digitalisation, Internet of Things (IoT), Nanotechnology, robotics, and other fields that rely on profound scientific and technical innovation.
Dr Amr Al-Awamry, CEO of Aria Ventures, stated, "We work on building startups from the ground up by validating ideas, assembling teams, providing technical and commercial infrastructure, and supporting projects through early growth stages." He added, "The company's model combines strategic capital deployment with direct involvement to bridge the gap between pioneering research and market-ready startups."
Aria Ventures has allocated EGP 50 million in funding to support companies in the Deep-Technology sector between 2025 and 2026.
In line with its commitment to fostering innovation, Aria Ventures recently launched the DeepTecher competition. This competition aims to discover and nurture technological research and transform it into promising Deep-Technology projects. The competition provides a platform for innovators to showcase their technologies and receive the necessary support to turn them into successful startups. It includes several evaluation and mentoring stages and offers valuable prizes and funding opportunities for winning projects through Aria Ventures.
For more information about the DeepTecher competition and how to apply, please visit the competition's website: www.deeptecher.com.
Al-Awamry added that this step underscores Aria Ventures' commitment to supporting deep technological innovation in the region, contributing to a knowledge-based economy driven by advanced technologies, and enhancing the position of Egyptian startups in the global Deep-Technology landscape.
In addition to financial support, Aria Ventures provides comprehensive assistance to companies by offering a wide range of technical and consulting services crucial for early-stage startups. These services include market research, Research and Development (R&D), product development services, legal services, and many more, all aimed at enabling these companies to achieve their maximum potential and successfully reach the market.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sharjah Islamic Bank Wins Sharjah Gulf Excellence Award 2024
Sharjah Islamic Bank Wins Sharjah Gulf Excellence Award 2024

Al Bawaba

timea day ago

  • Al Bawaba

Sharjah Islamic Bank Wins Sharjah Gulf Excellence Award 2024

Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) was awarded the Sharjah Excellence Award (SEA) in the 'Sharjah Gulf Excellence' category for its 2024 edition, organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This recognition comes in appreciation of the SIB's significant initiatives and institutional achievements, which have played a key role in cementing its position as one of the leading banking institutions in the UAE and the region. This honor follows the recent inclusion of the bank in the "Top 100 Companies in the Middle East for 2024" list, according to Forbes magazine, a clear indication of its strong institutional performance and its sustainable and innovative business Investment in Vital Sectors Locally and Regionally, Enhancing National Economic Competitiveness, and Establishing Sharjah as a Leading Business and Innovation HubOn this occasion, HE Mohamed Abdalla, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank, said: "We draw inspiration for all our initiatives and strategic directions from the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, may God protect him, which drives us toward excellence and leadership. At Sharjah Islamic Bank, we are committed to being an active part of the economic system by supporting investment in vital sectors locally, regionally, and globally, enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy, and reinforcing Sharjah's position as a leading center for business and innovation."He added: "We will continue to reinforce a culture of innovation and responsibility at SIB, moving forward with pioneering banking initiatives that have a real impact on society and the economy. This includes empowering entrepreneurs, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and expanding our regional partnerships to contribute to comprehensive and sustainable development. This aligns with our vision of providing a renewed banking model that supports national and Gulf aspirations." He also pointed out that this recognition reflects the trust institutions place in our message and the SIB's approach, which is based on sustainability through advanced financial solutions that meet the aspirations of various segments of society and align with the UAE's vision in the financial sector.A Financial Institution Committed to ExcellenceThis award represents a new milestone in the continued success of Sharjah Islamic Bank, reinforcing its status as a leading financial institution committed to excellence and contributing effectively to driving the economy forward according to the highest global standards. This recognition adds to the SIB's growing portfolio of awards and achievements at the local, regional, and international levels in various sectors, including institutional innovation, banking services, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. It is worth noting that the " Sharjah Excellence Award" is one of the most prestigious institutional awards in the region. Launched in 1990 under the umbrella of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the award aims to enhance competitiveness, foster a culture of quality and excellence, and encourage institutions to adopt best administrative and economic practices. This aligns perfectly with the approach adopted by SIB in all its operations and initiatives.

Swiss-Belhotel International Shaping Guest Journeys by Blending Smart Technology with Human Touch
Swiss-Belhotel International Shaping Guest Journeys by Blending Smart Technology with Human Touch

Al Bawaba

timea day ago

  • Al Bawaba

Swiss-Belhotel International Shaping Guest Journeys by Blending Smart Technology with Human Touch

As guest expectations evolve rapidly in line with advancing technology, Swiss-Belhotel International, a global hospitality group with a presence in over 20 countries, is elevating hotel experiences through innovation, human-centric technology, and purposeful 18 diverse brands under its umbrella, Swiss-Belhotel International is uniquely positioned to respond to shifting travel trends across all segments, from economy to luxury, and from city hotels to wellness A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations & Development, EMAI; and Senior Vice President, Group Human Resources & Talent Development at Swiss-Belhotel International, said: 'In today's world, guest expectations are no longer dictated by traditional star ratings alone but by authenticity, digital convenience, and a sense of purpose. At Swiss-Belhotel International, with a guest-first approach, we are committed to delivering meaningful and personalised experiences at every touchpoint.'Recent industry research indicates that over 70% of travellers now prefer digital options for check-in, service requests, and concierge functions, while 78% want their travel to positively impact the communities they visit. Laurent stressed, 'From pre-opening to operational launch, we are focused on local relevance, and digital readiness as well as sustainability. We embed technology and team culture into our pre-opening strategy to ensure a cohesive and brand-aligned guest journey from day one.'Swiss-Belhotel International continues to invest in smart systems and AI integration to offer seamless personalisation. According to a recent Skift study, AI-driven personalisation can boost guest satisfaction by 24% and improve upsell conversions by 30%. 'Our aim is not to replace people with technology, but to empower them,' noted Laurent. 'We believe in freeing our teams from routine tasks so they can focus on what truly matters is delivering memorable, human moments. Whether it's creating spaces where families can connect, or providing retreats that promote personal well-being, our hotels are designed to restore and inspire.' Swiss-Belhotel International sees adaptability as a key pillar of its succes. With guest behaviours, technology, and global conditions evolving in tandem, the group remains agile in its response.

NetApp Report Highlights Fierce Competition in Global AI Leadership
NetApp Report Highlights Fierce Competition in Global AI Leadership

Al Bawaba

time2 days ago

  • Al Bawaba

NetApp Report Highlights Fierce Competition in Global AI Leadership

NetApp® (NASDAQ: NTAP), the intelligent data infrastructure company, today released its new report, The AI Space Race, examining which countries are leading the fierce global competition to become the world leader in AI innovation. While some countries are further ahead than others, this survey of CEOs and IT executives in the U.S., China, the U.K., and India found that every player has the potential to thrive in the global race for AI is no longer optional for business, and the region that leads the world in AI innovation will be well-positioned to be a technological superpower, and drive potential benefits like economic growth, improved quality of life, and global political influence in the years to come. Successfully fueling AI innovation requires organizations to prepare their data to make it accessible, secure, and scalable—wherever it lives—to produce trusted and valuable outcomes.'In the 'Space Race' of the 1960's, world powers rushed to accelerate scientific innovation for the sake of national pride. The outcomes of the 'AI Space Race' will shape the world for decades to come,' said Gabie Boko, CMO at NetApp. 'The companies and regions that can get their data ready for AI will be able to generate differentiating business insights and unlock operational efficiencies that launch them ahead of their rivals. Intelligent, scalable, secure data infrastructure is a decisive factor as the global competition drives businesses to solidify their AI ambitions and understand how they translate into a true, lasting advantage.'The AI Space Race is Still Anyone's GameWhen asked what region is best positioned to lead AI innovation in the long term, respondents from every country overwhelmingly pointed to the U.S. (43 percent).However, everyone sees themselves as AI ready, and every region views themselves as competitive in the global AI innovation race. The report shows that 81 percent of global respondents are currently piloting or scaling AI, while 88 percent view their organization as mostly or completely ready to sustain AI transformation. The massive investment in AI innovation around the globe shows that everyone is working to become the world leader in AI innovation. However, some countries are working harder than others, with respondents from India (29%) and UK (32%) reporting that they feel extra pressure to compete as China and US are seen as clear leaders. With all this fierce rivalry and active investment, the field is wide open for any country to achieve that the global differences in the state of AI innovation are diverging priorities in how it is implemented. Respondents in China put a much greater focus on scalability with 35 percent ranking it as a top capability—11 percent higher than the global average—suggesting a focus on rapid deployment to make an early impact. By contrast, leaders in the U.S., U.K., and India put a greater emphasis on integration with existing systems. This long-term strategy to enable sustained AI growth may result in greater business value in the future, though the short-term approach may drive more immediate Business Ambitions and Technology RealityWhile organizations are focused on turbocharging AI innovation, CEOs and IT leaders need to be aligned on the state of their technology environments and plans to drive long term success and China, the survey indicates there is a critical misalignment between Chinese CEOs and IT leaders on both AI readiness and actual deployment, which could hinder its long-term leadership potential: 92 percent of Chinese CEOs report active AI projects, compared to just 74 percent of Chinese IT leaders. In the United States, alignment is stronger—77 percent of CEOs and 86 percent of IT leaders say the same. Perceptions of AI readiness are also misaligned. While 68 percent of Chinese CEOs consider their organizations AI-ready (versus 62 percent globally), only 58 percent of their IT counterparts agree (versus 72 percent globally). In the United States, CEO and IT readiness is more closely aligned at 60 percent and 61 percent, respectively. These differences suggest that internal alignment—not just ambition—may shape how AI strategies are executed, depending on region and concerns about the quality of results from AI projects have the potential to slow down innovation if they are not addressed. Globally, 79 percent of respondents reported a fear of broken models and biased insights resulting from poor data and cloud strategies. Businesses that want to tap into the opportunity of AI innovation will need strong data governance strategies to serve as the foundation for their digital transformation.'One of the most significant success factors in the AI Space Race will be data infrastructure and data management, supported by cloud solutions that are agile, secure and scalable,' said Russell Fishman, Senior Director, Product Management at NetApp. 'Winning organizations will be those that recognize that they require an intelligent data infrastructure in place to ensure unfettered AI innovation. This is critical no matter the company size, industry or geography. As organizations around the world embrace AI at scale, NetApp is there to help them extract maximum value from their data by creating an AI ready data infrastructure that unifies, manages and harnesses their data for optimal AI outcomes.' The AI Space Race is just getting started, but the organizations that can move the fastest will lead in AI innovation. The fierce competition highlighted by this report shows that businesses need to find an edge that will help them leverage AI securely and efficiently to stay a step ahead of their peers, no matter how fast the race evolves. Adopting an intelligent data infrastructure offers organizations unparalleled flexibility and agility to move into the cloud when needed, scale AI workloads seamlessly, reduce costs, and quickly adapt to evolving business needs. As AI increasingly moves from generating content to taking action, businesses need security that starts with the data itself. Only an intelligent data infrastructure delivers a full chain of trust, empowering enterprises to move fast, without compromising control.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store