Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

Envisioning a more sustainable future – climate change in the spotlight at inaugural SuperBridge Summit Dubai

Published

3 years ago

on

SuperBridge Summit

The role of collaboration between emerging and G20 markets, the GCC as a clean energy hub, and smart living technologies in the energy transition all on the agenda

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 13, 2023/APO Group/ — 

With the UAE all set to host the United Nations’ 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in November, next week’s inaugural SuperBridge Summit Dubai (www.SuperBridgeDubai.com)- taking place at the Museum of the Future in Dubai on 16-17 October 2023 – will bring together diverse thought leaders and visionaries from around the interconnected world to discuss the role that countries can play in envisioning and contributing towards a more sustainable future for all.

Driving the world’s energy transition

“The Earth’s future is at stake, and it needs emerging economies to transition to greener and cleaner energy systems” according to Dr. Nasser Saidi, Founder and Chairman of the Clean Energy Business Council, a non-profit, non-governmental association that brings together leading local and international organizations in the MENA clean energy sector from both the private and public spheres.

He continued: “I am a firm believer that the GCC can take centre stage in the global energy transition. As the GCC undertakes massive investments in renewable energy and moves towards achieving its NZE goals, not only can the GCC leverage its advantageous location at the heart of the global sunbelt and secure pole position as lowest cost producer of solar power, but the region’s experience with developing and using climate tech could also help export technologies such as desalination, district cooling and desert agriculture.”

“The region’s financial centres have the resources and expertise to become international centres for climate, green and blue finance – investment with positive impacts on the oceans. This will…[not only] accelerate the GCC’s energy transition and economic diversification plans… [but also] build on existing and growing trade and investment relations that the GCC has with emerging nations, especially Africa & Asia,” said Dr. Saidi.

Role of technology in promoting sustainable urban development

Consumers today are increasingly conscious of their purchasing choices and their impact in the long-term. A reflection of this can be seen in the trends related to smart living technologies. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI), touchless technology, smart thermostats, and health tech, smart living technologies not only offer convenience but also contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. 

At the Summit, Dr. Chao Wang, Founder and CEO of Ambilight, a world-leading electrochromic technology developer will share insights into “how our electrochromic technology is at the forefront of shaping the future of urban living by making it more comfortable, efficient, sustainable, and user-centric.”

“Our vision is to usher in a new era where technology harmoniously integrates with urban life, creating environments that are not just smarter but also more enriching and enjoyable for everyone,” he continued.

The Earth’s future is at stake, and it needs emerging economies to transition to greener and cleaner energy systems

Touching on his outlook for smart living, Dr. Wang shared that: “The smart living industry and sustainable urban planning in 2024 will be characterized by the integration of smart glass solutions into urban landscapes. These solutions not only enhance comfort and well-being but also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability, aligning perfectly with the principles of ESG. As more glass becomes an integral part of cities, it is imperative that it becomes smarter and greener, ensuring that people can enjoy comfortable, natural environments while upholding a commitment to a more sustainable and eco-conscious future. We hope everyone can enjoy natural light.”

Looking further ahead, Dr. Wang added: “In the next 5-10 years, smart living technologies are expected to undergo significant development, transformation, and innovation, which will also bring about changes to urban areas. Smart living technologies will shape urban areas in the next 5-10 years by creating smart cities, transportation, homes, and agriculture. These technologies will also help to promote economic development for different regions by reducing costs, improving efficiency, creating new businesses and markets, improving people’s living standards and quality of life, and promoting sustainable urban development.”           

Michael Sheren, President of MVGX, a leading green fintech group, and Former Chairman of G20, is a Summit speaker on transforming the energy landscape through alliances in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. He believes that “there should be an ongoing conversation between the G20 countries and emerging markets on how to provide them [emerging markets] with a just, fair and deserving climate resilient economy led by key infrastructure projects starting with renewable energy,”

“At the SuperBridge Summit Dubai, I’m looking forward to interacting with a collection of conviction driven experienced professionals and experts looking to provide ideas and solutions on the important issues of our time,” he continued.

Exploring transformative opportunity at the summit

With 2023 declared as the Year of Sustainability in the UAE, the SuperBridge Summit Dubai will aim to dive deeper into similar trends that are driving developed and emerging economies on their green energy transition journeys, while advancing climate finance opportunities. This will be an important area of focus for us as the Summit will ignite, connect and unite future-minded, action-oriented leaders from the world’s fastest growing economies to explore transformative opportunities across the world.

The inaugural SuperBridge Summit, taking place from 16-17 October 2023 at Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future will be a unique platform converging more than 500 investors, business, government, policy and cultural leaders from 20 countries to accelerate investment and co-creation opportunities in hitherto untapped and under-explored markets.

A pioneering initiative by KAOUN International, a subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), and the SuperBridge Council, the SuperBridge Summit Dubai will be held in partnership with the 43rd edition of GITEX Global, the world’s largest and most influential tech event hosted in Dubai, attracting tech executives and investors from 170 countries.

More information is available at www.SuperBridgeDubai.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SuperBridge Summit Dubai.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Business

Novum Studio Secures New Funding to Launch Ahoy Project, an AI-Native Enterprise Transformation Platform, Building on Its 20-Million-User Gen Z App Frog

Published

1 day ago

on

July 24, 2026

By

Novum Studio
  • Novum Studio has raised a new round of funding to launch Ahoy Project, its enterprise AI solution, with internal testing scheduled for July 2026.
  • Ahoy Project is positioned as the infrastructure for AI-native enterprise transformation – an AI-native communication platform serving as the underlying system, delivered as an end-to-end tailored solution.
  • The launch expands the company beyond Frog, its Gen Z consumer social app that has reached 20 million users across the U.S. and Europe.
  • Novum Studio said it is applying lessons from operating high-frequency social platforms at scale to workplace communication and knowledge systems.

NEW YORK, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – Novum Studio, the company behind Frog – a Gen Z social app often described as a “new-generation Snapchat” – said it has raised a new round of funding and will use the proceeds to launch Ahoy Project, an AI-native enterprise communication and collaboration platform, with internal testing scheduled for July 2026.

The Novum Studio team at London Tech Week 2025.

Unlike conventional workplace software, Ahoy Project will not be sold as a standalone software subscription, the company said. Novum Studio provides the infrastructure and a full tailored solution for enterprises undergoing AI-native transformation, with the communication platform serving as the underlying system on which that transformation is built.

Founded as a consumer social company, Novum Studio has reached more than 20 million users across the U.S. and Europe. Frog gained traction among younger users through spontaneous, real-time sharing designed around authenticity and low-pressure interaction. The company said its experience building large-scale social “spaces” – where millions of people communicate, form groups and coordinate in real time — directly informs its approach to enterprise collaboration.

The new funding will support the launch and international expansion of the enterprise business as artificial intelligence reshapes how organizations communicate, collaborate and operate, the company said.

Novum Studio was founded by Anna Danyi, who graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in 2018 and began her career in consulting and technology. Before founding Novum Studio, she built multiple consumer applications and exited through an acquisition. In 2025, Forbes China recognized her among the Top 100 most influential global Chinese figures in AI digital products area.

“We spent years understanding how millions of users communicate online,” Anna Danyi said. “In the AI era, communication itself is becoming intelligent. We believe the next generation of platforms will not only connect people — they will understand workflows, collaboration and organizational behavior.”

From Consumer Social to Enterprise AI

Modern organizations face growing challenges as critical knowledge, decisions and workflows become fragmented across chats, meetings and disconnected tools, the company said. Ahoy Project addresses this as a conversation-driven, AI-native collaboration layer: it captures context from day-to-day communication to build a searchable enterprise knowledge base and support workflow coordination.

Core capabilities include conversation-based knowledge organization, AI-assisted collaboration and workflow support integrated directly into team communication. Because the platform sits at the layer where work is discussed and decided, it can serve as the foundation for a broader AI-native operating model – with Novum Studio designing and delivering the surrounding transformation solution for each enterprise client.

Ahoy (Popeye AI) turns everyday team conversations into a searchable enterprise knowledge base.

A New Direction for Social Technology

Novum Studio said its expansion reflects a broader shift across the technology industry. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram defined how content was distributed and consumed in the mobile social era; as AI becomes embedded in digital products, the company believes the next stage will center less on feeds and more on intelligent systems that understand communication and coordination.

“We are no longer just building products where people post content,” Anna Danyi said. “We are building systems that understand how humans communicate and operate together.”
 

Continue Reading

Energy

Venezuela Energy Week to Host Houston Industry Showcase, Unlocking United States (U.S.) Commercial Engagement Ahead of October Summit

Published

2 days ago

on

July 24, 2026

By

African Energy Chamber

Ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2026, U.S. exploration companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers and investors are invited to explore commercial opportunities across Venezuela’s upstream sector at the Houston Industry Showcase next month

HOUSTON, United States of America, July 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Venezuela Energy Week will host an Industry Showcase in Houston on August 18, 2026: a targeted industry roadshow designed to engage U.S. energy stakeholders ahead of the October summit. Held at The Post Oak Hotel, the showcase will convene senior representatives from across the U.S. upstream ecosystem – including exploration and production companies, Texas-based independents, oilfield service companies, engineering and technology firms, commercial banks, private equity firms and family offices – to assess commercial pathways for participation in Venezuela’s energy sector.

 

As Venezuela looks to expand production, U.S. companies remain well positioned to contribute technical expertise, capital and operational capabilities across the upstream value chain. Chevron’s longstanding presence in the country highlights the continued importance of U.S. industry participation, while the scale of Venezuela’s resource base continues to attract interest from major international energy companies, including ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips. Opportunities extend across exploration, field development, production optimization, infrastructure rehabilitation and digital modernization as Venezuela seeks to strengthen its energy sector.

 

Demand is also expected to grow for oilfield service companies, engineering firms, technology providers and financial institutions that can support upstream investment and project execution. Companies including SLB, Halliburton and Baker Hughes have been identified as potential partners in advancing production optimization and infrastructure rehabilitation, while commercial banks, private equity firms and family offices will play an important role in financing future investment opportunities.

 

Against this backdrop, the Houston Industry Showcase will provide a structured engagement platform at a time when select international operators continue to operate under U.S. Treasury-authorized frameworks, and where policy considerations in the U.S. continue to shape engagement parameters in Venezuela’s energy sector.

 

The event will enable U.S. exploration companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers and investors to assess technical and commercial pathways across exploration, field services, project delivery and broader supply chain opportunities, while supporting early-stage dialogue between international investors and Venezuela-focused stakeholders in a structured commercial environment ahead of the October summit.

 

To register for the Houston Industry Showcase on August 18, visit www.venezuelaenergyweek.com/rsvp-houston. To learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the showcase or to secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2026 in Caracas this October, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

 

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery

 

Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

 

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4fM0rLr).

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Continue Reading

Business

Africa Trade Gateway Delivers US$5.3-Million Cross-Border Transaction in First Energy Sector Trade in Southern Africa

Published

2 days ago

on

July 24, 2026

By

Afreximbank

The transaction represents an important milestone for both the participating institu-tions and the ATG ecosystem as it marked Innbucks Microbank’s first completed transaction through the platform and the ATG’s first recorded energy-sector transac-tion in Southern Africa

HARARE, Zimbabwe, July 23, 2026/APO Group/ –A US$5.3-million cross-border fuel (gasoil) trade transaction has been successfully completed with support of the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG), African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank’s) (www.Afreximbank.com) flagship digital trade ecosystem, demonstrating the value and efficacy of the Gateway in powering African trade.

The transaction, which saw Zimbabwean fuel importer Witeva Trading source a gasoil shipment from a leading commodity trader and supplier in Switzerland, with Innbucks Microbank Ltd. participating as the local issuing financial institution and Afreximbank providing confirmation support under agreed trade finance structure, demonstrates how African businesses can leverage one connected ecosystem to identify opportunities, access finance and complete international trade more efficiently.

The ATG made it possible for the commercial opportunity to be connected to the right ecosystem participants, bringing together the buyer, supplier and participating financial institutions to support a successful execution of the transaction.

The transaction represents an important milestone for both the participating institutions and the ATG ecosystem as it marked Innbucks Microbank’s first completed transaction through the platform and the ATG’s first recorded energy-sector transaction in Southern Africa.

This transaction demonstrates the value of bringing African businesses and financial institutions together through one connected trade ecosystem

It also demonstrates how African Businesses can use a single digital ecosystem to identify commercial opportunities, connect with verified counterparties, access trade-finance support and execute cross-border transactions more efficiently.

Peter Olowononi, Director, Regional Operations, Southern Africa, at Afreximbank, said:

“This transaction demonstrates the value of bringing African businesses and financial institutions together through one connected trade ecosystem. By creating a digital ecosystem to expand access to trade finance, Afreximbank is enabling more businesses to participate easily in regional and international trade.”

Emeka Onyia, Director, Digital Business, at Afreximbank, added:

“The Africa Trade Gateway is more than a mere digital platform; it is the ecosystem that helps trade happen. We help businesses discover opportunities, connect with trusted buyers, suppliers and financial institutions, and facilitate the journey from commercial opportunity to completed transactions. Every successful deal strengthens the network, attracts new participants and creates more opportunities for African trade.”

“As more businesses, banks and trade partners join the ecosystem, every successful transaction expands the marketplace, strengthens trust across the network and increases opportunities for future trade,” Mr. Onyia added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Continue Reading

Trending