News

Riyadh Techstars Accelerator Program To Continue In 2023

The startup funding initiative will work with entrepreneurs to grow and scale MENA companies.

Published

2 years ago

January 26, 2023

riyadh techstars accelerator program to continue in 2023

After wrapping up the inaugural round of The Riyadh Techstars Accelerator in 2022 with investments in 11 portfolio businesses, the program’s organizers have confirmed the continuation of the initiative for 2023.

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Saudi National Bank, and RAED Ventures will come together for the pre-seed investor round, comprising a 13-week program that will run from June through to September 2023.

According to a recent press release, 2023’s Riyadh Techstars Accelerator will work with entrepreneurs to establish and expand innovative companies in the MENA region while developing a comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Saudi Arabia’s IT sector — currently worth over $40 billion and supporting over 318,000 jobs — is quickly becoming a leading global force.

“The nation is also making significant strides in enabling diversity in the workforce, with more women employed in the ICT industry. Agility and resilience, powered by talent and technology, have enabled Saudi Arabia to reach new heights,” says Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

Also Read: How To Find The Best Remote Work Opportunities In The Middle East

Startups from across the Middle East and Saudi-based entrepreneurs can now submit their applications to the 2023 Riyadh Techstars Accelerator. This year’s event promises a packed schedule of fundraising opportunities, workshops, mentorship, and networking.

“I am enthusiastic about the growth of the Saudi Arabian and broader Middle East startup ecosystem. Between the Kingdom’s investment in entrepreneurship and its central location, Riyadh can attract global startup talent for the entire region. Part of what we do at Techstars is to help founders connect their innovation with the rest of the world,” says Maëlle Gavet, CEO of Techstars.

News

Samsung Smart Glasses Teased For January, Software Reveal Imminent

According to Korean sources, the new wearable will launch alongside the Galaxy S25, with the accompanying software platform unveiled this December.

Published

2 days ago

December 4, 2024

Nour Nasir

samsung smart glasses teased for january software reveal imminent

Samsung appears poised to introduce its highly anticipated smart glasses in January 2025, alongside the launch of the Galaxy S25. According to sources in Korea, the company will first reveal the accompanying software platform later this month.

As per a report from Yonhap News, Samsung’s unveiling strategy for the smart glasses echoes its approach with the Galaxy Ring earlier this year. The January showcase won’t constitute a full product launch but will likely feature teaser visuals at the Galaxy S25 event. A more detailed rollout could follow in subsequent months.

Just in: Samsung is set to unveil a prototype of its augmented reality (AR) glasses, currently in development, during the Galaxy S25 Unpacked event early next year, likely in the form of videos or images.

Additionally, prior to revealing the prototype, Samsung plans to introduce…

— Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) December 3, 2024

The Galaxy Ring, for example, debuted in January via a short presentation during Samsung’s Unpacked event. The full product unveiling came later at MWC in February, and the final release followed in July. Samsung seems to be adopting a similar phased approach with its smart glasses, which are expected to hit the market in the third quarter of 2025.

A Collaborative Software Effort

Samsung’s partnership with Google has played a key role in developing the smart glasses’ software. This collaboration was first announced in February 2023, with the device set to run on an Android-based platform. In July, the companies reiterated their plans to deliver an extended reality (XR) platform by the end of the year. The software specifics for the XR device are expected to be unveiled before the end of December.

Reports suggest that the smart glasses will resemble Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in functionality. They won’t include a display but will weigh approximately 50 grams, emphasizing a lightweight, user-friendly design.

Feature Set And Compatibility

The glasses are rumored to integrate Google’s Gemini technology, alongside features like gesture recognition and potential payment capabilities. Samsung aims to create a seamless user experience by integrating the glasses with its broader Galaxy ecosystem, starting with the Galaxy S25, slated for release on January 22.