Intelligent SME.tech Issue 38 | Page 57

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// REGIONAL ROUND-UP //

AFRICA | APAC | EUROPE | MIDDLE EAST | NORTH AMERICA

ACCREDIFY FROM SINGAPORE BEATS 260 START-UPS TO WIN 2023 SUPERNOVA CHALLENGE

Accredify , a Singapore-based start-up and service provider for issuing verifiable documents and information , emerged as the champion of the 2023 Supernova Challenge at Expand North Star Dubai , the world ’ s largest start-up event . The start-up received the US $ 100,000 grand prize after an intense final round of pitching against 27 global finalists from 521 entries .

The Supernova Challenge , in partnership with the Dubai Future District Fund , is the region ’ s biggest start-up pitch competition , offering US $ 200,000 in total cash prizes . The challenge was a key feature of Expand North Star Dubai , which hosted its biggest edition this year . It attracted over 1,800 + start-ups
from over 100 countries to explore the emerging opportunities in Dubai ’ s dynamic , diverse and techdriven digital economy .
Simon Gordon , Chief Commercial Officer of the winning team , said : “ Supernova 2023 has been an incredible experience . It ’ s surreal to win this challenge at Expand North Star . This region , particularly the UAE , has so many great opportunities , and we are excited about using this prize money to expand our presence here .”
One of the judges at Supernova , Sharif El-Badawi , CEO of Dubai Future District Fund , said : “ It is

THIS REGION , PARTICULARLY THE UAE , HAS SO MANY GREAT OPPORTUNITIES , AND WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT USING THIS PRIZE MONEY TO EXPAND OUR PRESENCE HERE .
encouraging to see a shift towards sustainable solutions that are better for the planet and its people . We witnessed several start-ups delivering concise yet compelling pitches that could impact our lives . The pitches we witnessed here at the Supernova Challenge are brimming with promise , unique innovations and inspiring ideas .”
An expertly curated list of categories covered the latest trends in tech , inviting start-ups to showcase innovations that can solve some of our most pressing challenges . These included AI Disruptor , Fintech & Ecommerce Disruptor , Blockchain & Web3 Disruptor , Mobility & Smart Cities Disruptor , Healthtech & Wellness Disruptor , Martech Disruptor , Insurtech Disruptor in partnership with MENA Insuretech , Female Founder Award in partnership with the Sharjah Businesswomen Council , Africa Fast Award presented by GITEX Africa , Asia Fast Award , India Fast Award and the Top MENA Award . In collaboration with GITEX Impact and Future Urbanism , Expand North Star also awarded the most proficient Sustainability and ESG Disruptor .
Thirteen category winners representing the USA , India , UAE , South Korea , France , UK , Nigeria , Switzerland , China and Bangladesh took home US $ 8,000 each in prize money , while the winner of the Female Founder Award won US $ 10,000 .
The Supernova Challenge featured 40 start-ups selected from the Expand North Star global roadshow , a series of international pitch competitions held by the Dubai World Trade Centre and DCDE to attract startups to Dubai and foster collaborations with digital ecosystems in various countries . �
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