News related to
Partnerships

India is dispatching over 450 technology firms and startups to GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, anchoring the India Pavilion under the aegis of ESC. The pavilion will span multiple halls and spotlight more than 100 Indian enterprises across sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, IoT, smart mobility, fintech and digital infrastructure. Organisations will also engage in high-stakes networking, investor roundtables and B2B matchmaking.

GITEX Global 2025, running from 13 to 17 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre, draws more than 6,800 tech companies and some 2,000 startups from about 180 countries. It is expected to be the largest edition to date, integrating themes such as physical AI, quantum computing, biomedicine and semiconductor innovation. Across the co-located Expand North Star event, over 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding US$1.1 trillion will scout opportunities among scale-ups and unicorns.

The India Pavilion marks a concerted push to convert India–UAE strategic frameworks into tangible tech commerce. With the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and the Local Currency Settlement System operational, cross-border ICT trade has surged. Bilateral trade crossed US$100 billion during fiscal year 2024–25, and electronics exports alone reached US$3.7 billion, positioning the UAE as a key destination for Indian hardware shipments.

At a preparatory briefing, Kamal Vachani, ESC’s regional director for Dubai, described the pavilion as more than a display — “a living showcase of India’s tech prowess and growing synergy with the UAE.” ESC’s CEO, Gurmeet Singh, noted that many participating companies are MSMEs or first-time exporters, and that the pavilion aligns with India’s ambition to emerge as a global electronics hub.

India’s strategy at GITEX goes beyond sheer numbers. Firms are bringing solutions purpose-built for global markets — from smart city platforms to blockchain-enabled supply chains. The pavilion will host curated sessions on cross-border compliance, regulatory alignment, and scalable deployment across Middle Eastern and African markets.

For the UAE, the event reinforces its vision of acting as a global nexus for innovation and capital. Major corporate names such as G42, e&, IBM, AMD, Huawei, Microsoft, Oracle and Amazon Web Services will anchor the exhibitions. New entrants including Cerebras, Tata Electronics, Qualcomm and Tenstorrent will attempt to break in. The show also emphasises future-critical infrastructure: hyperscale data centres, quantum systems, and semiconductor roadmaps are front and centre.

Globally, one of the event’s linchpin themes is the maturation of AI into domain-specific systems. The AI Semicon track will address sovereign technology imperatives in chip design, while the Quantum Expo will present fault-tolerant architectures. At the intersection of AI and healthcare, companies like Mammoth Biosciences and Paradromics will illustrate how gene-editing and neurotech are being reimagined. Robotics firms will showcase humanoid prototypes and autonomous “robocars,” underscoring the pivot to “physical AI.”

Strategic partnerships form a parallel narrative. India and the UAE are finalising memorandum exchanges via the UAE-India Business Council to deepen collaboration across fintech, logistics, digital infrastructure and state-level investment. The CEPA Start-up Series launched earlier this year in New Delhi underscores a joint intent to foster innovation-led cross-border growth.

The company’s market cap, now placing it among the most valuable companies globally, reflects its strategic positioning at the centre of critical technological trends. Nvidia’s GPU technology has become indispensable in fields ranging from gaming to machine learning and data analytics. Its leadership in AI applications, particularly in areas like autonomous driving and generative AI, has been a key driver behind its expanding market reach.

The surge in Nvidia’s market cap follows impressive quarterly earnings, which showed a substantial increase in revenue, particularly driven by its data centre segment. Analysts attribute the company’s growth to its cutting-edge products, including the A100 and H100 GPUs, which have cemented Nvidia’s reputation as the leading provider of AI computing hardware. These advancements are now crucial to many sectors, including cloud computing, gaming, and large-scale enterprise solutions.

Nvidia’s ability to capitalise on the increasing integration of AI into business processes and consumer products has been pivotal to its success. The company’s GPUs power most of the leading AI platforms, including those used in cloud data centres, where the demand for advanced computational power continues to soar. Moreover, Nvidia’s partnerships with tech giants and startups alike have positioned it as an essential player in the development of AI tools and infrastructure.

In addition to its AI-driven growth, Nvidia has capitalised on the gaming industry, where its GPUs remain a cornerstone for high-performance graphics. The booming popularity of esports and virtual reality, as well as the continual advancement of gaming hardware, has kept Nvidia in a dominant position within this sector. Its GPUs power not only personal gaming rigs but also high-end consoles and cloud-based gaming services, further amplifying its market presence.

The company’s stock performance has consistently outpaced the broader technology sector, with a remarkable acceleration in share prices following its strategic shift towards AI and machine learning. Investors have been particularly bullish on Nvidia, with many analysts forecasting continued growth driven by the company’s investments in next-generation technologies and its expanding footprint in emerging markets like AI-driven healthcare, robotics, and digital content creation.

Nvidia’s market success has also been underpinned by its robust financial health. The company’s ability to generate strong cash flows has allowed it to reinvest in cutting-edge R&D, securing its competitive edge. Nvidia has consistently delivered on innovation, with the launch of new products and the expansion of its software ecosystem, which includes AI development tools, simulation platforms, and enterprise solutions.

The market has recognised Nvidia’s potential beyond traditional GPU applications. Its recent moves into high-performance computing and the automotive sector, particularly with self-driving car technologies, have diversified its portfolio and unlocked new revenue streams. As Nvidia continues to push the boundaries of what its technology can achieve, its influence on the global tech landscape is only expected to grow.

GITEX, the iconic technology and innovation expo, is broadening its footprint by expanding into Vietnam, heralding a new chapter for the Southeast Asian nation’s burgeoning digital economy. With the event’s successful history in the Middle East and Asia, this expansion signals a strong shift towards positioning Vietnam as a central player in the global digital arena. The launch aligns with Vietnam’s ambitious vision to develop a digital economy worth over $200 billion by 2030, driven by the country’s evolving tech ecosystem, government-backed initiatives, and an increasingly connected population.

GITEX Vietnam, set to take place in Hanoi, is expected to be a major catalyst for the nation’s digital transformation. The expo, known for showcasing the latest advancements in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and smart technologies, will provide a platform for global tech giants and local startups to foster collaboration. This shift not only promises to boost local innovation but also offers international companies the opportunity to tap into Vietnam’s rapidly growing market. The country’s young, tech-savvy population and expanding digital infrastructure make it an ideal destination for the event, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between GITEX’s global platform and Vietnam’s digital future.

The expansion into Vietnam is a testament to GITEX’s strategic move to capture the rising tide of digitalisation across Southeast Asia. According to industry analysts, Vietnam’s digital economy is one of the fastest-growing in the region. With the government’s commitment to building a robust digital infrastructure, the country aims to integrate digital solutions across key sectors, including healthcare, education, logistics, and manufacturing. This government push is expected to further accelerate innovation in AI and blockchain technologies, sectors where Vietnam has begun to make notable strides.

One of the main drivers behind Vietnam’s digital economy ambitions is the government’s Digital Transformation Program, which aims to equip businesses and individuals with the tools to thrive in the new digital world. As part of this initiative, the Vietnamese government has pledged to support local startups and foster an environment conducive to technological advancements. Public-private partnerships are expected to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between government policy and the commercial sector, ensuring that both infrastructure and innovation go hand in hand.

GITEX’s involvement in this transformation is poised to elevate Vietnam’s digital capabilities on the global stage. By offering a comprehensive view of the latest trends, technologies, and business solutions, the event will expose Vietnamese enterprises to the tools and insights needed to enhance productivity, efficiency, and innovation. As part of the expansion, Vietnam’s homegrown tech companies will also be able to showcase their capabilities, fostering collaboration with global leaders in digital technologies.

The 2025 edition of GITEX Vietnam will feature a broad spectrum of sectors, including digital health, fintech, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. These areas align closely with the country’s vision to modernise key industries and improve overall living standards through technology. AI, for instance, is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Vietnam’s manufacturing sector, enabling greater automation and precision in production. Additionally, fintech’s rise in Vietnam promises to boost financial inclusion by offering innovative solutions to underserved populations, with digital payments and mobile banking expanding rapidly in urban and rural areas alike.

The growing momentum of GITEX in Southeast Asia is evident through its ongoing success in regions like the UAE, India, and Saudi Arabia, where it has served as a crucial platform for digital transformation discussions. The move into Vietnam further strengthens its position as a global tech hub, providing valuable opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Vietnamese companies, eager to expand their reach, will benefit immensely from the international exposure GITEX provides, potentially paving the way for future partnerships, investments, and technological breakthroughs.

Gemini has secured registration with AUSTRAC and formally established its Australian arm, positioning itself as a regulated digital currency provider in the country. With the move, Australians can now trade with Australian dollars through local payment rails and the firm has named a dedicated country head to lead its strategy.

The new entity, Gemini Intergalactic Australia Pty Ltd, is now recognised by AUSTRAC as a digital currency provider, enabling full operations in compliance with Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing laws. Local deposit and withdrawal options via PayID and Australia’s New Payments Platform will be enabled, reducing reliance on cross-border transfers.

Saad Ahmed, Gemini’s head of APAC, said the expansion aligns with robust demand in Australia’s crypto market, which the company estimates at roughly 22–25 per cent adoption. He emphasised that the decision to push into Australia preceded the government’s latest regulatory proposals. The firm plans to apply for an Australian Financial Services License to roll out advanced services such as staking and lending, but these will not be available at launch.

To lead its local presence, Gemini has appointed James Logan as Head of Australia. Logan was formerly in leadership roles at Luno and Bitget in Australia, thus bringing regional experience in crypto operations and regulatory compliance. His responsibilities include building partnerships, scaling operations, and navigating evolving policy frameworks.

Gemini’s entry comes amid intensifying regulatory focus in Australia. The government recently released draft legislation that would require crypto exchanges to hold an AFSL under the Corporations Act, thus applying the same regulatory rigour to digital assets as to traditional finance firms. Some industry observers view the move as a consolidation trigger—smaller platforms may struggle to absorb compliance costs.

Beyond regulation, banking integration remains a competitive differentiator. Australian customers have long faced friction when depositing and withdrawing via crypto platforms due to banks restricting or flagging such transactions. Gemini’s local setup aims to mitigate such barriers by partnering with Australian payment systems and financial institutions.

In the competitive landscape, Gemini will go head to head with established players such as Independent Reserve, CoinSpot, Binance Australia and OKX. While some already operate under established local compliance frameworks, Gemini emphasises institutional-grade infrastructure, regulatory integrity and global liquidity as its advantages.

Analysts view the timing of Gemini’s move as strategic. The firm’s recent listing on Nasdaq, in which it raised USD 425 million, has strengthened its capital base and credibility. Establishing operations in Australia now allows it to lock in market share under current rules, ahead of any stricter licensing regime.

Australia’s crypto adoption has surged in recent years. Surveys and industry reports suggest that by 2025 nearly one in four Australians hold digital assets—a rate comparable to the U. S. This growth, along with rising institutional interest, makes the market an increasingly attractive target for global exchanges.

Gemini has had a presence in Australia since 2019, serving local users via its global platform but with limited features and higher costs. Under the new structure, native AUD deposits, enhanced trading pairs, and faster settlement are expected to improve user experience and price competitiveness.

While Gemini’s initial rollout will omit certain features like crypto-backed credit or staking, the company says it is pacing its product expansion in tandem with regulatory clarity. It is adopting a “wait-and-watch” posture with respect to the government’s consultation process, but remains confident that its operations will comply.

The Australian push is one element in Gemini’s broader global strategy. It has also moved ahead in Europe under MiCA and is exploring tokenised stock trading in key markets. The firm now claims to serve customers in over 60 jurisdictions and has processed hundreds of billions of dollars in cumulative trading volume.

The RNTrust Group is set to roll out its digital-trust architecture under the banner “Infinite Trust” at GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai. The offering is built around three flagship technology pillars—BOAT orchestration, cyber-intelligence, and stratum-level time synchronisation—aimed at solving friction points faced by large enterprises operating across complex, digital ecosystems.

At the core of the strategy is Coopera BOAT, RNTrust’s enterprise orchestration and automation engine, which integrates bots, APIs, microservices, content, case-management, and AI agents under a unified platform. The company positions BOAT as a successor to legacy BPM and ECM systems, enabling long-running and cross-domain workflows across IT and business domains. Integrated AI and generative flows help with decision intelligence and unstructured data extraction. RNTrust claims the platform aligns with market forecasts that predict the orchestration market will expand markedly in the coming years.

Complementing BOAT is ThreatLeap, a cyber threat intelligence and compliance platform operating 24/7 to scan external attack surfaces, detect leaks, misconfigurations, phishing domains and advanced threats, and flag compliance gaps across regulations such as NIS2, DORA, GDPR and PCI-DSS. The system is portrayed as proactive, intended to reduce risk exposure rather than simply respond to incidents.

Lastly, the group is spotlighting StratumOne, a time-synchronisation solution leveraging GNSS signals, atomic clocks and precision engineering to deliver nanosecond-level accuracy. Target sectors include finance, telecoms, 5G networks and critical infrastructure where time precision is essential.

RNTrust leadership will host product demos and discussions at the Novotel World Trade Centre during the expo, targeting CIOs, CISOs, system integrators and partner firms. The platform claims deployments and partnerships across the GCC, Europe and the U. S., drawing on R&D centres in Southeast Europe, Italy and the UAE.

The company frames “Infinite Trust” as a unification strategy—bringing orchestration, security and timing coherence into a cohesive architecture that can scale across diverse enterprise landscapes. This positioning aims to appeal to large organisations wrestling with digital transformation, hybrid workloads, compliance burdens and the growing attack surface of distributed systems.

Market watchers note that digital trust is becoming a key battleground for software and cybersecurity vendors. The integration of orchestration and security is a direction echoed by peers embedding zero-trust and AI decision engines into automation platforms. The time-sync component adds a niche yet strategic dimension, tapping into sectors where precision timing is a regulatory and technical requirement.

Branded residential developments in the Middle East and North Africa are now capturing a larger share of global signings, with standalone projects set to make up 45 per cent of the regional portfolio—well above the global average of 36 per cent.

Data from Global Branded Residences shows that the MENA region now accounts for 36 per cent of new global branded residence signings, outstripping traditional hubs such as North America, Europe and Asia. The region currently has 99 completed branded residences and 241 under development, representing 13 per cent of existing global supply and 25 per cent of the pipeline. The UAE leads with 201 projects, followed by Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Dubai remains the most active city globally, with nearly 160 branded developments either completed or in the pipeline—surpassing markets like Miami, London, and New York. The breakdown in MENA shows that 31 per cent of completed branded residences are standalone, while 51 per cent of the pipeline comprises standalone projects. This shift indicates broader confidence among developers in models unlinked to hotel operations.

Fashion and lifestyle brands are playing an increasingly prominent role in driving the shift away from purely hospitality-anchored residences. In MENA, fashion labels account for 51 per cent of non-hotel branded projects—nearly double the global average of 26 per cent. Non-hotel brands now represent 30 per cent of the regional pipeline, up from 24 per cent among completed schemes. In effect, branded residences in the region are diversifying beyond hotels into lifestyle, design and luxury branding.

Fairmont is poised to be the largest operator in the region, with 19 schemes across completed and pipeline stages. New entrants include jewellery brand De Grisogono and hospitality/lifestyle brand Nobu.

Globally, the branded residences sector has expanded rapidly over the past decade. The total number of schemes globally stands at 1,746—779 completed and 967 under development. Across this global portfolio, hotel brands still dominate, accounting for 79 per cent of projects. However, standalone branded residences—those without hotel attachments—are projected to rise from about 8 per cent of the world’s projects to 12 per cent over time.

Broadly, the market is seeing several converging trends. Buyers are increasingly willing to pay a premium—often 20 to 35 per cent or more—for branded units over comparable non-branded luxury real estate, citing consistency of design, service, and long-term resale value. Developers, in turn, see branding as a differentiator that supports stronger pricing, absorption rates and margins. In fast-growing wealth markets, branding provides credibility and global marketing reach.

Asia Pacific has also moved into the spotlight. GBR has formally launched operations in APAC, targeting markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, India, Malaysia and emerging resort destinations. The firm forecasts that branded development projects in APAC may more than double, with the region evolving into one of luxury real estate’s fastest growing markets.

Nevertheless, challenges remain. Aligning brand partnerships with regional regulatory, legal and operational frameworks is complex. Delivering consistent service quality over time, especially in newer locations with less mature hospitality infrastructure, is no small task. In denser branded markets, developers must differentiate amenities, design and buyer experience to avoid commoditisation.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health will present a portfolio of artificial intelligence–based healthcare solutions at the upcoming GITEX Global 2025 event in Dubai. The showcase is intended to reinforce the emirate’s ambitions to lead in digital health transformation and embed AI into clinical and public health systems.

DoH plans to display tools ranging from predictive diagnostics to personalised wellness platforms, emphasising preventive care and data-driven interventions. H. E. Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, stated that leveraging AI is central to “reshaping how care is delivered” and enabling people to “live healthier, longer lives.”

The Abu Dhabi delegation will also highlight the emirate’s efforts to integrate AI across healthcare infrastructure, including hospital systems and community services. As part of the pitch, DoH intends to advance models that predict health risks, flag early disease onset, and streamline patient journeys from diagnosis to treatment.

The timing of this unveiling aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader push into AI research and high-tech partnerships. In September 2025, Nvidia and Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute launched a joint lab focusing on robotics and advanced AI models, including deployment of Nvidia’s “Thor” chip for robotic applications. That initiative is part of the UAE’s wider effort to become a global AI player.

At GITEX Global—a technology exhibition scheduled from 13 to 17 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre—the DigiHealth & Biotech track is expected to draw startups, tech firms and health ministries showcasing innovations across genomics, diagnostics, telemedicine and biotech. The exhibition emphasises frontier domains: physical AI, quantum computing, semiconductors and data-centre infrastructure.

Abu Dhabi is also seeking to signal that its AI investments are more than pilot projects. Through collaborations with private technology firms, academic institutions and regional health authorities, DoH aims to build a scalable, interoperable health data ecosystem. Under its strategy, AI modules would be deployed not just in tertiary hospitals, but in primary care, clinics, remote monitoring and wellness programmes.

Critics point to challenges ahead, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, regulatory oversight and integration with legacy systems. Effective AI deployment in health requires robust patient consent frameworks, transparent models and continuous validation across diverse populations. Observers note that many AI health systems falter when scaled beyond controlled environments.

Google has chosen Saudi startup Lahint for inclusion in its Growth Academy: AI for GovTech 2025 cohort, positioning the company among 24 global government-technology innovators supported by Google. The move aims to strengthen Lahint’s capacity to deliver AI-enabled public services and further Saudi Arabia’s push for digital transformation under Vision 2030.

Lahint, established in 2023 by Ahmed Saber and Mohamed Ibrahim, secured a $1 million pre-seed investment earlier this year to scale its AI and automation offerings in government services. The platform currently manages more than 60 digital government services and serves over 200 businesses, integrating robotic process automation and AI to streamline licensing, permits and administrative workflows.

By integrating Lahint into its accelerator, Google pledges technical support, mentorship and access to cloud infrastructure—tools that could accelerate Lahint’s roadmap to full automation of priority public services. Lahint has already earned multiple ISO certifications and is accredited by the Saudi Data & AI Authority with a Waee badge for AI ethics compliance.

Lahint has advanced its internal timeline for key automation milestones. The company is now targeting completion of its GovTech automation program by early 2026, a shift from an earlier 2027 target. This acceleration comes alongside newly signed partnerships with government entities to deploy real-time status reporting and predictive compliance tools covering domain areas such as licensing, taxation and corporate registration.

Saudi Arabia’s broader AI landscape is scaling rapidly. In 2025, the kingdom announced over $14.9 billion in investments at LEAP and pursued MoUs under SDAIA to reinforce its data and AI infrastructure. The establishment of HUMAIN, a state-backed AI company under the Public Investment Fund, is central to that strategy. HUMAIN, launched in May 2025, has already inked collaboration agreements with Nvidia, AMD and Qualcomm to develop AI factories and Arabic large language models.

Google’s AI programme in Saudi Arabia is part of a wider arrangement. A $10 billion joint investment by Google Cloud and the Public Investment Fund backs a national AI hub to reinforce the local ecosystem and serve regional demand.

Organisers have confirmed that Future Blockchain Summit x Fintech Surge will take place at Dubai Harbour from 12 to 15 October 2025, positioning the event as a central nexus for blockchain, digital assets, and fintech innovation across the MENA region. The four-day gathering, held alongside Expand North Star and powered by GITEX GLOBAL, aims to attract regulators, investors, entrepreneurs and technologists to shape emerging frameworks for finance.

Attendance is expected to exceed 70,000, with over 1,200 investors and more than 225 speakers scheduled to participate, alongside 150 exhibitors showcasing new products and solutions. A feature highlight is the Digital Assets Forum, which brings regulators, banks, and innovators together for intensive discussions on topics such as CBDCs, stablecoins, tokenised capital markets, cross-border regulation and the role of AI in compliance.

Speakers confirmed include Jimmy Su, Lily Liu, Eric Piscini, Oliver Stauber, Helen Liu and Kevin Lee. The event also features the Supernova Challenge, a startup pitch competition offering equity-free prizes totalling US$214,000 to finalists presenting to global judges and investors. Corporations such as Ruya, OKX and DKK Partners anchor the sponsorship tiers, while YPAY backs the Digital Assets Forum.

Dubai has been steadily reinforcing its position in the digital asset ecosystem. Earlier this year, the DAMAC Group signed a $1 billion contract with blockchain platform MANTRA to tokenise its real-world assets, a move aligned with the UAE’s aspirations to become a global digital assets hub. The country has been actively implementing regulatory frameworks, particularly in free zones like ADGM and DMCC, to attract blockchain firms and promote tokenisation of assets.

Investment momentum in the broader crypto and fintech sphere in the UAE has been robust. In the first quarter of 2025, global venture capital funding into cryptotech startups reached $5.4 billion, its highest quarterly total since 2022. Dubai has hosted major conferences such as TOKEN2049, drawing tens of thousands of participants and signalling regional leadership, though industry sentiment currently balances optimism with caution amid regulatory uncertainty and macro-economic pressures.

Technology trends driving this year’s agenda include the convergence of AI and blockchain, regulatory clarity for digital assets, tokenised infrastructure, and embedded finance. A newly published academic framework proposes integrating blockchain with Zero Trust security models to improve protection against insider threats in fintech ecosystems — a demonstration of how research is intersecting with commercial deployment.

Organisers emphasise that the event’s format is more than a conference: it is designed to enable deal-making, pilot launches and real partnerships. One-to-one investor matchmaking, live product demonstrations, and structured labs are scheduled to convert ideas into actionable projects. Startups exhibiting at Expand North Star receive automatic inclusion in the Supernova Challenge, deepening integration between the startup and blockchain-fintech community.

Regulators from the MENA region and beyond are expected to engage at the forum. Discussions will centre on harmonising cross-border rules, interoperability of digital asset legislation, and pathways for institutional adoption of tokenised assets. Several central banks may share updates on central bank digital currency explorations.

Prinker, a South Korea–based self-expression technology firm, is launching its full suite of personalization solutions in the Middle East and North Africa region at GITEX GLOBAL 2025, seeking to penetrate a market showing robust growth in beauty and personal care.

At its Dubai showcase, Prinker will debut Prinker POP, a smart beauty kiosk that enables users to mix and preview custom makeup palettes via a touchscreen interface and AI-driven simulation. It will also bring its handheld devices—Prinker S and Prinker M—capable of applying temporary, skin-safe tattoos within seconds, as well as a standalone Prinker Tattoo Kiosk allowing users to self-apply designs in malls or entertainment venues without staff assistance.

The company aims to tap into accelerating demand for experiential retail and personalisation in beauty, positioning itself at the intersection of tech and aesthetics as regional consumers and retailers seek interactive, low-risk forms of self-expression.

The MENA beauty and personal care market is projected to expand sharply, with estimates placing its value at around USD 95.2 billion by 2030 and an annual growth rate of 9.0 %. Rising digital penetration, social media influence, and youthful demographics are driving demand for personalised and immersive beauty experiences.

Prinker’s approach reflects broader industry trends in tech-infused beauty. Beauty firms worldwide are increasingly adopting AR mirrors, AI skin diagnostics, and custom formulation platforms. Yet few have ventured into on-demand, skin-printing devices in public retail spaces. Prinker positions its handheld and kiosk systems as a bridge between digital and physical engagement.

Retailers and salon operators in the region may see appeal in integrating Prinker’s solutions as a customer acquisition tool. By offering interactive touchpoints, brands can boost dwell time and cross-sell products. Prinker’s machines also reduce staff overhead and allow consistent brand experiences across locations.

Prinker’s global track record includes deployments for brand activations and content creation campaigns in Asia and the United States. However, scaling into MENA requires navigating regulatory regimes for cosmetic safety, cultural sensibilities around appearance, and localisation of designs to reflect regional tastes.

Prinker faces competition from AR/VR beauty apps that let users visualise makeup digitally, as well as legacy cosmetic brands developing custom blends in stores. But none currently replicate live, direct-to-skin printing in physical venues. Prinker’s advantage lies in marrying hardware and software with a frictionless user experience.

Executives leading Prinker’s expansion emphasise strategic partnerships. They plan to collaborate with regional beauty chains, department stores and mall operators, integrating kiosks into high-footfall environments. They also intend to localise design libraries—such as Arabic calligraphy motifs and regionally relevant patterns—to enhance appeal.

Analysts note that success will depend on commercial viability: cost per use, durability, and consumer uptake. Prinker will need to balance affordability with perceptible novelty so that users perceive value in transient tattoos or customised palettes.

Lagos welcomed commissioners for Innovation, Science and Technology from states across Nigeria to a high-level roundtable held under the aegis of the GITEX Africa tech gathering. The objective: align digital agendas, forge inter-state partnerships, and drive inclusive growth in a rapidly evolving ICT landscape.

The meeting convened key figures including Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, and Lagos Commissioner Olatunbosun Alake, together with commissioners from Enugu, Cross River, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Yobe, Nasarawa, Ogun, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Zamfara and Ondo. Lagos State’s Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Science and Technology, Ibilola Kasunmu, also participated in framing the discussions. Observers noted that the roundtable sought to embed state-level digital initiatives into Nigeria’s broader national strategy.

Alake emphasised Lagos’s ambition to serve as a model for digital infrastructure, talent development and regulatory innovation. He proposed that states engage in exchange programmes, technical cooperation, and peer learning in domains ranging from broadband deployment to digital skills training. Salisu urged the participants to tie ICT plans to each state’s development priorities—education, healthcare, finance—to ensure sustained political will and funding. He flagged work underway in the National Assembly on bills to strengthen cybersecurity, data protection, and innovation regulation.

The roundtable in Lagos marks a shift toward greater coordination among sub-national actors in Nigeria’s digital transition. Until now, many states have pursued ICT policies in isolation, often duplicating efforts or confronting resource gaps. This initiative signals more strategic collaboration.

Beyond the roundtable, Lagos reiterated its commitment to leading the digital transformation. The state has pledged to sustain investment in fibre networks, smart city systems, regulatory reform and innovation hubs. Officials announced that Lagos will increase support for start-ups through grants, incubators and mentorship programmes. The state also seeks to broker partnerships between academic institutions, the private sector and state governments to expand capacity in AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity.

Voices from attending states expressed cautious optimism. Cross River’s commissioner described the roundtable as “the first step toward removing silos” and noted plans to adopt digital identity and analytics platforms in her jurisdiction. Enugu’s commissioner underscored the need for shared platforms rather than bespoke solutions in each state, to reduce costs and foster interoperability.

Atelic today unveiled Atelic Studio, a new toolkit designed to help companies deploy enterprise-grade AI solutions with enhanced security, streamlined integration and measurable business returns. The Dubai-based firm says Studio represents a shift toward more accessible, modular and trustworthy AI for sectors such as industry, healthcare and energy markets.

Atelic presents Studio as a vendor-agnostic, multi-tenant platform that supports organisations in managing AI model deployment, data pipelines and governance from a unified interface. The company emphasises that the goal is to deliver “trusted AI” at scale — giving enterprises control over security and compliance while achieving return on investment.

According to Atelic, Studio’s architecture layers include model management, access control, explainability tools and deployment orchestration. It supports hybrid and cloud environments and allows users to plug in models from existing AI providers or open-source frameworks. In promotional documentation, the company describes Studio as both “secure” and “strategic” — stressing that enterprises should not just build models but build them for business impact.

Atelic’s background lies in AI software, chatbots, predictive analytics and data engineering across markets. Earlier projects focused on custom AI solutions, but the push with Studio marks a move toward a standardised platform offering. The firm’s public profile positions it as a tech partner aiming to help organisations “automate, innovate, and grow.”

Industry analysts note that the challenge Atelic is trying to solve is not trivial: many enterprises struggle with integrating AI into legacy infrastructure, managing security risks, and proving business value. Such obstacles have prevented AI pilots from crossing into production in many firms. If Studio lives up to its claims, it could attract customers looking for a balanced bridge between agility and control.

In the Middle East, the push for digital transformation has seen strong governmental and corporate backing. Atelic anticipates demand from local energy, healthcare and industrial firms that are under pressure to adopt AI responsibly. The company says it will offer pilot engagements through regional partnerships to demonstrate local compliance, security and use-case feasibility.

Atelic has not publicly disclosed pricing or commercial terms for Studio. Observers believe the platform market is crowded—competitors include major cloud AI platforms, AI ops tools, and niche MLOps startups. The success of Studio will hinge on differentiation: the promise of enterprise trust, modular integration, and clear business metrics.

Technical job listings from Atelic suggest the company is building out the platform’s infrastructure: a Full Stack Software Developer role cites work on an “AI industrial platform” using a multi-tenant architecture. Meanwhile, a short video presentation of Studio describes it as a secure, vendor-agnostic AI user interface that aims to future-proof enterprises as requirements evolve.

Grayscale Investments has enabled staking on its Grayscale Ethereum Trust and Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust, making them the first U. S.-listed spot exchange-traded products to support native staking functions. In tandem, its Solana trust has also activated staking, pending regulatory approval for an exchange listing.

The introduction means investors in ETHE and ETH can now earn staking rewards while retaining exposure to Ether’s spot price. Grayscale says staking operations will be managed via institutional custodians and a distributed network of validator providers. The firm emphasises that staking is passive, intending to support protocol security while offering additional yield.

ETHE and ETH are not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, placing them outside the conventional ETF regulatory regime. That structure allows flexibility but also exposes investors to different oversight and risk frameworks. GSOL, currently quoted over the counter, must undergo a formal uplisting process to align with exchange-traded product standards.

The regulatory environment has posed ongoing challenges for staking-enabled products. Earlier in 2025, the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission delayed decisions on staking features in ether ETFs proposed by major issuers. The SEC has articulated concerns that staking may constitute an offer of securities, complicating how such products can be structured under existing law. Grayscale’s new move comes amid evolving guidance around liquid staking receipts and the broader regulatory calibration of crypto ETPs.

Grayscale currently controls approximately half of U. S. ETP-held Ethereum, and as of the end of September 2025, the firm reported around $35 billion in assets under management. The firm has already staked tens of thousands of ETH, deploying mechanisms to balance liquidity demands with staking commitments. It uses what it calls a “liquidity sleeve”—a pool of unstaked tokens and short-term financing—to meet redemption requests without forcing premature withdrawals from staking pools.

Analysts note that Ethereum staking yields in the market range around 2 per cent annually, while Solana’s higher inflation and protocol incentives can push staking returns to double digits. For yield-seeking investors, a staking-enabled ETP structure promises a more seamless way to tap into rewards without managing validator nodes or staking accounts directly.

Yet the innovation also carries risks: validator slashing penalties, network downtime, and the volatility of token prices remain material. Because Grayscale’s staking is passive, investors’ rewards reflect aggregated validator performance. The firm has committed to transparency through regular reports disclosing validator partnerships, staking activity, and operational metrics.

By K Raveendran It was a week of contradictions for India’s image on the world stage, marked by a curious interplay of critique, affirmation, and manoeuvring. Rahul Gandhi, in his address at Columbia University, painted a picture of India that was dark and distressing, describing the country’s democratic decline in sweeping terms. At the same […]

The article A Week Marking The Worst And Best For India On Global Stage appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).