The second edition of ForsaTEK showcased innovation, attracting hundreds of attendees.
Hosted by the Emirates Group, it featured technology showcases, industry partnerships, start-ups, and influential speakers. Highlights included a robotics zone and demonstrations of futuristic tech. The event was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and attended by dignitaries and Emirates Group executives, reinforcing its significance in fostering innovation.
HH Sheikh Ahmed emphasized the importance of technology and innovation in launching ForsaTEK, aligning with the industry vision and global role. The event aims to showcase innovation in action and foster collaboration among stakeholders, from government entities to start-ups and industry leaders, to bring revolutionary solutions to the table. Last year's event proved valuable for learning and networking, with this year's edition expanding on those efforts.
HE Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi delivered the first keynote speech, which was centred around the importance of youth to innovation. This was followed by thought-provoking panel discussions on the corporate venture world, humanoid robots and aviation, the collision of AI with other technologies, Dubai’s role in shaping the future, innovation proximity, and the relentless march of robotics.
Senior executives and thought leaders from Dubai Future Foundation, Meta, Microsoft, Block Gemini, Boardwalk Robotics and prestigious universities articulated their vision, perspectives and challenges at the event. The Emirates Group’s senior leadership addressed how innovation will shape the travel industry.
At ForsaTEK, the Emirates Group announced its agreement with Onyx by J.P. Morgan, the firm’s blockchain business unit, and the first organisation to come under the Group’s recently launched Blockchain Development Centre. The collaboration will focus on research and development, education, and implementation of blockchain technology. It will provide the Group with cutting-edge finance blockchain solutions tailored to the aviation industry, enhancing its financial operations and customer experiences.
The Group’s Blockchain Development Centre has four pillars: collaboration and advocacy; R&D; education and coaching; and innovation.
This year, the Emirates Group’s partners enthralled visitors with an eclectic and engaging mix of innovation and technology. Demos included AI-centred activations by AWS, caged drone by e&, Gen AI Avatar by Microsoft, and Smart Trolley by Airbus. EasyMile showcased its drones and autonomous vehicles, HiveRobotics its cleaning bot for aircraft seats, Holoplot its innovative audio technology, SITA its Flexbox, and the Technical University of Munich its futuristic robotic skins. Web3 demos included spatial computing, blockchain and biometric payments.
Start-ups from the Aviation X Lab and Intelak accelerator programmes came in full force in a souk-style space to demonstrate their ideas and cool tech. They pitched their POCs (proof of concept) and their vision to revolutionise aviation and travel to a large audience of VIPs, investors, and the wider tech industry.
ForsaTEK also serves to inspire and educate youth with university and secondary school students attending the event in large numbers. Prizes were awarded to students who best addressed a challenge launched in April on how wearable technology can be used to support baggage handlers at Dubai Airport.
*ForsaTEK is derived from ‘Forsa’, which means ‘your opportunities’ in Arabic and is also a play on ‘technology’ and Emirates (code ‘EK’).
News Source: Emirates
