LEAP 2025: ‘Into New Worlds’ Theme Welcomes Delegates from 18 Countries

The LEAP 2025 Tech Conference began today, Sunday, February 9, positioning itself to be a landmark event in the global technology calendar. Organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, and Tahaluf (a joint venture involving the federation, Informa PLC, and the Events Investment Fund), this fourth edition of LEAP solidifies its position as the world’s largest tech gathering.

Under the theme “Into New Worlds,” the conference will run until Wednesday, February 12, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham. With participation from 18 countries, LEAP 2025 aims to delve into the future of technology, showcase cutting-edge innovations, and foster knowledge exchange among global leaders, innovators, and stakeholders.

Key Highlights of LEAP 2025

Global Participation

• Over 1,000 international speakers and tech experts will share insights.
• 1,800 exhibitors and 680 startups will showcase their innovations.
• Awards exceeding $1 million will be presented, recognizing excellence in technology and innovation.

Focus on Investment

LEAP 2025 serves as a leading platform for tech investment, connecting investors and entrepreneurs worldwide to explore new opportunities and drive digital transformation.

Enhanced Visitor Experience

• New cultural and entertainment events will complement the tech-focused agenda.
• Riyadh Metro and 125 shuttle buses will provide seamless transportation for attendees.
• Discounts via the Careem app and 5,000 additional parking spaces (totaling 22,500) will ensure convenience for visitors.

Global Collaboration:

The conference brings together leaders from both the public and private sectors, fostering collaboration and innovation on a global scale.

LEAP 2025 conference is a gateway to the future of technology, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, investment, and exploration of emerging tech trends. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, investor, or innovator, LEAP 2025 promises to be an unmissable event.

Key Highlights of Day 1

Here’s a summary of Day 1 of the LEAP 2025 Tech Conference, held on February 9, 2025, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, Saudi Arabia:

Opening Ceremony

• The event kicked off with an opening address by Abdullah Al-Swaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, who emphasized the conference’s role in advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global tech hub.

• Keynote speeches were delivered by Charbel Aoun (Smart City Lead at NVIDIA for EMEA) and Arvind Krishna (Chairman and CEO of IBM), focusing on the transformative potential of technology in shaping future societies.

Tech Arena Launch

The Tech Arena, a new addition to LEAP 2025, debuted with live demonstrations and interactive showcases. Highlights included:

• Anouk Wipprecht’s Tech Couture: Robotic dress collections blending engineering and fashion.
• Adobe’s Project Primrose: Dynamic textiles with adaptive designs.
• Aramco’s SARA: An AI-driven robotics assistant designed to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.

The arena also featured a Live TV platform hosted by BBC Click’s Lara Lewington and Spencer Kelly, offering real-time discussions and demonstrations.

DeepFest AI Forum

The DeepFest segment, a leading forum on artificial intelligence, returned with discussions on AI’s role in industries like healthcare, smart cities, and sustainability. Notable speakers included Alison Wagonfeld (CMO of Google Cloud) and Kam Ghaffarian (Executive Chairman of Axiom Space).

SportsTech Track

The SportsTech Track made its debut, featuring innovations in sports technology. Highlights included:

• Live demos by UFC fighter Andrew Sanchez using Engine VR’s Golden Gloves VR platform for immersive boxing training.
• Insights from sports legends like Patrice Evra, Mathieu Flamini, and Iker Casillas on the intersection of technology and sports.

Networking and Investment Opportunities

Day 1 saw extensive networking sessions, including investor matchmaking programs and exclusive lounges for startups and enterprises. Over 680 startups and 1,800 exhibitors participated, with awards exceeding $1 million for innovative startup projects (The $1M Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition).

Sustainability and 5G Showcases

Companies like Salam showcased advancements in 5G technology, sustainability solutions, and cybersecurity. Their exhibits included AI-powered waste management tools and robotic security solutions like SalamBot.

Cultural and Entertainment Events

Alongside the tech-focused agenda, Day 1 featured cultural performances and entertainment events, enhancing the visitor experience.

One of the important features at LEAP 25, Tech Tours were introduced, providing deeper insights into tech developments.

And finally, the Introduction of LEAP Nights expands beyond traditional conference activities. LEAP Nights offered attendees opportunities to immerse themselves in Riyadh’s cultural scene through dinners, meetups, and live entertainment, fostering networking in informal settings.

Attendance and Impact

• Over 170,000 attendees participated on Day 1, including global tech leaders, investors, and innovators.

• The event underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global technology hub, with significant investments in AI, 5G, and sustainability.

Day 1 of LEAP 2025 set the tone for an exciting and transformative conference, showcasing cutting-edge innovations and fostering collaboration across the global tech ecosystem.

To dive into the thrilling highlights of day 1, check out our comprehensive post that includes all the exciting announcements here.

For more details about LEAP 25, visit the official LEAP website or related event pages.