Within the Deep Tech MEA ecosystem powered by GIE, and held at GITEX North Star.
Designed to spotlight deep tech startups – grounded in scientific breakthroughs, complex engineering, or new technologies.
Should have secured early-stage funding or shown measurable market traction.
Strategic Visibility, Global
Access, Regional Scale
Dubai is emerging as a global hub for deep tech – AI, quantum, biotech, clean energy. Acts as a sandbox for experimental and disruptive ideas with investment in tech transfer, future economy, and innovation clusters Perfect entry point to expand across the GCC, Africa, Asia, being a part of the ecosystem offers:
One-month tailored support to prepare for your pitch and refine your strategy. Mentors may include global and local startup founders, VCs, angel investors, corporate innovation leaders, deep tech subject-matter experts, researchers.
The main topics will be included:
Awards and Recognition
Top finalists receive:
Short Bio
Kamal is a digital transformation and AIoT leader with 14+ years of experience driving innovation, growth, and operational excellence across smart cities, mobility, and waste management sectors in the Middle East. I specialize in translating visionary ideas into scalable digital products—leading strategy, development, and execution across both public and private sectors. My track record includes transformative roles at IoT Squared, Machines talk, and Vodafone Egypt, where I’ve delivered impact across smart city platforms, connected mobility, waste tech, street lighting, converged security, and more. I’m passionate about building sustainable, resilient urban environments through technology, data-driven decisions, and cross-sector collaboration. Whether shaping GTM strategies, co-creating with customers, or delivering complex programs, I focus on building products and teams that deliver meaningful, lasting impact.
LinkedIn Profile URL
Kamal Taman
Short Bio
I have 12 years of spearheading projects & products in many fields of Machine Vision, Robotics, Artificial intelligence, Digital Transformation, fintech, e-KYC, RPA and SaaS. I am leading my startup DevisionX to disrupt the AI Computer Vision Industry by building No-Code AutoML SaaS Tool “Tuba”.
LinkedIn Profile URL
Mahmoud AbdelAziz
Short Bio
Chada is a Global Tech Product Leader and the CEO and Founder of ENTROGX Ventures.
With over 13 years of professional experience at energy tech multinational companies, namely: Microsoft, General Electric & Baker Hughes. Plus, over 10 years with startups, and 15 years of women & youth activism, Chada empowers communities by mentoring young entrepreneurs, women in STEM, and tech enthusiasts around the Arab world. She was named among the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Dubai for 2023 by WomenPreneur and among 100 Arab Female Heroes in Volunteering by BBC. She was also named a Distinguished Alumni of the Year 2019 in the Arab world by MEPI and the most influential young personality in Algeria for 2020 by Supernova Magazine.
As an Angel Investor, Chada focuses on nurturing high-potential startups transforming the digital landscape. Her work with the Observer Research Foundation has established her as a thought leader in digital policy, influencing international dialogues and contributing to sustainability initiatives at events like G20, BRICS, and Expo2020.
Chada graduated top of her class from the American University in Cairo with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Business Administration. She holds several academic and professional certificates in Leadership, Business, and Community Development from Colorado University Boulder, Indiana University, University of Nevada Reno, The American University of Beirut, and Duke University.
Currently, Chada serves on the board of several organizations, empowering young women and girls in Tech and Energy. Within the energy industry, she has empowered over 1000 female employees while serving as the Regional Leader for the Corporate Women Network of Baker Hughes. She also launched a program for “Return To Career” and mentorship programs across Africa, the Middle East, and India, providing opportunities for over 1000 young girls. This led to Baker Hughes being recognized as a Top D&I Distinguished Company at EGYPES and ADIPEC.
Chada sits on the board of the Industry Advisory Council for Higher Colleges of Technology in UAE as an industry consultant. She also serves on the board of SPE in Algeria and UAE, the Arab Women in Computing organization, and CWIT. She is the co-leader of LeanIn Dubai Women in Tech, a member of the global Women in Product Society, and was the first Stanford University Ambassador to UAE for Women in Data Science.
Chada has traveled to nearly 35 countries, enjoying hiking, volunteering, and life adventures, connecting with people globally.
LinkedIn Profile URL
Benmahcene Manel Chada El Islam
Short Bio
Vincent Kaabunga is a digital transformation strategist and AI practitioner with over 20 years of experience in engineering and emerging technologies. A Telecommunications Engineer and Senior Member of the IEEE, he serves on the IEEE Computer Society Technology Predictions team, contributing insights on AI, telecom, and digital innovation in emerging markets. Vincent’s expertise spans AI, IoT, and Smart Cities, with a focus on inclusive innovation and practical applications of advanced technologies. He has developed Conversational AI tools and built analytics platforms that drive business and policy decisions. He holds an Electrical Engineering degree from Makerere University, postgraduate IT qualifications from the University of Pretoria, and executive training in strategic management from Strathmore Business School. He is currently pursuing doctoral research on digital transformation in emerging markets. A passionate advocate for youth entrepreneurship and ecosystem development, Vincent has worked with UNESCO, Smart Africa, and the EAC, and co-authored the AI Blueprint for Africa.
LinkedIn Profile URL
Vincent Kaabunga
4th June 2025
15 th Aug 2025
1 st Sep 2025
5 st Sep 2025
4ᵗʰ June 2025
The application process officially begins. Submit your idea to join the competition.
15ᵗʰ Aug 2025
Final day to apply. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the competition.
16ᵗʰ Aug – 30ᵗʰ Aug 2025
Participants receive feedback from mentors.
1ˢᵗ Sep 2025
Submit your final version for review after completing the mentorship phase.
5ᵗʰ Sep 2025
Winners will be announced and recognized for their outstanding work.
The Canada Edition of the Deep Tech Geeks Startups Competition is part of the global Deep Tech MEA initiative, designed to identify, spotlight, and support the most promising deep tech startups from Canada’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
This edition is proudly powered in strategic partnership with Velocity, Canada’s leading innovation hub for tech entrepreneurs and scalable startups.
This competition is dedicated to ventures rooted in scientific breakthroughs, advanced engineering, and disruptive technologies that have the potential to transform industries and address global challenges.
Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships & Global Growth at WatSPEED, University of Waterloo
Deep Tech Geeks Startups Competition is the ultimate gateway for cutting-edge startups solving real-world challenges. Hosted by Deep Tech MEA, this annual competition connects visionary founders with global investors, policymakers, researchers, and ecosystem builders. Whether you’re leveraging AI, robotics, biotech, quantum computing, new materials, or advanced manufacturing, this is your platform to shine.
Any scale up startup that: Is developing a solution based on advanced or emerging technologies Operates in sectors such as AI, biotech, cleantech, robotics, IoT, cybersecurity, quantum computing, etc.
Scale-up startups that have already secured initial funding and are looking to scale
Top 3 winners receive free or discounted pods at GITEX North Star, along with accommodation and travel support, Visibility in front of investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders, Tailored mentorship via the Entrepreneurship Clinic, Media exposure, potential funding, and partnership opportunities.
You can apply directly through our website!
Click the Apply Now button and fill out the form with your startup’s details.
Applications close on 15th Aug — don’t miss out!
No, applying is completely free. Selected finalists may receive full or partial sponsorship to participate in GITEX North Star, depending on their placement.
Yes. The finalist startups will be showcasing at Expand North Star (part of GITEX Global) in Dubai. Travel support is provided for the first place winner.
Finalists will receive:
Deep Tech MEA is your one-stop hub for all things deep tech in the Middle East and Africa. We connect visionary entrepreneurs, pioneering researchers, and students with the resources they need to thrive.