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Zoftware’s Aayushman Dalmia wins Innovation Excellence award at Ignyte SME Challenge

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Aayushman Dalmia, founder of Dubai-based startup Zoftware, has won the Innovation Excellence Award at the Digital Enablement of SMEs Challenge. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence of UAE and Ignyte, positions Dalmia for further growth as he continues his mission to simplify software discovery for small and medium businesses across the region.

Dalmia’s platform, Zoftware, has been steadily gaining traction in the MENA startup ecosystem for offering a streamlined approach to finding, comparing and selecting enterprise software solutions – a process that remains a hurdle for many growing businesses.

“This award is a testament to the need for simplifying tech access for SMEs,” said Dalmia, who has been named among Forbes Middle East’s 30 Under 30 entrepreneurs in the past. “Our goal has always been to bridge the digital divide by helping businesses make faster, more informed software decisions.”

The challenge is part of a wider push to accelerate SME digitisation across the region — an agenda that aligns closely with both government and private-sector priorities in the UAE.

Aimed at recognising impactful solutions that accelerate SME digital transformation, the challenge, held recently in Dubai, drew hundreds of high-potential founders from across the MENA region. Dalmia impressed the jury with his platform’s clear value proposition and scalable vision—matching SMEs with the right digital tools through a curated marketplace backed by intelligent filters, user reviews, and guided discovery.

“This award validates everything we’ve been building at Zoftware for the past couple of years or so,” said Dalmia, speaking after the ceremony. “Technology shouldn’t be a hurdle—it should be a launchpad. We’re making it easier for SMEs to make smart digital decisions without needing an IT degree.”

With this latest recognition, Zoftware joins a growing list of Dubai-born startups gaining international visibility, reinforcing the city’s position as a launchpad for regional innovation.

A Track Record of Disruptive Innovation- 

Zoftware has been making headlines since its launch for its ambitious aim: to become the region’s go-to platform for B2B software discovery. In 2024, the company was recognised by TechRadar MENA as one of the “Top 10 Startups to Watch” in the SaaS enablement space.

Under Dalmia’s leadership, Zoftware has grown rapidly, onboarding hundreds of software vendors and serving SMEs in sectors ranging from logistics and retail to health and education.

Beyond the Prize: A Strategic Boost- 

“We’re at a tipping point now,” Dalmia added. “This support will help us go deeper in key markets and integrate more AI-driven features to guide SME software choices. Our roadmap includes multi-language access, fintech tools, and region-specific integrations.”

Digital Enablement: A Regional Imperative-

As the UAE and wider Gulf continue to prioritise SME growth as a cornerstone of economic diversification, platforms like Zoftware are stepping in to close the tech literacy and access gap. According to a recent report by the World Bank, nearly 75% of SMEs in the MENA region still lack structured digital infrastructure – a gap Zoftware aims to close.

“We’re not selling software – we’re selling clarity, confidence, and capacity,” Dalmia said.

“If we get this right, we unlock not just productivity, but resilience and long-term competitiveness for thousands of businesses.”

With the Innovation Excellence Award now under its belt, Zoftware is poised to scale further and cement its role as a key enabler of SME digital transformation in the region.

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India’s BCKIC 2025 Conclave to unlock $10–50 billion green market access for UAE and GCC leaders

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The stage is set for one of the most significant India–Middle East business dialogues of the decade, as the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster (BCKIC) 2025 Conclave prepares to open in India this November, offering, according to organisers, a $10–50 billion sustainability and investment opportunity for Gulf-based leaders.

Scheduled for November 21 and 22 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the two-day conclave will bring together senior representatives from government entities, sovereign funds, and the private sector across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider GCC region. 

The event is organised by the BCKIC Foundation, supported by the Government of Odisha’s Department of Energy, under the aegis of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

Themed around The Next Wave of Sustainability Policy and Investment Flows”, the summit seeks to bridge India’s rapidly expanding green economy, valued at over $165 billion, with the Middle East’s capital, innovation and policy frameworks under Vision 2030 and UAE Centennial 2071.

“This is not just another global summit, it’s a strategic inflection point for India–Middle East collaboration,” said Dr Mrutyunjay Suar, Chairman of the BCKIC Foundation.

“From green hydrogen and water security to circular economy and AI-driven sustainability, the synergies between India’s innovation scale and the Gulf’s execution capacity are unparalleled. Missing this window could mean losing the first-mover advantage in shaping global sustainability frameworks.”

A New Era of India–Middle East Sustainability Partnership

The conclave comes at a pivotal moment for both regions. Following India’s G20 presidency in 2023 and the UAE’s hosting of COP28, both nations have emerged as global voices in sustainability transition and climate finance.

Dr. Suar noted that the conclave will act as a strategic platform for Gulf leaders to consolidate their role within the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), while also gaining access to India’s technology, research, and policy innovation ecosystem.

“Gulf sovereign funds now control over $2 trillion in assets and are increasingly looking for sustainable, high-return projects,” he said. 

“India’s innovation and affordability, combined with the Middle East’s capital and implementation speed, make this partnership an unprecedented opportunity to move from commitment to concrete outcomes.”

Access to Proven Technologies and MoU-Ready Projects

Middle Eastern delegates will gain direct access to Indian policymakers and experts from NITI Aayog, DST, and the Principal Scientific Adviser’s Office, with discussions focused on green hydrogen, renewable energy, waste-to-energy, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The event will also unveil a pipeline of over 50 proven Indian technologies relevant to Gulf market needs, ranging from water management systems to digital smart-city solutions, many of which have demonstrated cost efficiencies of 30–50% compared to Western alternatives.

The BCKIC Foundation confirmed that the conclave is structured to deliver tangible outcomes, with more than 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) already in advanced stages of preparation. The targeted projects are expected to offer internal rates of return (IRR) between 15% and 25%, appealing to investors seeking both profitability and environmental impact.

Odisha: A Live Model for Sustainable Urban Innovation

The conclave will take place in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, one of India’s fastest-growing hubs for renewable energy and smart cities. The venue itself will serve as a live showcase of sustainable urban development, featuring zero-waste hospitality, circular economy practices, and local sourcing models.

Organisers say the event is designed to foster lasting bilateral frameworks that will drive long-term cooperation between India and the Middle East across sustainability, technology transfer, and impact investment.

“This is the decade of decisive climate action and cross-regional collaboration,” Dr Suar added. 

“The BCKIC 2025 Conclave will not just discuss ideas but catalyse partnerships that define the global sustainability roadmap for years to come.”

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Dubai introduces world’s first smart gold testing lab: Get your jewellery checked in under a minute

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Dubai just made testing your gold and jewellery a whole lot easier. The Dubai Central Laboratory, part of Dubai Municipality, has launched the Smart Gold and Jewellery Testing Lab, the first-ever fully automated device that can check the purity of gold, silver, and platinum, all without human help. And the best part? Results come back in under 60 seconds.

Unveiled at GITEX Global 2025, this cutting-edge innovation uses AI, X-ray tech, and advanced spectroscopy to deliver highly accurate readings. It’s designed to make life simpler for traders, buyers, and jewellery enthusiasts, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for precious metals.

How It Works – Quick, Smart, and Totally Hands-Free

The device is entirely autonomous. That means no staff intervention, no waiting around, and minimal room for error. It’s smart enough to self-calibrate, monitor its own performance remotely, and respond instantly to any issues. According to Dr Naseem Mohammed Rafi, Acting CEO of Dubai Municipality’s Environment, Health, and Safety Agency, this is a “game-changer” for precision, speed, and reliability in the precious metals sector.

Where You Can Try It First

The first device will be installed at the iconic Gold Souk in Deira, with plans to roll it out across other key locations in Dubai. This move is part of Dubai Municipality’s push to create a fully integrated testing ecosystem for gold and jewellery, ensuring quality, compliance, and peace of mind for everyone, from traders to shoppers.

Whether you’re a collector, a trader, or just curious about the purity of your jewellery, this smart lab makes checking your gold fast, easy, and reliable.

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Abu Dhabi T10 levels up its game with BC.GAME Esports as principal partner

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The Abu Dhabi T10 League has announced BC.GAME Esports as its Principal Partner for the 2025 season. This landmark partnership connects the energy of T10 cricket with the fast-growing global esports ecosystem, driving brand visibility and fan engagement to new levels.

The alliance will deliver powerful exposure across broadcast, digital, and in-stadia platforms, while introducing esports-inspired activations to enhance the tournament experience for fans. The aim is to bring the worlds of live cricket and competitive gaming closer than ever before.

The Abu Dhabi T10 will run from November 18 to 30, 2025, at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, featuring top international players competing in action-packed 10-over matches. With BC.GAME Esports on board, the league will strengthen its appeal to younger, digital-first audiences across global markets.

“We’re excited to welcome BC.GAME Esports as our Principal Partner,” said a T10 League spokesperson. “Season 9 will be our biggest yet, with expanded global reach and enhanced fan experiences — and we are confident that BC.GAME Esports will return again next year.”

A BC.GAME Esports spokesperson added: “Partnering with Abu Dhabi T10 gives us the perfect platform to expand our community and create unique experiences that unite cricket fans and gamers worldwide.”

This partnership reflects Abu Dhabi T10’s commitment to innovation, youth engagement, and global growth, making 2025 one of its most exciting seasons yet.

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