LEAP 2024 is scheduled to take place from March 4th to March 7th, 2024 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, Saudi Arabia. Renowned as “A Digital Davos,” it is considered the world’s most attended tech event.
Here are the key highlights to look forward to:
1️⃣ Global Technology Ecosystem: LEAP brings together innovative companies, powerful venture capitalists, and inspiring tech entrepreneurs from around the world. It acts as a platform where thought leaders and change-makers converge to explore groundbreaking technologies.
2️⃣ Impressive Numbers: In the previous edition of LEAP (LEAP 2023), more than 172,000 visitors, 900 exhibitors, 700 speakers, 500 start-ups, and 1,026 investors with a combined AUM of 2 trillion participated. The event’s scale and influence are truly remarkable.
3️⃣ DeepFest: LEAP is co-located with DeepFest, a dedicated event for Artificial Intelligence (AI). DeepFest serves as a premier meeting place for AI enthusiasts, data scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. It fosters discussions on trends, insights, and innovation across businesses.
4️⃣ LEAP Forward Magazine: LEAP also offers an exclusive quarterly magazine called LEAP Forward. It provides deep-dive reads, covering tech-related trends and topics. Additionally, you can explore additional content on their website.
LEAP is more than just an event; it’s a gateway to new possibilities. It aims to address humanity’s challenges through large-scale investments in game-changing technologies. Attendees will have the chance to explore cutting-edge solutions that can revolutionize our lives. With influential minds from the tech industry, LEAP provides an ideal platform for idea exchange, networking, and discovering new opportunities.
Join us at LEAP and become part of a global community that is shaping the future. The second edition of LEAP was the most attended tech event in the world. Join us on March 4-7, 2024, for #LEAP24. Connect with 100,000+ tech innovators, leading experts, mentors, and investors from around the world to discover new ideas, forge partnerships, and tap into the limitless potential of tech in building a positive future. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to LEAP into the future!
LEAP
The global platform and premier event for future technologies, brings together the most disruptive technology professionals from around the world. It serves as the epicenter where progress accelerates, and cutting-edge technologies are adopted first.
At LEAP, we assemble the brightest minds from leading technology corporations, inspiring pioneers from global start-ups, and venture capitalists with the means to drive innovation. The event has made a significant impact on Saudi Arabia’s finance and economic landscape, aligning with the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.
Let's explore how LEAP has contributed:
1️⃣ Economic Diversification: LEAP plays a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s efforts towards economic diversification. With the support of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, LEAP aims to foster 50% growth within the ICT sector. By promoting innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, LEAP contributes to reducing the country’s reliance on oil revenue.
2️⃣ Increased GDP Contribution: The influence of LEAP extends to the national economy, with projections indicating an additional SR 50 billion contribution to Saudi Arabia’s GDP over the next five years through the ICT sector. This injection of capital fuels economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
3️⃣ Foreign Investment: LEAP attracts global attention, drawing participants from over 100 countries in its debut and breaking records in subsequent editions. The event injects fresh foreign direct investment into Saudi Arabia’s digital ecosystems and startup economy. Major announcements include infrastructure investments, new data centers, public-private partnerships, and initiatives to nurture local talent.
4️⃣ Empowering Local Talent: LEAP supports Saudization efforts by empowering a female workforce and attracting international talent. It serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, skill development, and networking, fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem within the kingdom.
One Giant LEAP: Saudi Arabia Hosts World's Largest Tech Event
LEAP is a gathering of the world’s greatest minds, where the keynote stage explores new technologies and their positive, unlimited potential. This major event brings together the global technology community in Riyadh to tackle the world’s biggest socio-cultural challenges.
Dubbed the digital Davos, LEAP is poised to become a truly global platform for the entire innovation ecosystem. It connects and gathers pioneers, disruptors, business and government leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and more to experience and learn about the technologies of the future.
The event will feature renowned speakers from around the world, including technology leaders, CEOs, and experts in various fields. Inspirational stories from successful entrepreneurs, football legends, and emerging technology start-ups will also be showcased.
Organized and produced by Informa Markets, LEAP is proudly sponsored by leading local and international companies such as Microsoft, CISCO, KPMG, SoftwareAG, Nutanix, STC, Zain, Mobily, and Ericsson. These strategic partners collaborate to bring this highly anticipated event to life.
Experience the power of innovation, connect with industry leaders, and witness the transformative potential of emerging technologies. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to LEAP forward into a brighter tomorrow.
The One Giant Leap event marks the Kingdom’s remarkable tech renaissance and the transformative vision of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. With an unwavering commitment to boosting the Saudi tech sector, HRH has allocated a staggering $7 trillion to propel the private sector and establish the Kingdom as a global hub for technology and innovation.
Recent years
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed an influx of tech giants. Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, IBM, and Cisco have all joined forces to provide training and support for the country’s burgeoning software development and digital sector. Furthermore, Huawei, a prominent player from the East, has announced plans to open its largest overseas flagship store in Riyadh, in response to the escalating demand for digital products and services.
Concurrently, the Saudi entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem has been flourishing. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emerged as the leader in startup funding in the Middle East and North Africa, witnessing a remarkable 102% increase to reach a record $95 million in the first half of 2020.
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Communications and Information Technology
Abdullah Alswaha, emphasized the tremendous potential of technology and innovation in transforming economies and societies. Hosting LEAP, he expressed pride in enabling the region to lead and leapfrog through technology and innovation.
Mike Champion, Regional Executive Vice President of Informa Markets, the world’s largest events company, expressed delight in launching LEAP in Saudi Arabia. With the country’s monumental technology projects, he affirmed that Saudi Arabia is the ideal host for such an extraordinary event. In its inaugural year, LEAP will become the largest debut technology event in history, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a future global technology hub.
LEAP, an impressive technology event akin to the World Economic Forum of the future, will take place at the Riyadh Front exhibition center and spearhead Saudi Arabia’s tech future. It will gather influential thinkers, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and government representatives to engage with new technologies and tackle pressing global challenges. Additionally, more than 700 startups will showcase their potential to revolutionize our lives.
Reflecting Saudi Arabia’s own digital journey, LEAP’s comprehensive program comprises keynotes, workshops, and assemblies that encompass a broad range of topics, from smart cities to space and satellites. The event will highlight the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey and its role in realizing the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan.
LEAP’s sessions and programs aim to galvanize public and private organizations within the region and beyond, promote female empowerment, unlock the Kingdom’s vast investment potential for economic diversification, and propel Saudi Arabia into the ranks of the world’s top 20 tech-enabled nations.
The landmark technology event
will delve into various tech areas and their impact on our lives, including health tech, future energy, smart cities, artificial intelligence, blockchain and crypto, robotics, 3D printing, IoT, biotech, smart mobility and unmanned systems, open source, quantum, 5G, materials science, space and satellites, data, and fintech.
With a wealth of thought-leading conference content, keynote presentations, talks, and engaging debates featuring global tech disruptors and change-makers, participants will gain profound insights into technological advancements across multiple dedicated stages.
During the event, industry experts and technology leaders will engage in discussions surrounding the development of biometric-enabled lifestyles, as well as the potential impact of technology on global finance hubs in the future. Additionally, the event will explore the possibilities of augmenting the human body with robotics.
LEAP is set to showcase an awe-inspiring array of cutting-edge technologies across major sectors such as health, finance, energy, education, digital entertainment, transportation, and smart cities. The event will be led by a distinguished faculty of globally renowned tech innovators, focusing on inspiring case studies from around the world, including the ambitious Giga and mega-projects currently financed and underway in Saudi Arabia.
LEAP24
LEAP stands out from other tech events, as it is supported by multiple government organizations and serves as a catalyst for significant digital transformation across all sectors of Saudi industry and business. By merging large-scale tech adoption solutions with ambitious pilot projects, LEAP aims to drive the growth of the IT sector, increase ICT’s GDP contribution by SAR 50 billion over five years, attract foreign investment, support Saudisation employment goals, empower female workforce participation, and attract international talent, as highlighted by Minister Al-Swaha.
The event website emphasizes that LEAP brings together the brightest minds from leading technology corporations, inspiring pioneers from global start-ups, and venture capitalists with the means to turn ideas into reality. For anyone genuinely interested in new technology and its limitless potential, attending LEAP is an absolute must.
Moreover, LEAP offers an unparalleled platform for international innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs to connect with potential investors and end-users through bespoke ‘LEAP Investor Club’ meetings. These meetings are designed to foster accelerated development programs. The Investors Club, comprised of venture capitalists, private equity providers, sovereign wealth funds, corporate and government accelerators, family offices, university R&D labs, incubators, and angel investors, plays a crucial role in supporting attendees in discovering, experiencing, and acquiring the latest technological solutions.
LEAP Forward
The “LEAP Forward” stage will feature sessions dedicated to the most prominent future technologies, including self-driving vehicles, artificial intelligence, exosuits, nanorobotics, augmented reality, and bionics. Additionally, attendees can explore various sessions on the future of reality, exponential AI, future cities, smart living, and future healthcare, providing valuable insights into the evolving technological landscape.
The speaker lineup for LEAP features renowned individuals from diverse fields, including technology, business, sports, and academia. Notable speakers include Raghu Raghuram, CEO of VMware, and Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson. Other speakers of distinction include Steven Bartlett, the youngest-ever dragon on BBC’s Dragon’s Den, and Carlo Ratti, founding partner of MIT’s Senseable City Lab. Dr. Saket Kumar, Chief Data Scientist at Google, and Celeste Fralick, Chief Data Scientist at McAfee, will also share their insights. Regional speakers such as Manar Al-Moneef, Regional CEO of GE Renewable Energy, and Ghinwa Baradhi, HSBC’s CIO for the Middle East and North Africa, will provide their perspectives on the mega projects in Saudi Arabia. In total, more than 450 speakers and 40,000 visitors are expected to attend the event.
Technology
LEAP is not just about technology; it also offers inspiration and insights from the world of sports. Stéphane Houdet, a top Paralympian tennis player from France, and soccer legends Luis Figo and Roberto Carlos will be present, having recently partnered with SportsIcon for a pioneering non-fungible token (NFT) initiative. Michel Salgado, former Real Madrid teammate of Figo and Carlos, who currently heads the grassroots club Fursan Hispania in Dubai, will also share his experiences.
According to Mike Champion, Regional EVP of Informa Markets, the company organizing LEAP, the event plays an integral role in Saudi Arabia’s five-year strategy for accelerating the growth of the digital economy and increasing its economic contribution. The government’s visionary approach and commitment to technological advancement make Saudi Arabia a leading global technology hub. LEAP is set to become the largest technology event ever launched, reflecting the country’s ambition and energy.
To participate in LEAP
Interested individuals can follow a simple process. First, they need to visit the official LEAP website and complete the registration process, which includes selecting a pass type that suits their preferences and needs. LEAP offers various pass options, including general admission, VIP, and student passes. Participants should carefully review the event agenda to plan their schedule and reserve spots for sessions with limited capacity. The event also provides ample networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with industry leaders and explore the exhibition area featuring tech companies, startups, and sponsors.
LEAP is an inclusive event that welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds. Tech enthusiasts and professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators, investors and venture capitalists, students and academics, government representatives, international delegates, and women in tech are all encouraged to attend. LEAP offers a platform for learning, networking, collaboration, and inspiration, catering to the interests and aspirations of a wide range of attendees.
The significance of digital transformation lies in its ability to replace complex and time-consuming business processes with streamlined and efficient ones. The journey of digital transformation begins by identifying a problem or seizing a valuable opportunity, such as enhancing customer experience, reducing costs, or increasing profitability. Various entities, including companies, governments, government agencies, and institutions, have transitioned from manual paperwork to utilizing business management software and data centers, relying more on information technology. Traditional customer relationship management practices have also been replaced by CRM software.
Digital transformation has already been recognized as a crucial strategic initiative, but its importance has been further amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. It encompasses the adoption of new technologies, talent, and processes to enhance business operations and meet customer expectations. This transformation requires organizations to reassess how they use technology, people, and processes, with the aim of developing new business models and generating additional revenue streams. As customer expectations evolve regarding products and services, digital transformation becomes the key to sustainable business growth in both the present and the future.