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An algorithm that thinks like a creative director
How researchers are beginning to design AI systems that deliberately search for new ideas – to enable AI-powered innovation.
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Blogs
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The 12 styles problem: why AI struggles with true creativity
A recent experiment let AI generate art without human prompts – and shows why AI can only make art with the direction of a creative human.
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The day we stop calling them AI startups
As AI spreads across industries, the idea of an ‘AI startup’ may disappear. Here’s why infrastructure technologies change how startups differentiate.
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The future of wearables is emotional
Researcher Dr. Beste Özcan explores emotionally intelligent wearables, transitional companions, and why the future of technology may depend on designing for relationships.
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72 hours later: what happens after the demo?
The 72 hours after a tech event determine ROI. Here’s how to turn LEAP conversations into partnerships, momentum and measurable outcomes.
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Why physical tech is making a comeback
Why in-person tech events matter more than ever. Data from McKinsey, Forrester and Microsoft explains the return to physical connection.
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The return of hard problems
After years of software-led growth, tech is shifting toward semiconductors, energy systems, robotics and advanced materials. We’re talking about why hard problems are back, and how ecosystems like LEAP will help solve them.
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KAFD: A district designed for the future
Learn why King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is where capital, culture and connectivity converge in Riyadh – and join us for a LEAP Nights tour.
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LEAP Impact
LEAP, The Garage and SDM: How the Saudi tech ecosystem is helping to change the world
Continuing our series of chats with leaders in the tech startup space, we caught up with Dr Selwa Al-Hazzaa (Founder and CEO) and Naif Al Obaidallah (Managing Director and Co-Founder) from SDM. SDM was founded in 2019 by Dr. Selwa and has grown into one of Saudi's most
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Shooting Star Winner: A journey after LEAP
At LEAP 2024, Karnika (Senior Associate at Newtrace) battled it out in front of a live audience in the Rocket Fuel Pitch competition, and won the Shooting Star award; which included an equity-free investment of $150,000. Newtrace is developing next-generation membraneless electrolyzers to enable the adoption of green hydrogen
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The Garage and LEAP: When great minds come together.
We’ve been talking to some brilliant and influential leaders in the Saudi startup tech and ecosystems for #LEAP2025. This series gives us an unmatched insight into the impact LEAP has had in their success. This week we caught up with Omar Al-Shabaan, CPO at The Garage. The Garage and
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Ibrahim Abdulaziz Neyaz from NTDP: How LEAP helped them reach new heights
We’ve been talking to some brilliant and influential leaders in the Saudi startup tech and ecosystems for #LEAP2025. This series gives us an unmatched insight into the impact LEAP has had in its success. Recently we caught up with Ibrahim Abdulaziz Neyaz, CEO of the National Technology Development Programme
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Discover LEAP: The Creative Economy Track
In the Discover LEAP series here on the blog, we’re introducing you to the different stages and content tracks that you’ll experience at LEAP 2025. Dig deeper into the opportunities we’re lining up, and find out more about some of the expert speakers who are preparing to
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How AI is transforming the creative economy
Globally, our ideas about what the creative economy is have changed over the last two decades. We started to describe a range of activities as ‘creative industries’ about twenty years ago; including theatre, film, music, dance, visual arts, and more. As digital technologies have advanced, creative industries expanded to include
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Lessons from Austria: How to build a robust startup ecosystem
Kambis Kohansal Vajargah (Head of Startup-Services and Deputy Head of Founder-Services at Austrian Federal Economic Chamber) is the founding partner of a number of startups – including watchado, Saturo, ALVERI, and more. He’s an angel investor at Gateway Ventures and Founders of Europe, and he was chosen by the World
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Why investments in fusion tech are ramping up
Fusion power technology has attracted a growth in funding in recent years, and optimism about its potential to serve as a viable solution to the global climate crisis is growing. Total investment has grown from USD $4.8 billion in 2022, to $6.21 billion in 2023 – and up to