Arab Science and Technology Foundation organizes 5th 'Investing in Technology Forum' in Jordan

It will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein.

The Forum will feature 35 high-profile speakers from highly successful regional and global organizations, who will deliver key messages to an audience of leading Arab investors, entrepreneurs and start-ups. Additionally, the Forum will host back-to-back workshops to be conducted by top industry practitioners on IP Valuation and Technology companies funding, while the 2nd Arab Technology Business Plan Competition will also be judged during the event.

"Many of the greatest innovators and global entrepreneurs of our time have been successful because of their long-term investments in science and technology. Their success has underscored the limitless possibilities offered by technology and science, and we believe that creating investment opportunities and nurturing start-ups in various fields of science and technology will be the key to unlocking the enormous economic potential of the Arab world,"

said Dr. Abdalla Alnajjar, President, ASTF.

The Forum has been designed to support the development of the Arab venture capital industry by providing an avenue to showcase different Arab technology start-ups that offer worldwide market potential and sustainable competitive advantage. Over 20 investment opportunities in seed, early stage and growth stage technology companies have already been lined up to be showcased at the event. Moreover, different regional initiatives to develop technology and entrepreneurship in the Arab world will also be unveiled at the Forum.

"The Islamic Development Bank through its participation in this forum seeks to underline the importance for investors, organizations, and individuals in the Arab region (MENA) to invest in technological projects and highlight the Investment returns that could be achieved from taking such steps. This will help the region optimally benefit from its vast natural resources and human skilled manpower to achieve rapid economic and social development," said Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Ali, President of the Islamic Development Bank Group.

Commenting on Jordan's hosting of the 5th Investing in Technology Forum, Dr. Walid Al-Turk, Secretary General of The Higher Council for Science and Technology, Jordan, said: "The Forum serves as an important networking event for leading technology players from all over the region. The Forum will also be a great opportunity for Jordan to showcase its strengths and capabilities in the field of science and technology. As such, the Jordanian partners will provide all the support required to ensure the event's success."

Aside from various interactive activities, the winners of the 2nd Arab Technology Business Plan Competition will be also announced in a special awards ceremony during the event. The Arab Technology Business Plan Competition has been designed to create more awareness on potential opportunities in Arab technology start-ups, to increase investments in such companies and to develop the entrepreneurial skills of the competition's participants.