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Smartzer was selected as the winner of the Martech Disruptor Category for the Supernova Challenge at Expand North Star, the biggest pitch competition in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia which attracted over 1,800 startups from over 100 countries.
Smartzer, a UK based video commerce technology platform, has emerged as the winner of the MarTech Disruptor Category of the 2023 Supernova Challenge at Expand North Star Dubai, the world's largest startup event. The startup received an $8,000 prize after an intense final round of pitching against 27 global finalists from 521 entries. The overall champion across all categories of the Supernova challenge was Accredify, a Singapore-based startup and service provider for issuing verifiable documents and information.
The Supernova Challenge, in partnership with the Dubai Future District Fund, is the region's biggest startup pitch competition. The challenge is a key feature of Expand North Star Dubai, which hosted its biggest edition this year. It attracted over 1,800 startups from over 100 countries to explore the emerging opportunities in Dubai's dynamic, diverse and tech-driven digital economy. The judges for the final of the Supernova Challenge were Sharif El-Badawi, CEO of Dubai Future District Fund, Mike Butcher, the Editor-at-Large of TechCrunch, Stephanie Nour, Partner at Nuwa Capital, and Tej Lalvani, CEO Vitabiotics.
Karoline Gross, CEO of Smartzer, said, "It was an incredible surprise for us to win the Martech Disruptor Award at Expand North Star. The UAE and wider GCC region has a huge opportunity for shoppable video and live shopping technology and we are excited to start expanding our presence in the region."
One of the judges at Supernova Challenge, Sharif El-Badawi, CEO of Dubai Future District Fund, commented, "It is encouraging to see a shift towards sustainable solutions that are better for the planet and its people. We witnessed several startups delivering concise yet compelling pitches that could impact our lives. The pitches we witnessed here at the Supernova Challenge are brimming with promise, unique innovations, and inspiring ideas."
An expertly curated list of categories covered the latest trends in tech, inviting startups to showcase innovations that can solve some of our most pressing challenges. These included AI Disruptor, Fintech & Ecommerce Disruptor, Blockchain & Web3 Disruptor, Mobility & Smart Cities Disruptor, Healthtech & Wellness Disruptor, Martech Disruptor, Insurtech Disruptor in partnership with MENA Insurtech, Female Founder Award in partnership with the Sharjah Businesswomen Council, Africa Fast Award presented by GITEX Africa, Asia Fast Award, India Fast Award, and the Top MENA Award. In collaboration with GITEX Impact and Future Urbanism, Expand North Star also awarded the most proficient Sustainability and ESG Disruptor.
Expand North Star hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy (DCDE) is the powerhouse startup show of GITEX Global, organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) concluded last week marking its largest-ever edition at its new Dubai Harbour venue.
For more information, please visit expandnorthstar.com