Tariq Khan

Keynote address: Tariq Khan

The keynote will explore the realities of launching a startup and navigating the critical early stages of growth. Drawing on real-world experience, Tariq Khan will cover how founders can move from idea to execution, make early strategic decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and adapt as markets, customers, and capital conditions evolve. Designed for early-stage entrepreneurs and aspiring founders, the talk will offer practical insights on building resilience, aligning vision with execution, and charting a sustainable path forward in today’s fast-moving startup landscape.

PANEL | Owning the opportunity: How UAE startups can lead in the age of AI

As the global AI market accelerates toward trillions in value, UAE startups stand at the crossroads of innovation, capital, and strategic vision. The panel will explore how founders can leverage the nation’s forward-thinking policies, infrastructure, and global investor interest to capture a meaningful share of the AI economy.

Discussion points:

• Positioning UAE-based startups in the global AI value chain
• Turning government vision (UAE AI Strategy 2031) into entrepreneurial advantage
• Building local data and compute capabilities to scale AI innovation
• Partnering with U.S. and Indian investors for cross-market growth
• The role of talent, IP, and regional collaborations in creating AI leadership

MODERATOR:

• Mouli Narayanan, Zeblok Computational

PANELISTS:

• Ria Chakraborty, Veristyle, New York
• Manish Kumar, Mu Gamma Consultants
• Rajiv Shah, Indian Business and Professional Group (IBPG)

PANEL: Funding the future: What global investors want from AI startups

Venture investors from the U.S., GCC, and India decode the evolving AI investment landscape — valuation trends, due diligence, and sustainable growth.

• What differentiates investable AI startups
• Managing capital intensity and compute costs
• How to navigate AI hype cycles
• Cross-border VC and family office participation in AI

MODERATOR:

• Mishana Mohammed, Talrop, Dubai

PANELISTS:

• Kesav Dama, Sandrine Capital, New York
• Krystle Kaul, Krystle Klear Communications
• Mouli Narayanan, Zeblok Computational

NETWORKING LUNCH

STARUP SHOWCASE: Early stage

The session will feature promising early-stage founders presenting innovative ideas and products to an audience of investors and ecosystem leaders. Selected startups will have four minutes to pitch, followed by four minutes of live Q&A with judges and investors. The session is designed to highlight clarity of vision, market opportunity, and execution strategy, while giving founders direct feedback and meaningful exposure to potential partners and capital.

JUDGES:

• Tariq Khan
• Kesav Dama
• Krystle Kaul

STARTUP SHOWCASE: Growth stage startups

The Late Stage Startup Showcase is designed for growth-stage and scale-up companies with demonstrated traction, market validation, and clear paths to expansion. Selected startups will have four minutes to present, followed by four minutes of in-depth Q&A with investors, operators, and industry leaders. This session focuses on business model strength, growth strategy, scalability, and capital requirements, offering founders an opportunity to engage in substantive discussions around market leadership, partnerships, and next-phase growth.

JUDGES:

• Tariq Khan
• Kesav Dama
• Krystle Kaul