The third day of Expand North Star, the world’s largest startup and investment event, showcased some of the most exciting developments in technology today. Held at Dubai Harbour from October 14 to 15, 2025, the event attracted 2,000 startups and over 1,200 investors managing more than $1.1 trillion in assets. It was a hub for groundbreaking ideas, especially around AI, sustainability, and social impact.

Leadership and Social Impact Initiatives

A key moment was the participation of His Excellency Salem Ali Al Shami, the Executive Director of Social Incubation & Contracting at the Authority of Social Contribution, also known as Ma’ân. During a fireside chat, he emphasized the importance of empowering young social entrepreneurs and explained how Ma’ân supports this goal. His comments highlighted the role of social impact in shaping future innovations.

As part of the event, Ma’ân teamed up with Expand North Star for a competition inviting young social entrepreneurs to tackle pressing social issues with creative solutions. The winners, Nesma Amin and Ameen Abo Diak, received awards from His Excellency on stage. Their projects are expected to make a positive and lasting difference in their communities, showcasing the event’s focus on social change through innovation.

Innovations in Sustainable AI

One of the standout topics was how AI infrastructure can become more eco-friendly. Studies show that nearly 40% of energy used by AI data centers is wasted, which is a big environmental concern. Addressing this, Taavi Madiberk, CEO and Co-Founder of Skeleton Technologies, introduced a new graphene-based battery hardware. This technology helps manage power demand peaks, cutting down energy waste and boosting efficiency.

Skeleton’s ultracapacitors are eco-friendly and contain no lithium, cobalt, or manganese, making them a greener choice for AI infrastructure. Major companies in the US and Europe are already partnering with Skeleton Technologies, and the Gulf states are seen as key markets for expanding this sustainable tech. It’s a promising step toward greener AI systems worldwide.

This focus on sustainability shows how innovation can help reduce the environmental impact of technology while maintaining performance. As AI continues to grow, such solutions are becoming more vital for a sustainable future. The event emphasized that technology and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

The Next Wave of AI and Inclusive Growth

Another big topic was the future of AI beyond the large-language models we know today. Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, shared insights during an AI fireside session. He explained that the next phase involves large quantitative models (LQMs), which could unlock advances in energy, health, space exploration, and more. These models can help solve complex problems across multiple industries.

SandboxAQ is a unicorn startup valued at $5.7 billion, focusing on how AI can drive innovation and social impact. The company’s work with LQMs aims to create smarter, more sustainable solutions that benefit society. The event underscored the importance of developing AI in ways that are inclusive and beneficial for all, not just a few sectors.

Throughout the event, discussions also centered on building more inclusive frameworks for technology. Experts, investors, and policymakers came together to explore how to ensure that AI and innovation serve everyone fairly. The message was clear: with collaboration and a forward-looking mindset, technology can be a force for positive change and societal improvement.

Overall, Expand North Star demonstrated that the future of tech is not just about new gadgets or big data. It’s about creating sustainable, impactful solutions that address real-world challenges. The event left attendees inspired to push for progress that benefits communities worldwide and promotes a more inclusive, responsible tech ecosystem.

Inspired by

• https://ai-techpark.com/day-3-of-expand-north-star-highlights-ai-social-impact-big-fundings/