LEAP 2024, recognized as one of the world’s foremost technology events, is gearing up to spotlight the remarkable contributions of women in the global technology landscape. Scheduled for its third edition at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre from March 4th-7th, the event promises to be an epitome of inspiration and empowerment for women in the tech sector.
Organized by Tahaluf, a strategic collaboration between Informa PLC, the Events Investment Fund (EIF), and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), in conjunction with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), LEAP 2024 is poised to feature an immersive ‘Women in Tech’ program. This program aims to offer a comprehensive platform encompassing diverse content, investment opportunities, networking sessions, and mentorship programs tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs. Additionally, a dedicated startup award will recognize and celebrate the innovative endeavors of female-led businesses.
The inclusive nature of the program underscores its mission to inspire greater participation of women in the technology sector, not only within Saudi Arabia but on a global scale. This initiative resonates with the ongoing diversity initiatives within the Kingdom, reflecting LEAP 2024’s commitment to encourage economic diversification and facilitating international business access.
“Female representation is across all of LEAP’s features and reflects the event’s mission of driving economic diversification and providing market access to international business,” said Annabelle Mander, Senior Vice President of Tahaluf.
“Within Tahaluf itself, half of our team members are women, and women make up half of our SMT too. This even split between men and women happened naturally. For me, it’s all about creating an environment where women are respected, pushed forward, promoted, and given chances to grow, and we couldn’t do it without the support and backing from our male colleagues and teammates.”
The ‘Women in Tech’ program at LEAP 2024 is poised to feature a stellar lineup of speakers, including former government ministers, C-suite executives from leading tech disruptors, ethics advisors, and venture capitalists. Sahar Albanarna, the founder of the ‘Women4Impact’ initiative, underscores the transformative potential of technology in empowering women globally, advocating for greater support for female entrepreneurs to drive sustainable economic growth.
In addition to featuring established leaders, LEAP 2024 provides a strong platform for female-led startups and entrepreneurs to pitch their innovative ideas, seek funding, and receive mentorship through initiatives like the Women’s Investor Forum, Entrepreneur Mentorship Scheme, and the Aviatrix Award in the Rocket Fuel pitch competition, which offers a substantial US$150,000 prize for the most innovative startup led by women founders.
With a central theme on AI, LEAP 2024 anticipates record-breaking attendance, strengthened by the support of the Saudi Ministry for Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), reaffirming the event’s status as a global hub for technological advancement and development. Through its ‘Women in Tech’ program, LEAP 2024 aims to champion gender diversity, empower women in technology, and pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.