PwC at LEAP 2023

How Digital Twins make cities better 

Kaveh Vessali, Partner, Digital Services, PwC Middle East
Keynote | 6 February | 12:00 - 12:20 PM KSA

Digital twins are part of Gartner's top 12 strategic technology trends for 2022 and have been recognised by public organisations as an effective tool for city planning and management. What are the benefits of digital twins for this purpose, focusing on the opportunities in the Middle East, a model for developing a fit-for-purpose digital twin, and common requirements for implementing the technology.

Buildings of the future

Rajat Chowdhary, Partner, Technology, PwC Middle East
Keynote | 7 February | 3:05 - 3:25 PM KSA

Connected and well-functioning Smart Buildings and infrastructure are at the heart of any leading cognitive city’s goals and aspirations. This means implementing cutting-edge technology through a network of devices, sensors, systems and applications which aim to achieve the city's goals related to economic growth, enabling backbone infrastructure, efficient operations and ensuring quality life to its citizens and residents.

At the outset, factors feeding technology innovation in Smart Buildings technology were mainly from a cost-saving or environmental friendly perspective. But the new wave of providing a personal and seamless experience to its occupants has now initiated conversations in the directions of comfort, safety and productivity. When technology is intertwined with curated user experience, a level of functionality is achieved which is highly adaptive, intelligent and unified.

What are the key drivers for Smart Buildings investments, its use cases and how clients can successfully deliver highly personalised and futuristic solutions to its users through their buildings?

Key elements determining the success of the future of energy (ESG)

Dr Yahya Anouti, ESG Platform Leader, PwC Middle East
Keynote | 7 February | 11:00 - 11:20 AM KSA

The region as we know it, is undergoing​ an unprecedented transformation. The GCC is at the forefront of green technology, by combining its nature-given advantages with focused research and funding, the region can pioneer the development of technologies that can help achieve global goals in the future of green energy.

Smart Cities: Mobility ecosystems for a more sustainable future

Hazem Galal, Cities and Local Government Global Leader and Global Smart Mobility Co-Leader, PwC Middle East
Keynote | 7 February | 5:05 - 5:25 PM KSA

After years of trial and error, municipal leaders are realizing that “smart” mobility strategies require more than just technology adoption. Real “smartness” means purposefully combining data and technology to create affordable, inclusive, safe, and sustainable mobility solutions that help people make better decisions and that deliver a better quality of life. Yet, for many leaders, the goal of fostering a truly smart city remains frustratingly out of reach.

AI enabled finance 

Semih Kumluk, Senior Manager, PwC Academy Digital
Keynote | 8 February | 12:25 - 12:50 PM KSA

Finance is probably the most data-driven business function and data is the raw material for AI. This section will introduce best practices and potential applications of AI that every finance professional should know to enable further growth and prepare for the future.

• AI vs. Automation in Finance

• 3 layers of AI applied in Finance: Think, Sense, Act

• Advanced AI applications

Insights from the 2022 Saudi Arabia Venture Capital Report

Romanna Dada, Head of Ventures, PwC Middle East
Fireside chat | 6 February | 11:20 – 11:35 AM KSA

Gain exclusive insights on Saudi Arabian venture capital in 2022 with MAGNiTT’s CEO & Founder, Philip Bahoshy in a conversation moderated by Head of Ventures, Romanna Dada.

The FY2022 Saudi Arabia (KSA) Venture Investment Report is one of MAGNiTT's flagship reports that provides a yearly update on the venture capital and startup ecosystem in the Kingdom. 2022 was the year of Venture Capital (VC) outshine for Saudi Arabia. Funding in the Kingdom rose by 72% to register its all time high level of $987M, few steps away from hitting the $1Bn mark, with only five less deals than the number closed in 2021. The Kingdom captured a third of the MENA region’s $3.2Bn record funding. The session will discuss trends in the move of corporates and private businesses moving into strategic investments and partnership to help accelerate their digital transformation journeys.

A new era for corporate ESGs

Dr. Celeste Moles Lo Turco, Director, Sustainability, PwC Middle East
Fireside chat | 7 February | 11:10 – 11:30 AM KSA

Uncover a new age, where environmental responsibility is now at the forefront of corporate activities.

LEAP rocket fuel startup pitch competition: Semi-final heat 4

Romanna Dada, Head of Ventures, PwC Middle East
Judging Panel | 7 February | 4:30 - 6:30 PM KSA  

6 expert judges, 15 brilliant tech startups, and six amazing awards to pitch for ahead of Day 4’s Finale.

LEAP rocket fuel startup pitch competition: Semi-final heat 5

Dr. Celeste Moles Lo Turco, Director, Sustainability, PwC Middle East
Judging Panel | 8 February | 2:30 - 4:30 PM KSA  

6 expert judges, 15 brilliant tech startups, and six amazing awards to pitch for ahead of Day 4’s Finale.