LEAP Tech Event

LEAP is a yearly technology conference established in 2022 through collaborative efforts from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf, an Informa company. The conference took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The agenda of the conference encompasses a wide array of topics, spanning Fintech, Edutech, Smart Cities, Health Technology, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Creative Economies, Cleantech, Investment, Future Energy, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The panel of speakers at LEAP comprises high-ranking executives, government officials, athletes, and subject matter experts. Notable figures featured in these sessions include Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Börje Ekholm, Peggy Johnson, Stephane Houdet, Eugene Kaspersky, Michel Salgado, Christian Klein, Makaziwe Mandela, Maëlle Gavet, Susan Kilrain, Sian Proctor, Karren Brady, and Steven Bartlett.

LEAP's extensive network of sponsors and partners encompasses venture capitalists, Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, educational institutions, and startups. Among these supporters are Microsoft, Cisco, SAP SE, Citrix, IBM, Zoom, Hitachi, Ericsson, Huawei, PWC, Aramco, Tonomus, and Deloitte.

LEAP, the groundbreaking tech event, was established through a collaboration between Informa Tech, SAFCSP, and MCIT, debuting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from February 1 to 3, 2022. The inaugural edition drew an impressive attendance of over 100,000 visitors during the three-day span. With participation from 700 tech companies, 330 investors, and 500 CEOs and tech experts, LEAP 2022 made a significant impact, resulting in initiatives and programs valued at over $6.4 billion.

The event also featured the "Rocket Fuel Start-up Competition," distributing a total of one million USD among promising start-ups. Notably, LEAP 2022 boasted the world's largest Kaleidoscope, measuring an impressive 40 meters in length.

Building on this success, LEAP 2023 marked the second edition of the annual tech extravaganza, held in Riyadh from February 6 to 9, 2023. Over the four days, the event welcomed more than 172,000 visitors, hosted 900 exhibitors, featured 700 speakers across 11 stages from 50 countries, showcased 500 start-ups, and attracted 1026 investors with a combined AUM of 2 trillion.

LEAP 2023 also witnessed the Rocket Fuel start-up pitch competition, where six start-ups secured a share of a $1 million prize fund. Among the notable attendees were Hiroshi Ishiguro, Magic Keys, bHaptics, and Mirror, solidifying LEAP's position as a leading global tech gathering.

Scheduled to take place from March 4 to 7, 2024, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, Malham, LEAP 2024 is poised to surpass previous achievements. With a projected attendance of over 172,000 visitors, the event is set to feature more than 1,000 global experts from 180 countries, exploring transformative innovations across seven laser-focused content tracks.

At its core, LEAP aims to accelerate the global adoption of transformative technologies, catalyzing innovation and fostering collaboration on an international scale. The event serves as a melting pot for tech professionals, startups, investors, and industry leaders, providing a dynamic platform for networking, idea exchange, and forging strategic alliances.

One of the primary objectives of LEAP is to explore and showcase the latest advancements in Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), reflecting a commitment to staying at the forefront of technological evolution. By curating a diverse array of content tracks covering major emerging tech trends, including Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, Gaming, Space, Cybersecurity, Future Workforce, and Digital Twins, LEAP seeks to spark meaningful discussions and drive progress in these critical areas.

LEAP aspires to contribute to economic development and societal transformation, particularly within the host country, Saudi Arabia. With a keen focus on fostering startup ecosystems, the event hosts the Rocket Fuel Start-up Pitch Competition, providing a platform for emerging innovators to showcase their technologies and potentially secure vital support.

LEAP also aims to amplify its global impact by attracting sponsorship and support from leading players in the tech industry. Collaborations with strategic sponsors, including Ericsson, Huawei, PwC, and others, underscore the event's commitment to creating an environment that nurtures groundbreaking ideas, fosters business growth, and propels the world into new technological frontiers.

LEAP attracts a vast and diverse audience. With over 100,000 visitors during its inaugural year in 2022 and a remarkable surge to more than 172,000 attendees in the subsequent year, LEAP stands as a testament to its global appeal and influence.

LEAP's ability to gather over 1,000 global experts, including CEOs, investors, and tech enthusiasts, underscores its role as a premier meeting point for thought leaders and industry professionals. The diverse lineup of over 1,000 speakers from various fields brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the event. From tech entrepreneurs and CEOs to industry experts and policymakers, LEAP curates a dynamic and influential speaker platform.

LEAP has been a catalyst for forging key deals and partnerships, with LEAP 2022 tallying over $6.4 billion worth of initiatives and programs. The subsequent year witnessed the total value of on-event investment deals reaching an impressive US$9 billion during LEAP 2023.

The LEAP Rocket Fuel Start-up Pitch Competition has become a cornerstone for emerging tech innovators to showcase their ideas and secure vital support. The million-dollar awards granted to promising start-ups not only serve as a financial boost but also provide unparalleled exposure, leading to subsequent success stories for winning ventures.