Wadi Makkah Company, affiliated to Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), has taken part in the (VIVA Technology), that was held in Paris, France during the period from June 30 to July 2, 2016.

The company's delegation included Deputy Chairman of the Board of Wadi Makkah, Dr. Nabil bin Abdul Qader Koshak, CEO Osama bin Rashid Al-Omari and CEO of Navi Bees Mohamed Saleh Ba-Salama.

In his comments on the event, President of Umm Al Qura University and Chairman of the Board of Wadi Makkah Dr. Bakri Bin M'atoog Bin Bakri Assas said Wadi Makkah's participation reflected the scientific and technical development achieved by the newly established Saudi companies. He said such progress meets the aspirations of the Saudi leaders under the Vision 2030.

In the same context, Dr. Koshak said the Saudi startups took part in the VIVA Technology Paris to create a link between the companies with the investors, potential clients and international technology developers.

He said the start-ups at Wadi Makkah have gained more spaces at the international level thanks to the support of the university, its President and the skilled staff who played a role in transition to the knowledge-based economy and achieving the goals of the Vision 2030. According to Dr. Koshak, the conference is a platform for discussing the most promising technologies. He expected effects on economy and social life would be touchable.

Dr. Al Omari said: The VIVA Technology Conference in Paris for Start-ups, which runs for three days, is the biggest of its kind in Europe where 5,000 startups have shown their products in addition to the 45 visitors who have taken part. He added up to 300 workshops and lectures were held with special participation of a group of internationally recognized companies. The participating-startups have been given 10 million euros (SAR 40 million). He noted the conference created a link between companies of innovative products with the investors and public sector agencies in concern.

According to Dr. Omari, Wadi Makkah has participated along with a number of startups in its pavilion. The exhibitors have presented technical solutions that include smart city platforms, geographical information systems, crowd transport and management and health care technologies, he added.