UAE tech firm Bloovo launches Bkathon, a virtual hackathon platform

Dr. Ahmad Khamis, co-founder and CEO of Bloovo.
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Updated 11 April 2021
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UAE tech firm Bloovo launches Bkathon, a virtual hackathon platform

Bloovo, an innovative technology company founded in Dubai and specializing in the provision of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered talent acquisition solutions, has announced the launch of Bkathon, its cloud-based SaaS-oriented virtual hackathon platform, designed to digitize the hackathon process. The cloud-based platform allows companies to host and run their own virtual hackathons without the hassle of organizing them themselves and is intended to become one of the brand’s main products. By harnessing the minds of the brightest young talent from around the world, business leaders can solve daunting issues and challenges and encourage a culture of innovation within their organizations.

In recent years, hackathons have grown in popularity as a modern tool by which leaders can take their company to the next level, based around the belief in collaborative innovation and the power of harvesting ideas from a number of sources. Hackathons are dynamic in their open process, encouraging participants to think outside the box, experiment and rapidly prototype to give leaders the edge.

Hackathons are not just limited to tech companies and over the past years many other sectors have started to use it. 

According to recent data from hackathon.com, the largest online hackathon community worldwide, only 27 percent of tech companies are using hackathons today as opposed to 73 percent of the companies being non-tech divided, highlighted by manufacturing and transportation companies at 12 and 11 percent, respectively, followed by health care and telecom. The study has also showcased that there has been a 37 percent rise in internal hackathons over the past two years with the main adopters of internal hackathons being financial services at 18 percent, manufacturing at 17 percent and retail industries at 16 percent.

Dr. Ahmad Khamis, co-founder and CEO of Bloovo, said: “The market is rich with opportunities and we are seeing the development of a more diverse ecosystem between companies and talent, furthering the innovation culture and fostering deep creative thinking.” 

Our vision is to revolutionize talent acquisition by adopting creative ideas, leading with our existing solutions and launching new products powered by AI and machine learning. This means we continually drive forward. A dynamic, joined-up, virtual business community such as Bkathon meets the needs of both company owners and employees and speaks to our ability to support our communities in new and disruptive ways.”


ASMO partners with Arcapita to develop 1.4m sqm logistics facility at SPARK

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ASMO partners with Arcapita to develop 1.4m sqm logistics facility at SPARK

ASMO, a joint venture between Aramco and DHL Supply Chain, has partnered with Arcapita Group Holdings Limited, a global alternative investment firm, to develop a 1.4 million-square-meter purpose-built logistics facility at King Salman Energy Park, designed to support the next phase of the Kingdom’s logistics and supply chain development. The project will be delivered through a forward funding transaction, reflecting a long-term investment in national infrastructure.

Through the partnership, Arcapita will fund and retain ownership of the facility, while ASMO will develop, lease, and operate the asset under a 22-year occupational lease. The facility will include a 43,000-square-meter temperature-controlled Grade-A logistics warehouse, over 3,000 square meters of offices and staff facilities, 5,300 square meters of dedicated chemical storage space, and a 1.2 million-square-meter open yard. The investment reflects a shared goal by the parties to develop resilient, scalable, and future-ready institutional grade logistics infrastructure in the Kingdom.

Designed for large-scale industrial operations, the facility will help boost advanced warehouse and building management systems, digital integration, automated storage and retrieval systems, robotics, adherence to globally recognized sustainability standards, including photovoltaic readiness, electrical vehicle charging, and a LEED Gold certification.

“This development reflects the strategic intent behind ASMO’s mandate and reaffirms its role in enabling resilient and future-ready supply chains,” said Salem Al-Huraish, chairman of ASMO. “By investing in long-term infrastructure and strategic partnerships, ASMO is supporting the Kingdom’s industrial ambitions and contributing to the development of integrated logistics capabilities that serve both national priorities and global markets.”

The facility represents ASMO’s first purpose-built logistics center and forms part of four planned strategic sites underpinning ASMO’s national logistics network, aligned with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030. Once operational, it will serve Aramco, its affiliates, and other key industrial players across the Kingdom. 

“ASMO’s new logistics hub at SPARK helps to strengthen Aramco’s supply chain resilience by delivering a centralized, high-efficiency facility in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s energy sector. As an anchor customer, we recognize the value of ASMO’s strategic investments in logistics infrastructure, demonstrating their ambition to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions across the supply chain,” said Sulaiman Al-Rubaian, Aramco senior vice president of procurement and supply chain management.

Isa Al-Khalifa, director and head of MENA real estate at Arcapita, said: “This transaction builds on Arcapita’s established track record in developing and investing in Grade-A logistics and industrial assets. Combining our local expertise in Saudi Arabia with our experience in complex, forward-funded developments, we are pleased to partner with ASMO to support the development of a purpose-built facility that supports the Kingdom’s energy and industrial sectors, while securing a high-quality asset.”

Mishal Al-Zughaibi, president and CEO of SPARK, said: “We are pleased to welcome ASMO to SPARK as part of a strategic partnership that further strengthens SPARK’s position as a premier logistics hub aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. This significant investment reflects the strong collaboration and ambition of all parties involved. SPARK’s advanced infrastructure and comprehensive services were a key factor in ASMO’s decision to establish its state-of-the-art logistics center within our park.” 

Located within Saudi Arabia’s energy ecosystem, SPARK is strategically positioned between Dammam Seaport, Aramco’s Abqaiq facilities, and Al-Ahsa, enabling direct connectivity across the Kingdom’s energy and industrial network. The site supports integrated operations through modern infrastructure and digital readiness and has attracted more than 70 investors from 16 countries, with Phase 1 infrastructure representing a total investment of $1.6 billion.