As the world’s premier tech event, LEAP 2025 sets the stage for innovation, collaboration, and groundbreaking advancements in technology. In this blog, we explore SmartDev’s participation in this global gathering, highlight our expanding footprint in the Middle East, and reflect on the impactful projects and partnerships that have shaped our journey. From sharing our vision to building meaningful connections, discover how SmartDev is contributing to the future of technology at LEAP 2025.
1. LEAP Tech Conference
The world’s most anticipated tech event is back, and it’s bigger than ever! LEAP 2025, the world’s most attended technology conference, will take place from February 9 to 12, 2025, at the stunning Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center in Malham, Saudi Arabia. This global gathering of innovators, industry leaders, and technology enthusiasts promises to be a game-changer, featuring over 215,000 attendees, more than 1,100 world-class speakers, and 1,800 top-tier tech brands from around the globe.
This year’s event will bring together some of the biggest names in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Sundar Pichai (CEO of Google), Jensen Huang (CEO of NVIDIA), and Demis Hassabis (CEO of DeepMind) will headline key discussions on AI, the metaverse, and the future of computing. In addition, industry giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Tesla will showcase their latest breakthroughs, making LEAP 2025 a hub for unveiling cutting-edge advancements.
LEAP Tech Conference 2025
About The Event
The LEAP Tech Conference is a globally renowned event that has quickly become the world’s most attended technology gathering. Hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) in collaboration with leading global tech organizations, LEAP was established to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for innovation and digital transformation.
Since its inception in 2022, LEAP has grown exponentially, attracting the brightest minds, top tech companies, and entrepreneurs from around the globe. Past events have been exclusively held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, leveraging the city’s strategic location at the crossroads of global technology and commerce. Over the years, LEAP has consistently delivered record-breaking attendance, cutting-edge presentations, and groundbreaking announcements.
LEAP Conference in 2024
SmartDev is excited to kick off 2025 with our first major event at LEAP 2025. This visit marks a fresh start as we focus on expanding our presence in the UAE, our newest target market. With ongoing projects and clients in the region, we’re eager to showcase our capabilities, connect with industry leaders, and explore new partnerships. LEAP 2025 is the perfect stage to begin this exciting journey.
Event Timeline
The LEAP Conference promises an engaging schedule designed to maximize participation and insights. The event kicks off with show opening and registration from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, ensuring ample time for attendees to settle in.
The Opening Ceremony begins at 1:00 PM, marking the start of the conference, followed by dynamic sessions on the main stage from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
From 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, attendees can dive into various content tracks, exploring in-depth discussions and presentations by industry experts. This structured timeline ensures a seamless and enriching experience for all participants.
2. SmartDev’s Involvement and Event Schedule
Presenting SmartDev’s representatives at the conference
Petr Krasnov (Co-founder and CEO of Verysell Group): Previously served as CFO of Verysell Technologies, where he achieved 5x growth over four years. Petr holds a degree from Cornell University and has extensive experience in M&A, corporate finance, private equity, and restructuring.
As the CEO of Verysell Group, Petr drives global growth by delivering innovative IT solutions to enterprises, governments, SMEs, and startups. With over 20 years of expertise in corporate finance and strategic leadership, he has a proven track record in cross-border transactions, restructuring, and asset management.
Before joining Verysell Group, Petr was a Senior Manager at Fiscuss S.A., advising on $500M in assets for UHNW clients. Earlier, as Deputy Finance Director at Verysell, he led the sale of a $150M turnover distribution business unit. Beyond work, Petr is a PADI-certified diver, skier, and snowboarder, embracing challenges both in and outside the office.
Shak Ahmed (Director of Business Development at SmartDev): With over 15 years of expertise in business development and strategic leadership, Shak specializes in driving growth, market expansion, and revenue optimization across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas. Currently, he leads business development at SmartDev and Verysell Group, partnering with executives to craft impactful strategies that deliver measurable results.
Shak’s career spans high-performing team leadership and projects across the software, fintech, logistics, and automotive industries. His experience on company boards in transport and consultancy provides a holistic perspective for guiding strategic decisions. With a focus on client-centric, scalable solutions, Shak excels in aligning operational and commercial strategies to achieve sustainable growth and innovation.
Prof. Dr. Alexey Minin (AI Strategist Advisor at Applied AI Lab) is a leading figure at SmartDev, where he drives innovation in artificial intelligence and digital transformation. With over 19 years of experience in the high-tech industry, Alexey specializes in AI implementation, digital economy, and business innovation, guiding businesses to unlock the potential of modern technologies.
From his beginnings as an engineer at Siemens to his role as Associate Partner at MHP – A Porsche Company, Germany, Alexey has developed deep expertise in management consulting and exponential technologies. At Applied AI Lab, he spearheads AI adoption, mentors startups, and leads cutting-edge initiatives.
A co-founder of several startups and a global lecturer, Alexey is also a sought-after speaker at top digital conferences. His leadership strengthens Applied AI Lab’s mission to shape the future of AI.
Our Mission and Objectives for the Event
SmartDev’s participation in the LEAP Conference is driven by three key objectives. First, we aim to forge valuable connections with industry leaders and expand our professional network, fostering opportunities for collaboration and growth. Second, we seek to broaden our knowledge and stay ahead of emerging trends in artificial intelligence, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation. Lastly, we aim to showcase our company’s capabilities and offerings to potential partners, highlighting the value we bring to the industry and strengthening our presence in the global technology landscape.
SmartDev’s Role at LEAP and DeepFest
As a delegate, SmartDev will actively engage in the LEAP Conference and DeepFest, leveraging unparalleled access to key opportunities. At LEAP, we’ll attend the exclusive LEAP Lounge, gaining direct access to VIP partners, while exploring 17 content tracks and insights from over 1,100 expert speakers. At DeepFest, we’ll benefit from two AI-focused stages featuring 150+ expert speakers and access to 120+ global AI brands.
Our participation extends to the exhibition floors, where we’ll connect with 1,800+ global tech brands at LEAP and 120+ AI innovators at DeepFest. With premium app access, we’ll utilize advanced networking and AI matchmaking to connect with professionals and schedule impactful meetings. The dedicated lounges at both events provide a relaxed, professional setting for meaningful networking, ensuring we make the most of this transformative experience.
3. Key Attractions at LEAP 2025
LEAP 2025 is set to be a hub of innovation, featuring several key attractions that will captivate attendees:
DeepFest 2025
Co-located with LEAP, DeepFest is the premier meeting place for the global Artificial Intelligence ecosystem, bringing together thought leaders, change-makers, big tech companies, data scientists, innovators, enterprises, academia, start-ups, and entrepreneurs leading innovation across businesses.
DeepFest 2025 will showcase government AI initiatives and the latest innovations across various sectors through a thought-leadership conference and a series of sector-dedicated tracks, trainings, live demos, innovation sessions, start-up pitches, and an exhibition featuring the world’s top AI companies.
Notable speakers at DeepFest 2025 include:
- Navrina Singh: Founder and CEO of Credo AI
- Marc Raibert: Founder of Boston Dynamics
- Dr. Daniela Braga: Founder and CEO of Defined.AI
- Panos A. Panay: President of The Recording Academy
- Nabiha Saklayen: CEO and Co-Founder of Cellino
- Michael Spranger: President of Sony AI
- Mia Shah-Dand: CEO of Lighthouse3 and Founder of Women in AI Ethics
- Melissa Lawton: Chief Content Officer of SailGP
Speakers at DeepFest 2025
Seeing Tech Industry Leaders
With over 215,000 global attendees, 1,800 tech brands, and 1,100 expert speakers, LEAP 2025 is a hub for forging powerful connections. As an ITO company, SmartDev is eager to meet industry leaders and innovators shaping the tech landscape.
We’re particularly excited about engaging with Google on advancements in AI and computing or Microsoft on enterprise solutions and cloud technologies. In addition, representatives from Apple, IBM, Meta, and Salesforce, as well as promising startups redefining the future.
These opportunities will help us explore synergies, gain insights, and strengthen our commitment to delivering cutting-edge ITO solutions. At LEAP 2025, collaboration will drive innovation, and SmartDev is ready to lead the way.
Leaders that SmartDev exciting to meet
4. SmartDev and the Middle East: A Growing Partnership
SmartDev’s journey in the Middle East has been nothing short of remarkable, showcasing our commitment to contributing to the region’s vibrant tech landscape. Over the past year, we have taken significant strides to establish and deepen our presence in this thriving market, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner in technology and innovation.
In 2024, SmartDev proudly participated in two of the UAE’s most prestigious tech events: GITEX Global at the Dubai World Trade Center and Northstar at Dubai Harbour. These events provided us with the platform to connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge technologies, and introduce SmartDev’s expertise to the dynamic UAE market.
GITEX Global 2024
One of our standout projects in the region has been our collaboration with Elite Health Club, where we developed an innovative digital avatar solution to enhance customer engagement. This virtual greeting system left a lasting impression on Elite Health Club’s clientele, demonstrating how cutting-edge technology can elevate user experiences. This project was so important that one of our Board of Directors personally visited the Middle East to oversee its execution, highlighting our dedication to delivering excellence.
Recently, we reached a significant milestone by securing an agreement with one of the Big Four accounting firms, marking a key step in expanding our footprint in the region. Though confidentiality agreements prevent us from disclosing details, this collaboration is a testament to the trust that major global players place in SmartDev’s capabilities.
To further solidify our presence, we are proud to announce the opening of our new office in the UAE, reflecting our long-term commitment to supporting the region’s growth and innovation. This new base will allow us to be closer to our clients, deliver even greater value, and explore new opportunities in this fast-evolving market.
Joining LEAP 2025 is a natural extension of our dedication to the Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. We are excited to connect with the region’s tech community, share our vision, and contribute to shaping the future of innovation in this dynamic part of the world.
5. Stay Connected & Meet SmartDev at our upcoming events:
As we prepare for LEAP 2025, we invite you to join us on this thrilling journey. Stay connected with SmartDev through our social media channels for live coverage, behind-the-scenes moments, and key highlights from the event. Beyond the Middle East, our team will also embark on exciting ventures in Singapore and Australia, with updates to be shared via our blog posts.
Throughout the event, we’ll provide real-time updates, insightful commentary from industry leaders, and exclusive after-event reflections. Following the conference, don’t miss our detailed post-event recap, where we’ll share major takeaways and showcase SmartDev’s role in driving the future of technology.
Follow us on LinkedIn to stay inspired and connected as we take this leap into the future of tech.
