IO Labs: Agentic AI & Robots
IO Labs is a special event series by Dubai Silicon Oasis focused on emerging technologies, intelligent systems, real-world applications, and access to investment opportunities.
This edition, Agentic AI & Robots, brings together founders, enterprises, researchers, investors, policymakers, and technology leaders to explore how agentic AI systems and robotics are transforming industries, infrastructure, and everyday life.
Designed as a conference and exhibition experience, the event combines strategic discussions, live demonstrations, startup showcases, and ecosystem networking focused on practical applications of next-generation technologies.
Join us to discover the latest developments shaping Dubai’s technology ecosystem, connect with emerging innovators, and engage with the people building the next generation of intelligent systems.
Agenda Highlights
08:30 AM — Registration & Networking
Arrival, coffee, networking, and exhibition access.
09:00 AM — Opening
Welcome remarks by Badr Buhannad, Dubai Silicon Oasis, followed by IO Labs Connect, a short networking moment designed to spark conversations and potential collaborations from the very start of the event.
09:10 AM — Keynote Session
The Rise of Agentic AI and Intelligent Systems
Exploring the evolution of autonomous AI systems and their growing role across industries.
Speaker: Tarek Rahal, Intel
09:35 AM — Keynote Session
Enterprise AI at the Edge: Rethinking Intelligence for the Physical World
How AI is moving beyond software into infrastructure, operations, robotics, and real-world environments.
Speaker: Nicole Anderson, RedSand AI
10:00 AM — Robotics Presentation
The Future of Robots
A look into next-generation robotics, intelligent machines, and future human-machine interaction.
Speaker: Raffi Tchakerian, Ibdå
10:25 AM — Coffee Break & Networking
10:45 AM — Panel Discussion
Beyond Automation: Building Autonomous, AI-Driven Enterprises
Discussion around operational AI, enterprise transformation, and intelligent decision-making systems.
Panelists: Jinane Mounsef, RIT Dubai; Berdia Qamarauli, Centigen; Gavin Campbell, Grayce; Shahzeb Naeem, GRANITE MENA
Moderator: Nigel Owen
11:15 AM — DeepTech Presentation
Robotics Case Study: KERNO & Micropolis Robotics
Practical deployment insights and lessons from advanced robotics applications.
Speakers: Ilya Fathutdinov, Kerno; Paul Smirnov, Kerno
11:40 AM — Strategic MoU Signing & Leadership Address
Official partnership signing ceremony followed by remarks from DSO leadership.
11:50 AM — Panel Discussion
Robots in Our Cities
Exploring the role of robotics and autonomous systems in urban environments, mobility, public services, and future city operations.
Panelists: Hamad Almarzooqi, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre; Tarek Taha, Dubai Future Foundation; Aaron Goh, QuikBot Technologies
Moderator: Noora Alawi, DIEZ
12:15 PM — Panel Discussion
Building the Next Generation of Intelligent Systems
Research, commercialization, governance, and emerging opportunities shaping the future of intelligent technologies.
Panelists: Amit Gupta, Gulf Islamic Investments; Anna McMillan, Global Capital; Arsalan Shakeel, Novigo Solutions; Srikanth Sankaran, Emirates
Moderator: Nigel Owen
12:45 PM — Panel Discussion
Investing in Agentic AI & Robotics
Conversations around venture capital, scaling frontier technologies, ecosystem growth, and investment trends.
Panelists: Omar Khan, Oraseya Capital; Tala Al Jabri, Wyld VC; Hans Christensen, Dtec
Moderator: Sinji Washnam, Dtec
01:15 PM — Closing Remarks
01:20 PM onwards — Networking Lunch & Exhibition Experience
Continue the conversation with founders, investors, enterprises, researchers, and technology leaders.
Our Speakers
Badr Buhannad — Director General, Dubai Silicon Oasis
Leading Dubai Silicon Oasis’ vision as a global district for technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and future-focused economic growth.
Tarek Rahal — Public Sector Lead, Intel
Leading Intel’s public sector engagements in the UAE, focused on AI, digital sovereignty, confidential computing, and national digital transformation initiatives.
Srikanth Sankaran — Head: AI & Data Labs, Emirates
Leading AI and data innovation initiatives at Emirates, focused on enterprise AI, advanced analytics, intelligent systems, and digital transformation across aviation and customer experience.
Nicole Anderson — CEO, RedSand AI
Founder of RedSand AI, building sovereign agentic AI systems and edge AI infrastructure for enterprises and governments across the GCC.
Paul Smirnov — Deputy COO, Kerno
Technology executive focused on enterprise IT operations, infrastructure, and digital transformation within advanced hardware ecosystems.
Jinane Mounsef — Chair of Electrical Engineering and Computing Sciences Department, RIT Dubai
AI and robotics researcher specializing in machine learning, computer vision, smart cities, autonomous mobility, and applied AI systems.
Berdia Qamarauli — CEO & Founder, Centigen
Building enterprise AI operating systems and governance frameworks focused on AI accountability, authority, and deployment.
Raffi Tchakerian — Co-Founder, Ibdå
Designer and researcher working across robotics, aerospace, interaction design, and human-centered technology systems.
Aaron Goh — QuikBot Technologies
Robotics entrepreneur focused on autonomous delivery systems, smart city technologies, and scalable urban logistics platforms.
Anna McMillan — Global Capital
Investment and ecosystem professional focused on strategic partnerships, growth opportunities, and emerging technology ventures across innovation-driven sectors.
Amit Gupta — Gulf Islamic Investments
Focused on AI-driven investment opportunities, emerging technologies, and strategic growth initiatives across future-focused industries.
Shahzeb Naeem — Tech Project Manager, GRANITE MENA
AI strategist and researcher specializing in applied AI, agentic systems, speech intelligence, and responsible AI adoption.
Ilya Fathutdinov — Account Manager, Kerno
Technology and cloud transformation specialist focused on AI, payments, enterprise infrastructure, and digital finance ecosystems.
Arsalan Shakeel — Principal Data Architect, Novigo Solutions
Data and AI architect specializing in enterprise data platforms, scalable AI infrastructure, advanced analytics, and digital transformation solutions.
Gavin Campbell — Advisor – AI Strategy, Grayce
Transformation and AI strategy advisor with experience leading enterprise and digital transformation initiatives across multiple regions.
Hamad Almarzooqi — Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
Focused on advanced technologies, innovation ecosystems, and future-facing applications across the UAE space sector.
Tarek Taha — Dubai Future Foundation
Driving future-focused initiatives and emerging technology engagement across Dubai’s innovation ecosystem.
Hans Christensen — Dtec
Supporting startup ecosystem development, venture growth, and innovation programs within Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Omar Khan — Oraseya Capital
Venture capital and innovation ecosystem leader focused on startup growth, emerging technologies, and investment opportunities across the region.
Tala Al Jabri — Wyld VC
Investor and ecosystem builder focused on venture growth, emerging technologies, and founder enablement.
Sinji Washnam — Dtec
Startup ecosystem leader focused on innovation, venture engagement, and entrepreneurship development.
Nigel Owen — ARCET Global
Moderator and ecosystem strategist focused on technology, innovation platforms, emerging industries, and cross-sector collaboration.
Our Ecosystem Partners
Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec)
The largest technology startup campus in the Middle East, Dtec is Dubai Silicon Oasis’ integrated entrepreneurial ecosystem supporting startups, scaleups, investors, and innovation-driven companies through coworking, business setup, accelerator programmes, mentorship, events, and access to funding opportunities.
An initiative originating from the MIT Media Lab focused on building the foundational infrastructure for the emerging “Internet of AI Agents.” Project NANDA explores how autonomous AI systems can securely discover, communicate, collaborate, and operate across decentralized and enterprise environments through interoperable agentic architectures and open protocols.
Location & Parking
Venue: Meeting Hub, Radisson RED, Dubai Silicon Oasis
Valet parking available at the venue entrance.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sdQdcQ8C3VQZeHVY9
Additional Parking: Parking Building opposite the venue
Approx. 2-minute walk to the event location.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RkfR5DZiUiuQJRJh7