Latvian healthtech startup Longenesis has won the top prize of $100,000 at the Supernova Challenge 2.0. The competition, held during Expand North Star 2024 in Dubai, attracted over 650 startups from 69 countries, reinforcing the UAE’s growing position as a global hub for technology innovation.

Longenesis impressed judges with its digital health platform, which aims to accelerate treatment development and enhance patient engagement. The startup, which has already impacted over 850,000 patients across Europe and the Middle East, plans to use the win to fuel its expansion in the Gulf region. “It’s about unlocking the value of data and engaging broader populations,” said Emil Syundyukov, CEO of Longenesis.

The competition saw participation from startups from 69 countries. Startups from the UAE, India, and South Korea were among the most represented in the competition. Companies from sectors such as AI, SaaS, and healthcare led the charge, highlighting key trends in the global tech landscape.

Expand North Star 2024, organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, saw its largest edition yet, with a 40% increase in global participation.

Singaporean startup ProfilePrint, which uses AI-driven technology to assess ingredient quality for agribusinesses, secured second place and a USD 60,000 prize. South Korea’s Nextpayments Inc. secured third place with a USD 35,000 award for its AI-powered kiosks and smart store solutions, aimed at personalizing retail experiences.