Omer Gozen’s Post

I am grateful for the enriching experiences my job at Plug and Play Tech Center has provided, allowing me to explore new places, meet public and private sector leaders, and connect with professionals in my field. Our family’s move from Silicon Valley to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia five months ago was a pivotal decision. The transition offered me a firsthand insight into the Kingdom's potential, particularly during my time at LEAP 2025 in Malham. Immersing myself in the experience felt close to being at CES in Las Vegas, showcasing the transformative nature of the Kingdom. Averaging 25,000 steps with Halima Zahzah and meeting people and conversing on a variety of topics on day 1 felt great! With Vision 2030 driving momentum, the focus on AI at the event was exceptional, especially evident in aramco innovative booth that defied traditional energy company expectations. The exploration of aerospace and defense technology emerged as a newfound interest for me, supported by insightful content at the conference. Our team's side event led by our ventures partner Carolin Wais with SAP featuring engaging networking opportunities with Umar Khan and our startup founders, added another layer of value to the experience. The conference's impeccable organization, catering to over 200,000 attendees, underscored its success. Noteworthy moments included signing ceremonies with Takamol Holding and TakamolVentures alongside my colleague, Director of Plug and Play Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abdullah Alakeel. Seeing one of the legends of SV, Mohsen Moazami representing his rocket ship Groq, a Plug and Play portfolio company, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia’s $1.5 BILLION! investment has certainly felt like a lightening bolt through our bodies!!! Anticipating the promising year ahead, 2025 holds immense potential, and the Plug and Play Middle East Team stands poised to seize the opportunities that lie ahead! P.S. Saeed Amidi you’ll never miss another LEAP again ;)