Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF), a UAE-based, independent, non-governmental and non-profit organisation that complements the scientific and technological efforts in the Arab world, has gathered the support of highly influential private and governmental organisations for the fifth Investing in Technology Forum.

The event will be held in Amman, Jordan, on December 12 and 13, 2007, under the patronage of King Abdullah.

Co-organised by ASTF and Saudi-based Islamic Development Bank, the forum's strategic partners include King Abdullah II Fund for Development, Queen Rania Centre for Entrepreneurship, Young Entrepreneurs Association and iPARK, which are all based in Jordan, along with UAE-based Arab Business Angels Network.

“Technology investments are critical as they spur technology and product innovation, which are pillars of a sustainable, vibrant economy. ASTF aims to become an agent for the smooth integration of science and technology in the drive towards achieving a more robust economy. We are thankful to our sponsors and strategic partners, whose support is instrumental in realising our vision,” said president, ASTF, Dr Abdalla Alnajjar.

The Forum has also gathered support from event partners Catalyst Private Equity, Riyada Ventures and Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organisation, which are all based in Jordan, and TVM Capital of Germany, while media partners are CNBC Arabiya and ABQ Zawya of the UAE.

'The ASTF Investing in Technology program aims to develop technology entrepreneurship in the Arab World by focusing on areas such as funding technology start-ups, networking, capacity building and awareness and culture change. This Forum will launch a Pan-Arab initiative based on ASTF programs to help in creating an ecosystem that will support innovation and technology entrepreneurship in the Arab world,” said ASTF Investing in Technology Programme Manager Farhan Kalaldeh.

More than 22 renowned industry experts will speak at the forum, while over 20 technology start-ups will be showcased during the event. The forum will also gather leading Arab investors, entrepreneurs and support organisations to discuss the economic impact of science and technology, and develop strategies for boosting technology investments.

Topics to be tackled include attracting global venture capital, technology licensing, listing technology companies, incubation and funding of technology startups, and the challenges faced in the development of strong technology base on the national and regional levels.

Moreover, the forum will host the culminating ceremony of the second Arab Technology Business Plan Competition, a contest designed to elicit investments by showcasing innovative Arab technology start-ups. – TradeArabia News Service