Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week kicked off on Tuesday with the ECD Innovation Day, spotlighting innovative solutions in the early childhood development (ECD) sector, led by the latest cohort of startup founders in the Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst Programme.
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA).
This year's cohort, selected from a diverse pool of global innovators, spent the past month immersed in the local ecosystem of Abu Dhabi, engaging with public and private sectors to develop proof-of-concept projects aimed at reshaping early childhood care in the region.
Among the presentations was that of Marco D'Agata, CEO and Founder of Neolook Solutions, a platform that allows for real-time monitoring and communication between families and healthcare providers, ensuring that children receive timely care.
Central to this system is a multi-sensor smart device that can be placed in incubators or open beds, ensuring comprehensive monitoring of the infant.
Another innovative startup, Cubtale, co-founded by Selin Tamer, has created a comprehensive platform designed to simplify baby care for parents and caregivers.
Tamer explained that despite a burgeoning baby tech market, many parents report feeling unsupported.
"Cubtale connects families with real-time guidance, helping improve critical health metrics like breastfeeding and vaccination rates," she stated, underscoring the app's rapid growth to 150,000 users within just two years.
Ronaldo Cohin, CEO of Jade Autism, presented a case for the use of AI in education for neurodivergent children.
His platform leverages game-based learning to accelerate cognitive development and provide personalised insights for educators.
"Our technology can track cognitive data during play, allowing teachers to tailor their approaches to individual needs," Cohin explained.
With a 250% growth rate since 2021, Jade Autism is making strides in enhancing educational outcomes for children with cognitive disabilities.
Raghav Himatsingka, founder of Raising Superstars, delved into the importance of early learning in his presentation.
His app provides parents with daily plans to develop foundational skills in children aged 0-6, eliminating screen time while encouraging interactive learning.
"We believe in nurturing potential from a young age, and our programme is designed to fit seamlessly into busy family lives," he noted.
Cali Meyrignac, CEO of Cali's Books, shared her vision of reintroducing books into children's lives through innovative, screen-free technology.
Her company's InfiniBook platform transforms reading into an interactive experience, allowing children to engage with stories while ensuring their safety and focus.
Meyrignac's approach aligns with growing concerns over screen time and its impact on young learners.
NaoNow, co-founded by the mother-daughter duo Rachel and Gale Mullen, takes a unique approach to language learning by offering personalised mentorship instead of traditional tutoring.
Rachel Mullen noted the need for a system that not only improves academic outcomes but also prepares students for global opportunities.
"Our goal is to inspire lifelong learners through engaging and effective language education," she stated.
