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Inception CEO Ashish Koshy on powering AI-native enterprise solutions

At Inception, the goal has always been to empower enterprises with AI-native solutions that address real world challenges and drive measurable impact, says Koshy

Neesha Salian
Neesha Salian

16 October, 2025

Inception CEO Ashish Koshy on powering AI-native enterprise solutions
Image: Supplied

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Inception is participating at GITEX GLOBAL 2025 as part of G42’s vision to build AI-native nations.

In this conversation, CEO Ashish Koshy highlights the company’s role as the core intelligence layer powering the G42 Intelligence Grid, presenting a range of domain-specific and sector-agnostic products designed to accelerate transformation, enhance efficiency, and deliver measurable outcomes for both public and private sectors. From intelligent decision-making to advanced human capital management, Inception’s solutions showcase how AI can be responsibly scaled to drive real-world impact, reflecting the UAE’s ambitious national AI vision.

Tell us about Inception’s showcase at GITEX GLOBAL 2025.

We are participating as part of the G42’s vision for building AI-native nations, showcasing our position as the core intelligence layer powering the G42 Intelligence Grid. Under the theme ‘Authentic Intelligence. Real Impact’, we are presenting our range of domain-specific and sector-agnostic products at the Main Hall (Hall 6) and Government Hall (Hall 18).

We are demonstrating how these products are helping organisations accelerate transformation, unlock efficiency, and drive tangible progress while announcing strategic partnerships that reinforce our leadership and support the UAE’s national AI vision.

Inception has introduced a suite of enterprise-focused AI solutions. What is the driving objective behind these launches, and how do your offerings stand out from others in the market?

At Inception, our goal has always been to empower enterprises with AI-native solutions that address real world challenges and drive measurable impact. We were founded as an AI institute in 2017, and that rich foundation in research and development continues to guide everything we do. What began as a centre for frontier research has evolved into an engine for enterprise transformation, where scientific breakthroughs are translated into deployable, AI-native products.

Our products enable organisations automate complex workflows, enhance decision-making, and unlock new efficiencies. Each product is powered by large, multilingual models optimised for enterprise applications across various areas such as executive decision-making, investment, procurement and human capital – all developed responsibly.

What sets Inception apart is our convergence of research-driven insight and technical depth. Our solutions integrate securely within enterprise systems and deliver explainable outcomes. Moreover, by leveraging agentic AI frameworks, our products can act autonomously, learn continuously, and collaborate with human users in real time. This enables Inception to deliver responsible, regionally relevant, and globally scalable AI innovation.

What does the future of AI look like in your view, and what role do you see Inception playing in that?

The future of AI is not about replacing the role of a human but amplifying it. We are in an era of agentic AI, where intelligent systems evolve from support tools into proactive teammates embedded within workflows, freeing professionals to focus on strategic, creative, and high-trust work that demands human judgment.

At Inception, we are pioneering this shift by integrating autonomous agents into our AI-native products. For example, we developed:

  • (In)Sight to enhance decision-making by automate meeting preparation, enable real-time insights and cross-referencing, and streamline post-meeting reporting.
  • (In)Alpha uncovers hidden patterns and insights from vast volumes of unstructured data, enabling faster, more informed investment decisions while reducing biases and maximising returns
  • (In) Procurement doesn’t just automate sourcing and contracting workflows; it identifies high-performing suppliers, accelerates sourcing-to-award cycles, ensures compliance, and drives measurable savings
  • (In)Business Human Capital uses advanced AI to identify skill gaps, matches top talent to the right roles, and streamlines recruitment from end to end
  • (In)Business Productivity and (In)Business Process modules empower teams to deploy no-code AI agents that coordinate workflows, surface knowledge, and make intelligent decisions often faster, more accurately, and at greater scale than human-led systems.

We believe our role is to be the trusted enabler for governments and enterprises, by ensuring that these agentic systems are secure, transparent, explainable, and culturally aligned to local context. Ultimately, our goal is to accelerate AI adoption globally and democratize access to its full potential, supporting organisations to become smarter, faster, and more resilient.

What are the top trends shaping your industry in 2025?

The technology landscape in 2025 is being reshaped by a powerful convergence of innovations that are accelerating experimentation, driving exponential demand for computing power, and intensifying global competition. At Inception, we view these shifts as opportunities to build AI-native products that deliver meaningful, industry-shaping impact.

One of the most transformative forces shaping this evolution is the rise of Agentic AI systems that are capable of independently planning and executing complex, multistep tasks. These adaptive agents can perform actions, collaborate autonomously, and continuously refine their strategies through learning. At Inception, we are embedding these capabilities into our products that enables AI to work where it matters most, by empowering enterprises to focus on strategic, high-value initiatives while navigating an ever-evolving AI landscape with agility and confidence.

Another defining trend is the growing importance of specialised compute and advanced connectivity. Purpose-built, application-specific semiconductors are emerging as the backbone of large-scale AI training and inference, offering unmatched speed, scalability, and energy efficiency. Combined with next-generation connectivity, these advances are transforming how data is processed, transmitted, and applied in real time.

Lastly, quantum computing, autonomous robotics, and next-generation mobility are moving from theory to tangible application. As these frontier technologies mature, Inception is exploring how its AI-native products can integrate quantum-inspired algorithms and autonomous systems to push the boundaries of what intelligent machines can achieve.

Together, these trends signal a future where intelligence, infrastructure, and innovation converge by reshaping industries and empowering organisations to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably.

How is the Middle East positioned compared to other global tech markets?

The Middle East and UAE in particular is rapidly emerging as a global technology powerhouse, fueled by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and cloud adoption, outpacing many established tech markets globally.

For this we must thank the country’s leadership for their foresight and the encouragement to really pursue AI development and application at scale in the public and private sector. When it comes to application of technology, we usually see early adoption by the private enterprise followed by the public sector. In the case of AI, in UAE, this trend has been reversed. We see huge applications of AI in the public sector, which in turn is driving its use amongst private enterprises.

A recent example is Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become the world’s first fully AI‑native government by 2027. It plans to operate every major public service with AI, backed by $3.54bn in funding for the 2025–2027 rollout. Its flagship super app, TAMM, brings over 1,100 government services into a single AI‑powered app, covering everything from license renewals to company formation with remarkable speed and precision.

The Deloitte Middle East Technology Fast 50 programme reported an average revenue growth of 8,823 per cent, surpassing other global regions. In particular, the UAE has consistently made global headlines with pivotal “firsts,” including the appointment of the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and launching both JAIS, the region’s most advanced bilingual Arabic large language model that caters to the underserved communities and connects with 2Bn Arabic speakers globally, and K2Think, an open-source reasoning framework designed for affordable, high-performance reasoning.

These achievements prove that the Middle East, led by UAE and Abu Dhabi, is actively redefining the standards and possibilities of sovereign AI, digital infrastructure, and business transformation.

What are your plans for the next five years?

Over the following years, Inception will continue its mission to build transformative AI-native products that solve real-world challenges across sectors. Our focus remains on developing cutting-edge AI solutions that drive operational efficiency, accelerate innovation, and deliver measurable business and societal impact. We will continue to leverage agentic AI technology to enable adaptive, autonomous decision-making with a human in the loop protocols. We will continue to build domain-specific AI products that serve to sectoral needs and operational realities.

In addition, our ongoing work in underrepresented languages will set a new global benchmark for inclusive AI. We will continue collaborating with governments, industry partners, and academia to ensure AI is scaled responsibly and inclusively. This ecosystem-driven approach is key to contributing and supporting the UAE’s AI Vision 2031, reinforcing the country’s ambition to become the world’s most AI-prepared nation.

IHC to merge 2PointZero, Multiply Group and Ghitha Holding through share swap deal

The formation of 2PointZero reinforces IHC’s strategy to create dynamic value networks through innovation, scale, and disciplined growth

Neesha Salian
Neesha Salian

15 October, 2025

IHC to merge 2PointZero, Multiply Group and Ghitha Holding through share swap deal
Image: IHC/ X

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IHC, a global investment company focused on building dynamic value networks, announced plans to merge its flagship portfolio companies 2PointZero, Multiply Group, and Ghitha Holding into a single investment powerhouse valued at approximately Dhs120bn, creating one of Abu Dhabi’s largest listed investment entities.

The combined company will be renamed 2PointZero Group and remain listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), uniting diversified platforms across sectors essential to future global growth. The move is aimed at accelerating global competitiveness, operational efficiency, and long-term shareholder value.

The merged entity will focus on the energy and consumer sectors, leveraging rising energy demand, AI innovation, global consumer growth, and expanding food security needs. The transaction is expected to close by mid-November.

Leveraging IHC’s platforms

The merger brings together complementary strengths across IHC’s platforms, uniting capabilities in two key sectors.

The new entity will build a vertically integrated energy platform and hold leading positions across essential consumer categories, with operations spanning more than 85 countries.

The merged company aims to provide shareholders dual access to growth in energy and consumer sectors, with strategic acquisitions expected to unlock operational, digital, and cost synergies.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, IHC chairman, said: “This merger reflects IHC’s continued commitment to building globally competitive platforms that drive sustainable value for Abu Dhabi and beyond. By combining three of our most strategic entities, we advance a structure that enhances long‑term growth, scalability, and resilience across vital global sectors.”

2PointZero Group portfolio overview

  • 2PointZero holds scalable assets in energy, mining, and financial services, acting as an AI enabler in the global energy transition. Its portfolio includes ePointZero, International Resources Holding (IRH) with Mopani Copper Mines, Alphamin, and key transition minerals, El Sewedy Electric, EHC International, and diversified energy generation assets. Financial holdings include Lunate, Beltone Holding, Chimera Investment, Alpheya, Citadel, and Sagasse.
  • Multiply Group operates across mobility, media, apparel, packaging, and beauty, in addition to energy. Using AI-driven strategies, it has achieved 8× EBITDA and 5.4× revenue growth over four years. Key holdings include Emirates Driving Company, Kalyon Enerji, TAQA, Multiply Media Group, and Omorfia Group. Multiply has expanded in Europe via Tendam (Spain) and Italy’s ISEM.
  • Ghitha Holding covers agriculture, food production, and distribution, with subsidiaries including Al Ain Farms, Al Ajban Poultry, ADVOC, Al Hashemeya, Asmak, Marmum, Mirak Group, NRTC, Zee Stores, and Royal Horizon, alongside strategic interests in APEX Investments.

Transaction details

The deal will be executed through a share-swap mechanism. Multiply Group will issue about 23.36 billion new shares to acquire 21.60 billion shares of 2PointZero (100 per cent) and 1.77 billion shares of Ghitha Holding (83.9 per cent).

Share capital will increase from Dhs2.8bn to Dhs8.64bn, with 34.56 billion shares outstanding post-merger.

The combined asset base is estimated at Dhs120bn.

Completion is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, with the transaction expected to close by mid-November 2025.

Additional details will be announced following review procedures.

Read: Abu Dhabi’s IHC to invest $1bn in India’s Sammaan Capital

Dubizzle targets Dubai IPO to fund growth, expand market presence

Net proceeds will be used to settle the employee stock ownership plan, fund strategic mergers and acquisitions, and maintain strategic flexibility for growth

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

15 October, 2025

Dubizzle targets Dubai IPO to fund growth, expand market presence
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes

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Dubizzle Group, the leading digital classifieds marketplace in the MENA region, has announced its intention to proceed with an initial public offering (IPO) and list its ordinary shares on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM).

Through its popular platforms dubizzle and Bayut, the company connects individual and business sellers with prospective buyers across multiple verticals, particularly real estate and automotive.

According to a statement by the Dubai-based company, the IPO will comprise approximately 30.34 per cent of the company’s total issued share capital, including 196,114,887 new shares and 1,053,411,504 existing shares sold by current shareholders.

The subscription period for UAE retail and professional investors will open on October 23 and close on October 29, with pricing and allocation for professional investors expected on October 30.

Shares are anticipated to begin trading on or around November 6.

Prosus, Dubizzle Group’s largest shareholder through its subsidiary OLX, has committed to invest $100m as part of the offering, reflecting its long-term support for the company.

“Dubizzle Group is the leading digital classifieds platform in the MENA region, with 18 million monthly active users across property, automotive, general goods, and other categories,” said Imran Ali Khan, CEO of Dubizzle Group. “This IPO marks an exciting new chapter for Dubizzle Group. By welcoming a broader shareholder base, we are positioning the group to accelerate growth, deepen our presence in the markets where we operate, and create long-term value for our users, clients, employees, and shareholders alike.”

Fahd Beg, head of Investment at Prosus, said: “Since our initial investment in 2011, we have seen Dubizzle Group grow into the leading regional classifieds platform. This IPO is both a major milestone and a testament to the vision and execution of its leadership team. We are proud to support the next chapter of growth for this homegrown tech champion.”

The offering will consist of:

  • UAE retail offering: 3 per cent of the offering (37,485,791 shares) for retail investors and other investors holding a national investor number at DFM.
  • Qualified investors offering: 97 per cent of the offering (1,212,040,600 shares) for professional investors in several countries, including the UAE.

The company and selling shareholders may adjust the size of the offering prior to the end of the subscription period, subject to UAE law.

Proceeds to drive growth for Dubizzle Group

Net proceeds will be used to settle the employee stock ownership plan, fund strategic mergers and acquisitions, and maintain strategic flexibility for growth.

Following the IPO, xCube will serve as both price stabilisation manager and liquidity provider to enhance tradability and maintain price stability.

Rothschild & Co has been appointed as Independent Financial Advisor, Emirates NBD Capital as listing advisor, and Emirates NBD Capital, Goldman Sachs International, HSBC Bank Middle East, and Morgan Stanley & Co. International as joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners.

Additional receiving banks include Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Al Maryah Community Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Mashreq Bank, and Wio Bank.

The Internal Shariah Supervision Committee of Emirates NBD Bank has issued a pronouncement confirming that, in its view, the offering complies with Shariah principles, although investors are advised to perform their own due diligence.

Sobha Realty launches its tallest development on Dubai’s SZR

At 450 metres, Sobha SkyParks will feature 109 floors, offering panoramic views of Sheikh Zayed Road, the Palm Jumeirah, and the Arabian Gulf

Neesha Salian
Neesha Salian

15 October, 2025

Sobha Realty launches its tallest development on Dubai’s SZR
Images: Supplied

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Luxury real estate developer Sobha Realty has unveiled Sobha SkyParks, its tallest project to date, located on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road.

Rising 109 floors and approximately 450 metres, the development ranks among the top five tallest buildings in the UAE and comprises 684 residences.

Sobha SkyParks reflects the company’s “The Art of Detail” philosophy, featuring a straight-line tower structure divided into five slender sub-towers.

Minimalist glass façades and inset balconies create a vertical elegance, offering panoramic views of Sheikh Zayed Road, the Palm Jumeirah, and the Arabian Gulf.

The project emphasises vertical urbanisation, integrating lifestyle, leisure, and community within a single development.

Speaking on the launch, Ravi Menon, chairman of Sobha Group, said: “Sobha SkyParks reflects our unwavering commitment to shaping the future of urban living in Dubai. It stands as a testament to Sobha’s excellence and meticulous attention to detail, blending timeless design and unparalleled amenities in the heart of Dubai. With this launch, we continue to push the boundaries of luxury and innovation in Dubai.”

Sobha SkyParks: Highlight

A standout feature of the development is its four themed SkyParks, each spanning six stories.

These elevated leisure and wellness zones offer immersive indoor and outdoor experiences.

Sobha SkyParks_Sheikh Zayed RoadHighlights include:

  • Adventure Zone SkyParks: Family-friendly play areas and padel courts

  • Active Life SkyParks: Multi-level fitness circuits and wellness terraces

  • Lush Life SkyParks: Zen gardens, reflexology paths, and glass pavilions

  • Luxe Life SkyParks: Crowning the tower at nearly 350 metres, this SkyPark includes a resort-inspired infinity pool deck with floating beds

The project provides seamless connectivity to Dubai’s prime destinations, including DIFC, Downtown, Business Bay, Dubai Design District, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah.

talabat announces CEO transition as Tomaso Rodriguez steps down

Rodriguez will be succeeded by Toon Gyssels, who returns to the company and will formally assume the position of CEO on November 21

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

15 October, 2025

talabat announces CEO transition as Tomaso Rodriguez steps down
Image: Supplied

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Talabat Holding, the on-demand online ordering and delivery platform in the Middle East and North Africa, announced that CEO Tomaso Rodriguez will step down after six years in the role as part of a planned leadership transition.

Rodriguez will be succeeded by Toon Gyssels, who returns to the company and will formally assume the position of CEO on November 21.

The transition reflects talabat’s focus on maintaining sustained growth and leadership while preparing for the next phase of innovation in the delivery sector.

Rodriguez will continue to support the company as a member of the talabat board, focusing on strategy and stakeholder engagement in a non-executive capacity. He will also work closely with Gyssels during the handover period.

“Tomaso has done a great job during six impactful years as CEO and I am delighted that he is remaining on the board to help shape Talabat’s strategy going forward,” said Pieter-Jan Vandepitte, chairperson of talabat’s board of directors. “With Toon’s outstanding entrepreneurial experience and proven track record in the platform delivery technology sector, we are confident that he will drive Talabat’s next chapter of innovation and growth in the region. His appointment is an exciting step forward as we continue to strengthen our position in this dynamic market.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Rodriguez said, “The last six years as CEO of talabat have been nothing short of amazing. I’ve been privileged to work with an incredibly talented team that managed to grow the business more than nine-fold. More recently, I was privileged to guide the company through a record-breaking IPO, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we achieved. I am looking forward to closely supporting talabat’s strategy going forward as a Board member, and assisting Toon as he moves into the CEO role.”

Gyssels’ previous roles at talabat

Toon Gyssels/ Image: Supplied

Gyssels previously spent four years at talabat, serving as COO and later as interim CEO. During that period, he played a key role in expanding Talabat’s operations across MENA, transforming its logistics infrastructure, and launching new verticals such as Q-commerce and cloud kitchens.

Most recently, Gyssels served as COO at Kitopi and CEO of its On Demand business unit, where he contributed to building the company into a next-generation food and beverage player in the region.

Earlier in his career, he worked with McKinsey & Company and has since led growth and transformation mandates across several technology scale-ups in the MENA region, with a strong focus on AI-driven business innovation.

“talabat has achieved a great deal in recent years, and I’m excited to rejoin at such a pivotal point in its journey,” Gyssels said. “Together with the team, my focus will be on accelerating innovation and ensuring we are well positioned to capture the opportunities ahead in one of the most dynamic markets in the world.”

The company expressed its appreciation for Rodriguez’s leadership, crediting him for his contributions to the company’s rapid growth and for guiding it through its record-breaking initial public offering on the Dubai Financial Market in December 2024.

Founded in Kuwait in 2004, talabat has grown into the region’s leading on-demand delivery platform, serving more than 6.5 million active customers across eight markets, including the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Iraq.

A subsidiary of Delivery Hero SE, the platform continues to focus on expanding its offerings and market presence through technology-driven innovation.

UAE Public Prosecution unveils AI-powered legal innovations at GITEX GLOBAL 2025

The UAE Public Prosecution launched the Virtual Prosecutor Assistant and the Bayan Smart Translation Centre, marking advancements in AI-driven legal processes

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

15 October, 2025

UAE Public Prosecution unveils AI-powered legal innovations at GITEX GLOBAL 2025
Image: Supplied

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The UAE Public Prosecution has unveiled two innovative AI-powered initiatives at GITEX Global 2025. In partnership with AI71, the entity introduced the Virtual Prosecutor Assistant, a unified digital platform designed to streamline prosecutorial tasks.

This system offers instant access to case information, automates case summarisation, tracks progress, and prepares referral orders electronically. It also provides analytical insights to enhance decision-making and identify emerging legal patterns.

Counselor Maryam Humaid Nasser, chief prosecutor at the Office of the UAE Attorney General, emphasised that this initiative represents a pivotal step toward a more efficient and transparent digital justice system.

The Public Prosecution also launched “Bayan,” an advanced Smart Translation Centre developed in collaboration with Presight. This platform enables real-time judicial translation and multilingual collaboration, integrating secure data analytics, speech recognition, and video conferencing capabilities.

The system automates transcription and translation of interrogation and investigation sessions, generating bilingual records within minutes while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.

Chancellor Salem Ali Al Zaabi, head of Public Prosecution at the Office of the UAE Attorney General, noted that “Bayan” accelerates case progression, strengthens public trust, and builds a more intelligent, transparent, and equitable judicial system.

Strategic partnerships and ethical governance

During the show, the UAE Public Prosecution signed a memorandum of understanding with Khalifa University to enhance coordination in training, knowledge exchange, and research in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Additionally, a panel discussion on the “Ethical Governance Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Criminal Justice” was held, focusing on principles of transparency, accountability, and algorithmic fairness in AI applications within the justice system.

Amira Al Wahshi, project manager at the UAE Public Prosecution, affirmed that artificial intelligence will serve as an enabler that enhances efficiency and strengthens justice within a framework of transparency and responsibility.

These initiatives are part of the UAE Public Prosecution’s AI Strategy 2025–2030, aiming to position the country as a leader in smart justice and digital governance.

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