From October 13 to 16, 2024, GITEX Global, one of the world’s premier tech exhibitions, and Expand North Star, the largest startup and investor event, took place at Dubai Harbour. Chinese autonomous driving company Titan Technology made its debut at GITEX as an exhibitor, highlighting its latest research and commercialization achievements. On the opening day, Titan Technology advanced to the semifinals of the Expand North Star Global Startup Pitch Competition, known as the Supernova.
In recent years, Middle Eastern nations have accelerated efforts to develop smart infrastructure, actively promoting investment, research, and the application of innovative technologies like AI. In 2016, Saudi Arabia introduced its "Vision 2030" initiative, significantly boosting digital logistics with substantial financial backing for major ports, including Jeddah and Dammam. In April 2019, the UAE Cabinet approved the "National AI Strategy 2031" and the "National Program for Artificial Intelligence," aiming to position the UAE as a global hub for AI. This year, Dubai Ports World announced plans to electrify and automate container transport at Jebel Ali Port.
During her speech at the semifinals, Lemmon Niu, Vice President of International Strategy at Titan Technology, emphasized that the hot weather, high labor costs, and management challenges in the Middle East make the region particularly suitable for autonomous driving applications. She also noted that robust policy support and a favorable business environment are attracting global autonomous driving companies to Dubai.
She notes that Titan Technology has a strong technical foundation, having developed China's first autonomous vehicle in 1990. The company’s L4 autonomous heavy-duty trucks utilize multi-sensor fusion perception, dynamic global path planning, a centralized electronic architecture, and steer-by-wire systems. These technologies allow Titan to create the world's most advanced autonomous trucks, significantly reducing transportation costs and minimizing carbon emissions.
Titan Technology's autonomous heavy-duty trucks are primarily utilized in enclosed autonomous driving environments, including bulk cargo terminals at ports and mining sites. The difficult working conditions, repetitive tasks, and potential hazards associated with bulk cargo transportation have made the profession less attractive to younger workers, highlighting a significant opportunity for automation and commercialization in this sector.
In China, Titan has secured intelligent transport contracts worth nearly 100 million yuan and plans to sign additional agreements totaling 120 million yuan with various ports, mining companies, and logistics firms for transport capacity, as well as vehicle and equipment procurement. The company has also formed strategic partnerships for autonomous heavy-duty trucks with key enterprises in the State Power Investment Corporation's green energy ecosystem, such as Qiyuan and Ronghe Junjiu. On the international front, Titan is actively advancing its commercialization efforts, particularly in the Middle East and North America. The company aims to drive local renewable energy initiatives and smart transformations by providing innovative solutions to major clients, including Costco, Maersk, and Amazon.
GITEX, known as the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition, stands as one of the largest technology fairs in the Middle East, having been established in 1981 and taking place annually in Dubai. GITEX GLOBAL 2024 is set to spotlight cutting-edge sectors including AI, cybersecurity, mobile technology, and sustainable innovation, uniting global tech leaders with pioneering startups. As a pivotal part of GITEX Global, Expand North Star stands as the world’s largest startup event, offering a unique platform for investors and startups to connect and cultivate valuable relationships.
The Supernova is a startup pitch competition jointly organized by GITEX Global and the Dubai Future District Fund. It is the largest pitch event in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, featuring startups selected from the global pitch competition at Expand North Star.
Founded in July 2021 and headquartered in Nanjing, China, Titan Technology is focused on delivering next-generation zero-emission autonomous transportation solutions. With a founding team experienced in new energy commercial vehicles and intelligent driving, the company boasts a workforce where 90% are dedicated to research and development. As a part of the State Power Investment Corporation's green energy transportation ecosystem, Titan Technology integrates advanced autonomous driving technology with electric vehicle manufacturing, offering innovative “zero-emission” smart transportation solutions that promote sustainability.
