The 5th Business Trendsetters Forum to spotlight AI and medical innovations in Uganda

The fifth edition of the Business Trendsetters’ forum is set to take place on August 29,2024 at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, bringing together CEOs, business leaders, and entrepreneurs under the theme “Artificial Intelligence, Your Mind and Your Business.”

Dr. Joseph Muvawala, of the National Planning Authority and The Minister of Justice & constitutional affairs Hon. Norbert Mao are among those expected to Grace the event.

The event, championed by Yvonne Mpanga, a Business  Development Consultant  and the Executive Director of Busness Trends Galore, seeks to identify,  recognize and promote notable Business trends. Some of the supporters include Youth Startup Academy Uganda;(YSAU), National Planning Authority (NPA), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) among others.

“We are privileged to have organizations such as the Youth Startup Academy(YSAU), URA, HiPipo, URSB, and the National Planning Authority(NPA) and PPDA supporting  this year’s forum,” said Mpanga. “This forum brings together CEOs, business leaders, and entrepreneurs who are driving innovations in different sectors and encourage setting new trends.  The 29th August event will conclude with a Trendsetters’ awards gala, where outstanding achievers in various categories including Business Trends Heroes, Business Trendsetters in the Private and Public Sectors, and Business Trendsetter Youth.”will walk away with accolades.

The awards are determined through a public survey conducted between October and January every year since 2021, followed by an in-depth investigation to select the final nominees. The list of nominees has been published on the forum’s website.

“We encourage everyone to join us on August 29th at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel to witness the achievements of these trailblazers,” Mpanga added.

The forum will also feature over 50 exhibitors from various sectors, including medicine and finance, showcasing innovations that embody the spirit of creativity and progress. Mpanga highlighted that the forum’s focus is not just on companies, but on the innovative ideas behind them.

“Our 3T test—Trend, Transferability, and Transcendence—is applied to every exhibitor. We’re looking for trends that are impactful, replicable, and forward-thinking,” she explained.

One of the key exhibitors is  Neexa AI, an AI-powered sales agent designed to enhance business efficiency by integrating with websites and social media platforms.

Ethan Bampeire, Team Lead at Neexa AI, expressed his excitement about participating in the event. “We have seen AI impact businesses globally, and in Uganda, we’ve seen companies using Neexa AI report a 25% to 50% increase in sales and efficiency. This forum is the perfect platform to discuss and showcase how AI can transform businesses.”

Bampeire is particularly looking forward to engaging with fellow exhibitors and panelists at the event. “This is the right time for businesses to come together and discuss AI, the mindset and the impact on Business. We’re excited to introduce our AI solutions and see how they can help other businesses improve their sales and marketing.” Says Bampeire.

Direct Line Technologies, represented by a participant who credited the Youth Startup Academy Uganda for the opportunity, will also be exhibiting at the forum. The company specializes in integrating AI into data processing and analysis. “I can’t wait to interact with fellow exhibitors and explore how we can incorporate AI into our businesses,” the representative said. “AI is here to help us run our businesses more smoothly, faster, and safer.” Says another exhibitor Rosemary of Aeroglide technologies that supports land surveyors with using drone technologies.

Mpanga also emphasized the importance of embracing new technologies while maintaining core business principles.

“Technology should simplify what businesses do, but the foundational message and innovation must come from the businesses themselves. Change is inevitable, and AI is just the latest wave we need to ride on.”

The forum’s theme of AI reflects the growing importance of technology in today’s business world. “AI is not here to replace jobs, but to enhance efficiency and innovation,” Mpanga reassured. “With exhibitors from all walks of life, showcasing everything from AI-driven malaria treatments to virtual office assistants, this forum promises to be a groundbreaking event for Uganda’s business community.”

Tickets for the event are available at UGX 250,000 for individuals, UGX 500,000 for companies with one representative, and UGX 2.5 million for a corporate table.

The forum’s success in previous years has focused on themes such as planning for profits, business continuity through innovation, and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s edition aims to build on that legacy by exploring how AI is shaping the future of business in Uganda and beyond.