Zendy Showcases Online Library at Step Conference Dubai 2023
Mar 14, 2023 |
4 Mins Read
UAE-based startup Zendy (a product of Knowledge E) recently showcased at STEP Conference Dubai, the region's leading technology festival for emerging markets. Renowned for empowering diversity and innovation, STEP boasts a cutting-edge atmosphere, fueled by trailblazing MENA-based startups.
The STEP conference is an annual event that brings entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts together to showcase their technology-driven startups
At STEP 2023, startups across digital, sustainability, education, and fintech industries showcased their technology. With a key focus on making academic content more accessible and affordable, especially in emerging regions, Zendy showcased the limitless potential of its digital academic research library to hundreds of founders, funders, and technology enthusiasts.
Artificial intelligence was a key trend at STEP Conference 2023. With more companies adopting AI to create user-friendly and highly persoanlised experiences, it is evident that the market is pivoting.
Zendy’s vision of being like ‘Netflix for researchers’ will come to life with a host of new feature updates to be launched in the coming quarters. Powered by AI and machine learning algorithms, Zendy will soon deliver a truly personalised experience to users.
Collaborative filtering and content-based filtering will ensure researchers receive recommendations and highly targeted search results based on their profile, helping them save time in the research process.
“One of the many benefits of building a technology company in MENA is the immense energy, support, and talent that exists in the region. There really is an ecosystem of breakthrough innovation that is inspiring. STEP Conference never disappoints in bringing together the best of the region and it was great for Zendy to have its first showcase - especially in a year largely dedicated to advancements in AI,” said CEO of Knowledge E and Zendy Co-Founder, Kamran Kardan.
Zendy’s digital research library will continue to enhance its experience with features and content that not only is inclusive of all demographics but also streamlines the process of research.
Discover millions of e-books, journal articles, proceedings and more on Zendy now.
Zendy Sponsors the 4th Annual Forum for Open Research in MENA
This October, American University of Sharjah will host the 4th Annual Forum for Open Research in MENA (FORM), a leading regional event dedicated to advancing open access, collaboration, and community capacity building across the Arab world. Zendy is proud to be among the official sponsors of this year’s Forum, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to making research more accessible and equitable for all. Organised by the non-profit Forum for Open Research in MENA, the fourth edition will bring together: 26 sessions across four days 88 expert speakers Representation from 60 global institutions Delegates from 27 countries Dozens of formal and informal networking opportunities, connecting thought leaders, practitioners, and advocates throughout the MENA region Participants will explore strategies to strengthen open science practices, build sustainable infrastructures, and promote shared learning across borders. A Shared Vision for Accessible Knowledge Zendy’s mission to make academic knowledge affordable and accessible worldwide aligns closely with FORM’s goal of fostering open, collaborative research communities in the region. As a sponsor, Zendy supports initiatives that not only expand access to scholarly literature but also empower researchers, educators, and students to participate in a more transparent and connected research ecosystem. Hosted by the American University of Sharjah This year’s Forum, hosted by the American University of Sharjah, arrives in the UAE under the national theme, “The Year of Community.” The theme underscores the importance of collective progress and shared learning—values that sit at the heart of both open science and Zendy’s approach to research discovery. Theme Spotlight: “Becoming Open—Capacity Building and Community Collaboration” The 2025 theme, “Becoming Open,” highlights the human side of open science: community collaboration, capacity building, and sustainable growth. Through workshops, panels, and discussions, the Annual Forum will address how regional institutions can implement open research policies, share resources effectively, and strengthen local research infrastructures. Join us in Sharjah from October 20–23, 2025, as we celebrate and support the growing movement toward open science across the Arab world. The registration is now open, visit https://forumforopenresearch.com/registration/ .wp-block-image img { max-width: 85% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
We’re heading back to Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025
We’re excited to return to Frankfurt this October for the world’s largest book fair, and this year, we’re stepping onto the Innovation Stage with a timely conversation on how artificial intelligence can bring ethical, lasting value to scholarly publishing. Join us on October 15 at 12:30 p.m. (CEST), Hall 4.0 Innovation StageOur Co-Founder, Kamran Kardan, will be joined by Josh Nicholson (Scite) and Julie Atkins (Bristol University Press & Policy Press) for a panel discussion on: “AI and Ethical Innovation in Publishing: Driving Value for Publishers” The session will explore how AI can strengthen collaboration between publishers, platforms, librarians and researchers, ensuring research is more transparent, trustworthy, and accessible worldwide. Some of the themes include: How publishers can benefit from Zendy’s Revenue-Share Model, which compensates them whenever their content is referenced by AI assistants. The role of Scite’s smart citation system in helping users evaluate whether a paper supports, contradicts, or builds upon previous work. Why responsible use of technologies like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) can combat misinformation and provide more reliable insights. How global equity and inclusivity can remain at the center of AI adoption in research. Together, these discussions will also link to broader goals, from advancing quality education to supporting sustainable innovation and global partnerships. Speakers Kamran Kardan, Founder & CEO Knowledge E, Co-Founder Zendy Josh Nicholson, Co-founder of Scite, CSO at Research Solutions Moderator: Sara Crowley Vigneau, Partnership Relations Manager, Zendy And of course, the Zendy team will be around throughout the fair! Find us at Stand G97, Hall 4.0, where Kamran Kardan, Lisette van Kessel (Head of Marketing), and Sara Crowley Vigneau (Partnership Manager) will be happy to talk about our ethical AI tools for research, open access publishing, and higher education librarynesp programs. Want to set up a one-on-one meeting? Reach out to l.vankessel@knowledgee.com. For more details about the fair, visit Frankfurter Buchmesse. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 85% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
Zendy and Liverpool University Press Partner to Expand Global Access to Academic Research
Oxford, UK – August 19, 2025 – Zendy, the digital research library, has signed a partnership agreement with Liverpool University Press (LUP), one of the UK’s oldest and most respected academic publishers. This collaboration will make a curated collection of Liverpool University Press’ books available on Zendy platform, extending access to high-quality scholarship for students, researchers, and independent learners worldwide. As part of this initiative, Zendy users will gain access to titles across a range of disciplines, including history, literature, politics, cultural studies, postcolonial studies, international development, and Hispanic and Francophone studies. The partnership also includes works from the prestigious British Academy publishing portfolio, following Liverpool’s recent appointment as the Academy’s publishing partner for its academic books programme. This partnership strengthens Zendy’s offering in the humanities and social sciences, providing users with valuable perspectives on human experience and society. It reflects the shared mission of both organisations to break down access barriers and promote educational equity across underserved regions. About Zendy Zendy is an AI-powered, mission-driven research library dedicated to increasing the accessibility and discoverability of scholarly literature, particularly in the global south and underserved regions. The platform currently serves over 780,000 users across 200+ countries and territories, offering a comprehensive collection of academic journals, books, and reports to empower researchers, educators, and students. Zendy also provides AI tools, including its research assistant ZAIA, to help users read, analyse, and summarise academic content more efficiently.Website: https://zendy.io About Liverpool University Press Founded in 1899, Liverpool University Press (LUP) is the UK’s third oldest university press and has built a reputation for publishing exceptional scholarship across the humanities and social sciences. LUP publishes around 200 books annually, alongside 50 journals and more than a dozen digital collections. It also operates Liverpool Distribution Services and Liverpool Subscription Services, supporting the dissemination of scholarly research on behalf of university presses, foundations, and non-profits.Website: www.liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk For more information, please contact: Lisette van KesselHead of Marketing, Zendyl.vankessel@knowledgee.com Catherine DuttonHead of Books Marketing, Liverpool University Presscatherine.dutton@liverpool.ac.uk .wp-block-image img { max-width: 75% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
Address
John Eccles HouseRobert Robinson Avenue,
Oxford Science Park, Oxford
OX4 4GP, United Kingdom