The UAE wants to become a leader in the field of artificial intelligence. It is time to turn to technology; investors are eager to invest in such projects. Read the report to find out which solutions are most in demand
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The UAE wants to become a leader in the field of artificial intelligence. It is time to turn to technology; investors are eager to invest in such projects. Read the report to find out which solutions are most in demand
We have compiled some of the best accelerators and incubators that are willing to invest and support startups from the UAE. Check the deadlines and possible funding amounts and apply as soon as possible!
Sandbox is interested in pre-seed to seed-stage startups. Its flexible curriculum is focused on growth and fundraising. The accelerator also provides members of the cohort $3K worth of credit with its partner law firm with a speciality in startups.
The accelerator requires physical presence in the UAE as it is located in the DTEC free zone in Dubai.
Members of DIFC programs get access to workshops and services from more than 55 partners (Visa, AWS, Careem and others). They also gain fast-track to DIFC’s investor network and marketing and PR exposure along with access to a regulatory sandbox (Innovation Testing License).
At the moment DIFC accelerator programs do not accept new participants. Check the website for future updates. Previous cohorts were chosen in 2023.
Although there is no specified funding from DIFC accelerator, you may look for funds at Dubai Future District Fund. This direct investment platform is interested in startups of all stages from the following sectors: healthtech, proptech, HRtech, wealth management, fintech, enterprise tech, edtech, agritech etc. Ticket sizes range between $250K to $7M.
Members do not receive direct funding from MBRIF but instead, they provide access to a network of experts, investors and partners. For instance, among experts are Roberto Croci, managing director at Microsoft and Tony Graham, retail banking advisory leader at EY MENA.
The MBRIF also offers the Guarantee Scheme, a program providing financial support to startups through a government-backed credit guarantee, with no required equity.
On average an application takes a maximum of 10 business weeks to be reviewed.
There are no Techstar’s accelerators in the UAE yet, however, startups from MENA may consider applying to the branches in Riyad (Saudi Arabia), Tel Aviv (Israel), and Lagos (Nigeria).
One cohort usually includes around 10–12 early-stage startups. Members get access to Techstar’s global network for unlimited time and the opportunity to pair with mentors and corporate partners (eBay, equinor, etc).
Early-stage startups from anywhere in the world may submit their application to the accelerator. Each cohort usually includes 10 teams. Currently, Startupbootcamp accelerators accept applications in Australia about PropTech and housing (by the 30th of April) and Italy (first topic: AI and Web3. Deadline: 8th of May. Second one about FashionTech: 30th of April)
At the moment there are no open accelerators by Startupbootcamp in the UAE, however, in 2022 from January to April functioned a 3-month program The Dubai Smart City Accelerator which looked for innovations in mobility, AI, blockchain, open city data, sustainable cities etc.
Faster Capital’s Raise Capital program looks for seed, pre-series A, series A, series B, and Series C startups. Early and pre-seed startups should apply to the Idea to Product program that facilitates building a product (do market studies, SWOT analysis etc) via the help of Faster Capital’s experts.
Faster Capital is an online incubator/accelerator that assisted over 500 startups in raising more than $1.8B. Company in its turn invested over $528M in 210 startups ($2,5M on average).
The AB Xelerate is supported by the Jordanian bank Arab Bank. It backs global fintech startups that are in the early stages. Each member of the cohort will be assigned a team of sponsors who will consult them during the development of POC (proof of concept). By the way UAE-based fintech and shopping unicorn Tabby was among the members of AB Xelerate.
The accelerator looks for partnerships with SMEs that have the potential to advance business processes, customer relationships, and infrastructure.
The incubator offers support via mentors, token engineering and management, investor connections and partnerships. TDeFi uses the infrastructure of TradeDog Group, which includes TDVC (Web 3 venture fund), TDMM (a crypto trading company), TDX (a crypto crowdfunding platform) and others.
TDeFi is a web3 incubator and consulting firm that works with crypto and blockchain technologies. Since 2020 it has supported more than 55 companies on token markets.
Technology hub Intelak is based in Dubai and backs early and late-stage startups, providing educational, mentor and resource support. The previous 7th cohort started submitting applications on December 27, 2023, and the accelerating program for them began on March 10, 2024.
Main partners of Intelak Hub include the Emirates Group, Accenture, Amadeus, Microsoft and Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) are there to consult members of each batch.
The cohort for 2024 has been chosen, recruitment for the 2025 cohort will open later this year. The early-stage accelerator is run by professors from MIT, along with local partners like Dubai Silicon Oasis (DTEC), Global Growth Hub (GGH), and MISTI (MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives).
The program has no funding, but it provides certain services and workspace by DIEZ-Dubai Silicon Oasis. During the participation in this accelerator startups will have an opportunity to meet with the representatives of venture funds.
Hub71 has three accelerating programs for pre-seed and series A startups. The accelerator opens its members access to a network of partners, venture funds and other perks like the opportunity to get a 10-year golden visa, free housing and health insurance in Abu Dhabi, the UAE.
Funding differs from program to program. For instance, in Hub71’s Company Building program will be able to receive AED 250K equity free, in-kind incentives and AED 250K cash with onboarding in exchange for equity via a SAFE note.
Flat6Labs programs include mentorship support, office space, and business training. The Women’s Health Accelerator program is aimed to help 15–20 startups develop their MVPs, increase growth and scaling.
Another program Flat6Labs Ignite is aimed at seed and early-stage startups. It’s backed by the Tech Accelerator Fund.
GAIA is an accelerating program with a focus on Generative AI startups. It’s supported by SDAIA (Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority), NTDP (National Technology Development Program) and the American AI platform New Native. Every participant should be willing to relocate for 10 weeks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Only 15 startups from all over the world will be accepted.
Before participating they have to show MVP and be at the seed stage. Along with funding, GAIA will provide legal and mentor support.
Innovest is an incubator company that is based in Dubai, UAE. The firm is looking for startups that are going through an early stage, pivoting or geographical expansion in the Middle East.
Startups also get mentor support, strategy and growth sessions, capital raises support and more.
Although the in5 incubator does not provide funding first-hand, the organization acts as an enabling platform that helps startups meet investors. By the end of 2023, in5 startups reported that they’ve raised 25% more funds than last year.
The incubator is located in Dubai Internet City, and it allows its members to use a 50% discount on its venues (conference halls, recording studios, etc.) and other perks like access to AWS and Hubspot.
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