Dubai’s DFF unveils new global startup accelerator program for the region

By Rahul Vaimal, Associate Editor
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The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has decided to host the Founder Institute Global Startup Accelerator Program in AREA 2071, a first-of-its-kind regional innovation ecosystem in Dubai. 

Within the framework of DFF to establish global partnerships, Dubai provides an opportunity for startups specializing in various technology sectors to develop their innovative projects and ideas and present them to the world.

The program will support entrepreneurs and emerging companies through a global network that allows them to communicate and work with international institutions, investment companies, practical laboratories, educational institutions, and universities along with group of international experts, investors, decision-makers and innovators.

The global start-up accelerator program of the Founder Institute in Dubai hosts 25 start-ups to build quality ventures in 20 future areas including artificial intelligence, digital currency, blockchain, financial and legal technology, virtual reality, data science, educational, sustainability and innovation management.

These organizations, which are part of the inaugural consortium, were selected after a complete evaluation process from more than 300 applications around the world.

Maha Al Mezaina, Head of AREA 2071, declared that the collaboration with the Founder Institute is a valuable addition to the local and international accelerators and business incubators portfolio of the Dubai Future Foundation, which has already been nurtured at AREA 2071. She remarked that the synergy indicates the vital role the Foundation plays in helping entrepreneurs and individuals with creative ideas and maximizing their commitment to shaping the future.

She also pointed out that AREA 2071 supports companies participating in the program by hosting its events and workshops, allowing them to benefit from the services offered by the program, providing access to various UAE government and private sector agencies to discuss potential possibilities and synergies, and exploring ways of implementing the creative ideas proposed on the field.

Karan Deep, Director, Founder Institute Dubai said that this collaboration goes a long way towards strengthening the ecosystem of Dubai and regional entrepreneurship and ensuring a pipeline of firms that can shape the future. He noted that the Founder Institute’s vision is to enable talented communities to begin viable and impactful technology-enabled businesses, compatible with the mission of the Dubai Future Foundation.

In the program, 32 entrepreneurs from 25 startups are participating and advisors from all over the world, start-up investors and CEOs of international and governmental organizations, are available for supporting and assisting the entrepreneurs. The program leads startups into the most advanced areas in a way that contributes to finding innovative solutions that meet the demands of rapid global change.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai launched Area 2071, as one of the key support in achieving the aims of the UAE Centennial 2071.

The innovation ecosystem, located at Emirates Towers in Dubai, is envisioned to be the headquarters of the world’s leading businesses, services and laboratories, and to design creative technologies and resources to meet the needs of the world of tomorrow.

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