Emirates NBD and Techstars have entered into a strategic partnership to support artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology (FinTech) innovation across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region.
The partnership introduces an ‘Acceleration-to-Enterprise’ model to connect AI and FinTech startups with Emirates NBD’s banking operations across multiple markets.
The initiative supports the commercial adoption of technology solutions by providing startups with opportunities to develop and test products within the bank’s ecosystem.
The collaboration combines Techstars’ global startup network with Emirates NBD’s digital banking capabilities, AI programs, and fintech initiatives. The bank currently has more than 50 active AI use cases across its operations.
Focus on AI and fintech
Under the partnership, the two organizations will work with startups developing solutions in areas including compliance, wealth management, SME banking, and capital markets.
Selected startups will have access to Emirates NBD’s cloud-native infrastructure to pilot technologies designed for enterprise banking applications. This improves collaboration between startups and the banking sector through commercial deployment opportunities.
Emirates NBD stated that the partnership supports its digital transformation strategy and aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which seeks to position Dubai among the world’s leading financial centers.
The bank recently ranked first in the inaugural Evident AI Index for Banks – Middle East and Africa, reflecting its performance in areas including AI talent, innovation, and leadership.
Miguel Rio-Tinto Group Chief Digital and Information Officer Emirates NBD
“We are pleased to partner with Techstars to tap into and capture FinTech’s new wave of innovation in agentic finance. Leveraging Emirates NBD’s regional footprint and digital capabilities, we are providing selected AI and FinTech startups with a direct pathway into enterprise banking, supporting solutions that can transform how we serve our nine million active customers.”
Neeraj Makin, Group Head of Strategy, Analytics, and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD, noted that the collaboration strengthens the bank’s engagement with global startup and technology networks while supporting its long-term digital and AI objectives.
David Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of Techstars, emphasized that the partnership will connect startups with enterprise banking opportunities in the UAE and support the development of AI and FinTech solutions for regional and international markets.
The initiative complements its broader innovation programs, including the National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI), which focuses on developing regional fintech entrepreneurs.
