Latest news with #InnovationAcceleratorProgram
TECHx
2 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
MBRIF Hosts Demo Day to Spotlight Cohort 9 Startups
Home » Startups » MBRIF Hosts Demo Day to Spotlight Cohort 9 Startups The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), an initiative by the UAE Ministry of Finance, announced the successful completion of its Demo Day event. The event showcased innovations from members of Cohort 9 of its Innovation Accelerator Program. MBRIF revealed that the Demo Day aimed to highlight groundbreaking projects from startups operating in the UAE and globally. These companies are looking to expand their presence in the country and represent key sectors including health, transport, education, technology, clean energy, water, and space. The startups competed for three key awards: Best Pitch Best UAE Homegrown Business Most Impactful Business The event began with welcome remarks from Shaker Zainal, Head of MBRIF and Chief Business Officer at Emirates Development Bank. A keynote address followed, delivered by H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank. Member companies delivered innovative presentations, showcasing their creativity and market potential. The Ministry of Finance's representative at MBRIF, Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector, praised the achievements of Cohort 9. She reported that the presentations aligned with the goals of the UAE's National Innovation Strategy. Alnaqbi emphasized MBRIF's ongoing commitment to support startups through tailored mentorship, strategic networking, and world-class resources. She added that this support equips startups to grow and compete on a global scale. Alnaqbi congratulated all participants and noted MBRIF's readiness to continue backing their journey. A panel of industry experts evaluated the pitches. The judges included: Ali AlMajthoob, Managing Director at MEVP Ivo Detelinov, General Partner at Salica Investments Karim Konsowa, Portfolio Manager at Hub71 The judges focused on the strengths and potential of each company in both local and global markets. At the end of the event, MBRIF announced the award winners. Aura received the Best Pitch Award. Mantas was named Best UAE Homegrown Business. Neuroblast won the Most Impactful Business Award. MBRIF reported that its Innovation Accelerator Program continues to serve as a key driver of innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE. The program supports startups in vital sectors and aligns with national strategies to foster innovation. The Demo Day provided a platform for startups to connect with investors, gain exposure, and access growth opportunities. MBRIF affirmed its role in offering mentorship, insights, and global networking to help startups scale sustainably.
Emirates 24/7
29-01-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
MBRIF Welcomes Its Ninth Cohort of Innovators for its Accelerator Program
A diverse cohort of 19 innovators join MBRIF's flagship Innovation Accelerator Program, advancing innovation across key sectors outlined in the UAE's National Innovation Strategy Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), the UAE Ministry of Finance's initiative supporting innovation in the UAE, has announced the selection of innovators for Cohort 9 of its Innovation Accelerator program. The MBRIF Innovation Accelerator – established in 2018 – is a program designed to serve as a driving force for innovation in the UAE. Aligning with the key sectors outlined in the UAE's National Innovation Strategy, the Accelerator empowers innovators to maximize their potential and make a meaningful impact on their industries. Entities selected to join the MBRIF Innovation Accelerator will benefit from a comprehensive support program – including cutting-edge resources, expert coaching, mentorship, and access to investment opportunities and valuable networks – that will help them enhance their capabilities, enable scalability, and achieve their growth ambitions. Since its launch, the Accelerator has played a pivotal role in advancing a diverse array of innovative start-ups from a range of countries across the globe, empowering them to demonstrate their potential as disruptors and catalysts for economic progress. Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services Sector at the UAE Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry's representative at the MBRIF, said of the latest selection: 'We were immensely proud that once again, our Innovator Accelerator attracted interest from such an exceptionally innovative pool of applicants, each showcasing remarkable potential to create impact within their industries and on the wider economy. The strong global interest in our program reaffirms its role as a catalyst for innovation, enabling visionary startups to thrive and scale. This underscores our dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and supporting the UAE's journey toward achieving the ambitious goals outlined in its National Innovation Strategy.' Eligibility for selection to join the MBRIF Innovation Accelerator is based on a number of stringent, carefully identified criteria, with innovators undergoing thorough assessment before final decisions are made. Cohort 9 comprises 19 start-ups representing 9 countries and a wide range of diverse sectors. Developmental stages of the companies range from prototype to growth and scale-up, highlighting the breadth of support available via the program. Start-ups joining Cohort 9 of the Innovator Accelerator are: BIRD Collaborative : Premium Sustainable Disposables : Premium Sustainable Disposables The Waste Lab: Comprehensive solution for sustainable food waste management Comprehensive solution for sustainable food waste management Seramic Materials: Pioneering in Recycled Ceramics Pioneering in Recycled Ceramics Metguard: A Revolution in Corrosion Prevention A Revolution in Corrosion Prevention Rebound: Enabling Materials Circulatory Enabling Materials Circulatory NXW: Leading a new Nutrition Category Leading a new Nutrition Category AC3D: Patented 3D Printing Construction Automation Technology Patented 3D Printing Construction Automation Technology Aura: Innovative Credit Solutions to SMEs Innovative Credit Solutions to SMEs Smart Eye: Innovative solutions for efficient energy and water management Innovative solutions for efficient energy and water management Marses: End to End Robotics Solutions End to End Robotics Solutions Darbco: Robotic Solar Panel Cleaning Solution Robotic Solar Panel Cleaning Solution Mantas: Tailored Cloud-Downtime Insurance Platform Tailored Cloud-Downtime Insurance Platform Smart Bricks: AI Driven Real Estate Marketplace AI Driven Real Estate Marketplace Procure Hub: Remodelling the Procurement of Construction Remodelling the Procurement of Construction SURGiA: The Medical Supplies Hub The Medical Supplies Hub NeuroBLAST: Portable rehabilitation solution that uses interactive video games to help treat neurodegenerative disorders Portable rehabilitation solution that uses interactive video games to help treat neurodegenerative disorders Leveraging generative AI for unified knowledge and learning creation Leveraging generative AI for unified knowledge and learning creation Peekapak: An Integrated Approach to Well-Being Education An Integrated Approach to Well-Being Education Krucial: Capturing Data at Anytime and from Anywhere With eight successful cohorts to date, the Innovation Accelerator remains a solid cornerstone of the UAE's innovation ecosystem, reflecting MBRIF's dedication to helping drive the growth of disruptive enterprises and contributing to the country's economic diversification and solidifying its position as a global hub for innovation. For more information about Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund, please visit Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
