Latest news with #NationalInnovationStrategy
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.
Herald Sun
01-05-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Opinion: Australia's economic growth needs digital skills reform
Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. Australian Computer Society (ACS) releases nine-point national plan to reform digital skills and boost research commercialisation Calls for a National Innovation Strategy, Digital Skills Passport, and co-investment models to drive growth Leaders warn Australia risks falling behind without urgent reform in skills development and commercialisation pathways Special Report: With the federal election taking place this Saturday, the Australian Computer Society has released a call to action for the incoming government: make digital skills and innovation the backbone of Australia's economic future or risk falling behind globally. The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has set out a nine-point blueprint focused on two pillars, Skills and Commercialisation, designed to spark a more resilient, productive, and globally competitive economy. Despite the rapid pace of technological change, Australia's education and skills systems remain largely geared toward an industrial era economy. A recent paper (a global survey conducted by ManPowerGroup across 42 countries interviewing more than 40,400 employers) found that 76 per cent of Australian employers are struggling to fill roles due to persistent skills mismatches. The ACS is urging the next government to: Fast track the development of a National Skills Taxonomy Invest in a National Digital Skills Passport to formally recognise lifelong and informal learning Expand professional skills frameworks like SFIA to enable rapid upskilling in critical areas like cybersecurity Harmonise pathways between the VET and higher education sectors to create stackable, job ready qualifications Melinda Cilento, CEO of CEDA, sounded a stark warning: 'We should be really worried about the increasing number of boys who are not finishing school in this country, and about an education system they do not find relevant, engaging, or empowering.' Cherie Diaz, Executive Director of Education Innovation at Western Sydney University, added: 'We need to build a common language between educators, technology providers, and employers. Strategic partnerships are key.' Innovation: From world class research to world class outcomes While Australia punches above its weight in research, producing over three per cent of the world's research output, it remains a laggard when it comes to commercialisation, often losing groundbreaking ideas to overseas markets. Key ACS recommendations for the next government include: Prioritising reform through the upcoming National R&D Review Developing a long term National Innovation Strategy to survive beyond political cycles Expanding sustainable co-investment models to better share public and private sector risk Leveraging government procurement to actively stimulate domestic innovation Phil Morle from Main Sequence Ventures captured the dilemma: 'Time and again, companies move offshore because they can't raise the bigger rounds needed for global scaling here.' Meanwhile, Jane O'Dwyer, CEO of Cooperative Research Australia, noted that regulatory burdens have increasingly stifled collaborative success: 'We've over regulated innovation and it's hurting our ability to create another Cochlear.' Why this matters Josh Griggs, ACS Chief Executive Officer, stated the time for piecemeal reform is over, saying: 'Australia has the ingenuity, the research capability, and the talent to thrive in today's digital economy. What we need now is a unified, national approach to developing skills and translating innovation into impact. These are not side issues – they are central to our future prosperity. 'We're calling for government and leaders to connect the dots: from digital skills, lifelong learning, and alternative pathways to venture capital and commercialisation. We need to build an economy that's not only productive and resilient, but also globally competitive. The talent is here. The ambition is here. Now we need the support and systems that match that vision and strategy.' ACS President Helen McHugh, MACS (Snr) CP, added 'Australia is at a crossroads. We have world-class researchers, bold entrepreneurs, and a highly educated workforce – but they're being held back by outdated systems and fragmented policy.' 'The next government must embrace a bold, forward-thinking agenda that invests in people and ideas. That means recognising all forms of learning, supporting pathways between education and work, and creating the conditions for innovation to thrive here – not just overseas.' The views, information, or opinions expressed in the interviews in this article are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of Stockhead. This article was developed in collaboration with The Australian Computer Society, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. Stockhead does not provide, endorse or otherwise assume responsibility for any financial advice contained in this article. Originally published as Election 2025: ACS urges next government to unlock Australia's digital future
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.
