Latest news with #NationalInnovationStrategy


Scotsman
29-07-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Formal NHS partner backs ‘transformative healthcare ambitions' of Scotland's first National Innovation Week
Scotland's first National Innovation Week will take place this autumn, including renewed health and life sciences goals – a move welcomed by formal NHS partner InnoScot Health. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The organisation believes the announcement is 'bold, ambitious, and potentially transformative for inward investment aspirations' as the country aims to showcase its many world-leading capabilities to global investors. The gathering, taking place from Monday, September 22 to Friday, September 26, will throw the spotlight on the country's life sciences breakthroughs, leading data and digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and energy transition, as well as Scotland's key role in developing industries of the future. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Innovation Commercialisation Manager at InnoScot Health, Frances Ramsay said: 'The announcement of Scotland's first ever National Innovation Week isn't just the rollout of an annual event – instead, it represents the start of an exciting push for a new type of collective national ambition with sights set higher. Innovation Commercialisation Manager at InnoScot Health, Frances Ramsay. 'It is bold, ambitious, and potentially transformative for inward investment aspirations. 'Following on from the country's recent successful trade mission to Japan, the week's focus is firmly on fostering international engagement, capitalising on competitive advantage in key areas of national strength – as set out in Scotland's National Innovation Strategy – and encouraging cross-sector collaboration for expansion of global presence. 'We are particularly pleased to note that health and life sciences are high on the week's progressive agenda for knowledge exchange and relationship building. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It is our belief that accelerating innovation identified by NHS Scotland staff, in tandem with the right support, can be key to unlocking vital health service improvements while placing our country on the map as a world-class hub of clinical creativity.' Featuring a centrepiece summit taking place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on Thursday 25 September, the National Innovation Week will celebrate Scotland's rich heritage of world-leading breakthroughs. It will also showcase the country's global leadership in pioneering the transformative technologies as well as its role in driving the industries of the future. Frances continued: 'We are particularly looking forward to the summit and its build-up which will no doubt have many international eyes on it. We must take full advantage of the opportunity to drive home the unique skills which Scotland can offer in abundance.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad During a recent visit to visit to ONE BioHub, a focal point for life sciences in Aberdeen, Business Minister Richard Lochhead – an InnoScot Health webinar guest speaker last year – said: 'Scotland's first National Innovation Week marks a pivotal moment to turn ambition into action and cement our place as a truly global innovation nation. 'Today we stand at the forefront of the next wave of transformative technologies which not only offer immense potential for economic growth but also powerful tools to tackle the global challenges of our time – from healthcare and energy to climate change. 'Companies across Scotland are speeding up the development of new drugs and medicines through automation, pioneering the energy systems of the future and developing the space and satellite technology to help tackle climate change – to give just a few examples.


TECHx
14-07-2025
- Business
- TECHx
MBRIF Selects 20 Startups for Innovation Accelerator Program
Home » Startups » MBRIF Selects 20 Startups for 10th Innovation Accelerator Program The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) has announced the selection of 20 startups for the 10th cohort of its Innovation Accelerator Program. Launched by the Ministry of Finance, the program aims to support the UAE's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Since its start in 2018, the MBRIF Innovation Accelerator has helped innovators scale their businesses across key sectors aligned with the UAE's National Innovation Strategy. Selected startups will receive mentorship, investment opportunities, expert training, and access to an extensive network of stakeholders. These resources are designed to accelerate growth and help startups achieve their expansion goals. Fatima Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services Sector at the Ministry of Finance, said the program is a vital catalyst for transformation. She emphasized its role in equipping startups with the tools needed to thrive and contribute to a knowledge-based economy. The 10th cohort includes a variety of companies such as Timber Exchange, Soshianest, Tapy, WonderTree, Hlthera, and Ketrone. Others are Gestify, iWarranty, Pixonal, Jadwelny, Rudiq, Corpowid, eecrow, Revent, Openfarming, i-ESG, Plantaform, Enrichly, Infinite Minds, and Jusoor Labs. With nine successful cohorts completed, MBRIF continues to play a central role in advancing innovation and supporting the UAE's economic diversification. • MBRIF announced 20 startups in the 10th Innovation Accelerator cohort• The program offers mentorship, investment, and expert training • Selected startups span sectors like AI, healthcare, and digital platforms


TECHx
11-06-2025
- 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.