Latest news with #Scale360
Zawya
28-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
IFZA announces launch of innovative startup accelerator
Dubai, UAE: IFZA - one of the world's most dynamic Free Zone communities, is pleased to announce the launch of Scale360, in association with Plug and Play. Scale360 is a startup accelerator dedicated to bridging the gap between international startups and leading international corporates. The accelerator aims to connect globally-scaling startups looking to enter the UAE market with corporates looking to actively engage with emerging innovations. Scale360 is a platform that connects visionaries, problem solvers and scale-makers. It harnesses the agility, disruptive technology and fresh thinking of startups that can accelerate corporate innovation, so that large corporations can quickly gain access to cutting-edge solutions, new revenue streams, and a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market. Commenting on the launch of Scale360, Julia Timms, Chief Commercial Officer at IFZA said, 'Our mission at IFZA is to empower businesses to grow from Dubai and beyond. We believe business has a superpower to build bridges that enable innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth supporting social transformation through economic innovation. Scale360 is more than just an innovation programme connecting companies with high-growth startups to drive business transformation, it also helps to foster collaboration, unlock business opportunities, and drive economic growth.' Benjamin Kloss, Vice President Corporate Partner ships & UAE Director at Plug and Play Tech Center added, 'Scale360 is a testament to the region's forward-thinking vision. From Plug and Play's vantage point, we see immense potential in creating a truly interconnected ecosystem where global startups and established corporates can collaborate seamlessly in crucial sectors including sustainability, AI, robotics, smart mobility, and future-forward enterprise solutions. This program showcases the UAE as a key player and a central hub for fostering and deploying these innovative and disruptive technologies." Based in Dubai with an international outlook, Scale360 leverages the UAE's proven attributes as one of the world's leading business hubs, linking markets across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. While Scale360 is open to a wide range of industries, it focuses on technology-driven startups in sustainability, AI, robotics, smart cities, mobility, and enterprise solutions, among other areas. It provides a structured approach to scaling businesses and ensures entrepreneurs and business leaders have the right partnerships, strategies, and market entry support to thrive. Startups participating in the Scale360 programme can expect a range of benefits and support from IFZA including free office space, excellent infrastructure support such as legal, banking setup and compliance training, access to the booming UAE Market, invitations to dedicated networking events, as well as access to key corporates in the region. In addition, participants will also be able to take advantage of invaluable learning experiences including education on business culture and the Middle Eastern way of sales and procurement, workshops and 1:1 mentoring by UAE-based founders, leaders, and experts; and peer-to-peer support system throughout the journey. Dubai's fast-growing tech and innovation sector is creating massive opportunities. Additionally, the UAE leads the Middle East and North Africa in venture capital funding, fueling high-growth startups. This includes a $30 billion AI investment fund recently launched in partnership with BlackRock and Microsoft. Scale360 is committed to empowering startups with meaningful connections, sharing global expertise, and enabling international innovators to scale their smart city solutions from Dubai to the world. About IFZA IFZA is the most dynamic and truly international Free Zone Community in the UAE, optimising the country's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. IFZA differentiates itself through its multi-national approach, providing personalised business establishment solutions through its network of Government Authorities and Professional Partners. Business Owners and Employees can also benefit from a wide spectrum of value-added services within the IFZA ecosystem, including but not limited to property solutions, visa packages and training and development. The IFZA Business Park offers a wide variety of cutting-edge office facilities tailored to meet each Licensee's individual needs and provides a professional, welcoming environment to greet clients, network with other businesses and thrive. For details contact: Daniel Ford Head of Corporate Communications, IFZA dford@ M: +971 56 415 3075
Hi Dubai
14-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Smart Cities Council and IFZA Forge Global Alliance to Drive Urban Innovation from Dubai
The Smart Cities Council and Dubai's International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) have joined forces to accelerate smart city innovation, unveiling a series of strategic initiatives aimed at transforming how cities are built and connected—starting in Dubai and extending worldwide. The announcement was made during the Smart Cities Summit North America 2025 in San Francisco, where over 450 senior leaders from government, business, and academia gathered under the theme 'Public Safety, AI, and the Middle East in Focus.' As the summit's key partner, IFZA steered discussions around creating inclusive, sustainable, and tech-driven urban communities. Highlighting Dubai's emergence as a global smart city model, IFZA CFO Holger Schlechter emphasized the emirate's role as a launchpad for international innovation. 'Dubai represents more than just an economic opportunity; it represents a vision of what future cities can be,' he said, positioning Dubai as an ideal destination for American tech entrepreneurs and innovators. In a major step forward, SCC and IFZA announced the launch of two joint ventures—Smart Cities Council Middle East and Smart Cities Academy—geared toward accelerating urban innovation and education across the region. The collaboration underscores the growing ties between the U.S. and UAE in advancing sustainable, technology-led city development. 'By connecting Silicon Valley's innovation with Dubai's dynamic business environment, we aim to create a powerful launchpad for entrepreneurs,' said Corey Gray, President of SCC. Further reinforcing its commitment to innovation, IFZA also introduced Scale360, a Dubai-based open innovation platform developed with Plug and Play. The initiative aims to link startups with investors, corporates, and growth opportunities across the Middle East. Dubai, currently ranked 4th in the 2025 IMD Smart Cities Index, continues to set the benchmark for smart urban transformation. News Source: Emirates News Agency
