Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced its hosting of Founder Institute global startup accelerator programme for the first time at the regional level in Area 2071, the innovation ecosystem in Dubai.

 

Area 2071, located at Emirates Towers, was set up as one of the key pillars to achieving the goals of UAE Centennial 2071. 

 

It has been conceptualised as an ecosystem that hosts the headquarters of the world’s leading companies, services and labs, and works to design innovative solutions and tools to meet the requirements of tomorrow’s world.

 

The Founder Institute initiative, within DFF’s framework for strengthening global partnerships, is aimed at providing opportunities for startups specialised in various technology sectors to develop their innovative projects and ideas and present them to the world, from Dubai.

 

The programme seeks mainly to provide support to entrepreneurs and emerging companies through a global network that allows them to interact and work with international institutions, investment companies, applied laboratories, educational institutions and universities, in addition to a group of international experts, innovators, investors and decision-makers.

 

Founder Institute's global startup accelerator programme in Dubai is hosting 25 startups that will develop quality projects in 20 future sectors including Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, digital currencies, educational, financial and legal technologies, virtual reality, data science, sustainability and innovation management, among others.

 

These companies, part of the inaugural cohort, were selected after a comprehensive evaluation process from more than 300 applications from around the world.

 

Maha Al Mezaina, the Head of Area 2071, confirmed that the partnership with the Founder Institute represents a value addition to the DFF’s portfolio of local and international accelerators and business incubators that have already been nurtured at Area 2071. 

 

Al Mezaina pointed out that the synergy was testament to the Foundation’s pivotal role in supporting entrepreneurs and individuals with innovative ideas and enhancing their contribution to shaping the future.

 

"Area 2071 supports companies participating in the programme through hosting its activities and sessions, enabling them to benefit from the programme’s services, providing access to multiple government and private sector entities in the UAE with the aim of exploring future opportunities and synergies, and explore ways to implement the innovative ideas proposed on ground," she added.

 

Karan Deep, the Director of Founder Institute Dubai, said this partnership will go a long way in strengthening the Dubai and regional entrepreneurship ecosystem and ensuring a pipeline of companies that can shape the future. 

 

The vision of Founder Institute, he stated, was to empower communities of talented people to launch enduring and impactful technology-enabled companies, aligned to DFF's mandate.

 

Founder Institute’s programme witnesses the participation of 32 entrepreneur representing 25 startups joining the programme, mentors from across the world, startups investors, and CEOs of international and government organisations to support and assist the entrepreneurs participating in the programme.-TradeArabia News Service