Intelak, the industry-focused incubator program for the aviation, travel and tourism sectors, is calling on UAE nationals with innovative business ideas that make travel simpler, better, or more exciting.

The company is calling for applications for the Idea Lab programme by November 14 to be in with a chance of winning a trip for two to Europe, courtesy of REHLATY by dnata Travel.

Led by principal partners the Emirates Group, GE, and Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), Intelak supports the most promising startups in the industry to launch, grow and scale and turn their business concepts into reality, underlining Intelak’s support of the UAE’s vision to establish itself as a global hub for start-ups and entrepreneurship.

REHLATY by dnata Travel is a new initiative being spearheaded by the New Ventures department of dnata travel, focused on fostering a personalised travel experience for the Emirati Traveller.

The Idea Lab, a fundamental part of the Intelak programme encourages startups to explore the design thinking process and how to rapidly prototype new ideas. Startups will have access to mentorship, and receive valuable feedback from industry mentors to help design and build out their concepts and the opportunity to pitch their ideas to Intelak’s Incubation program where they, if successful, could win Dh50,000 ($13,611) in seed funding to launch their startup to market.

As part of the Idea Lab program, REHLATY by dnata Travel will offer unique mentoring and training from their experienced team, to equip promising Emirati startups in the aviation, travel and tourism sectors with the know-how to drive forward their concepts.

Yousuf Lootah, executive director, Tourism Development & Investments, Dubai Tourism, said: “UAE Nationals can play a vital role in developing new travel focused technology to help transform the tourism sector.

“Dubai Tourism is committed to providing industry support and mentorship to innovative and ambitious Emiratis looking to enhance the traveller experience in Dubai. Offering the right guidance and nurturing from leading industry stakeholders, the Intelak programme opens doors and makes relevant connections to allow entrepreneurs a viable gateway to the aviation, travel and tourism sectors.”

Rehab Mansoor, general manager, REHLATY by dnata Travel said: “REHLATY, which means ‘my journey’ in Arabic, is a travel brand designed by Emiratis for Emiratis. Being a new startup ourselves, we look forward to sharing our experience with the participants of the Idea Lab program, helping talents turn innovative aviation and travel ideas into feasible projects.

“The Idea Lab by Intelak offers an excellent opportunity for young Emirati entrepreneurs, who are seeking inspiration, guidance and mentoring from the industry’s experienced professionals and key stakeholders for business and entrepreneurship.”

The winners of the Idea lab will be announced at a graduation ceremony held at Emirates Aviation University in front of the Intelak board and senior management team from the Emirates Group, GE and Dubai Tourism.

The most innovative idea will be awarded the travel getaway prize by REHLATY by dnata Travel at the Idea Lab graduation ceremony and the Intelak board will select the top two ideas for Intelak’s pre-incubation bootcamp for cohort 7.

The prize will include a return flight in economy for two people, a three-night stay in a 5 star hotel, and return airport transfers. Travel has to be post April 2020 and other terms and conditions will apply.

To date, Intelak has provided over Dh1 million in seed funding and Dh1.2 million in resources to the winning startups who have been selected for incubation, without taking an equity stake in the companies. – TradeArabia News Service