Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced closing the registration for the 5th cohort of Dubai Future Accelerators programme, and receiving applications from start-ups and global companies from 74 countries around the world, a media report said.

The programme received over 600 applicants in which they will undergo a rigorous evaluation and selection process, reported Emirates news agency Wam.

Ultimately, selected companies will have the opportunity to take part in Dubai Future Accelerator programme and tackle challenges launched by government entities and create innovative and smart solutions through the use of advanced technologies such as; Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced technologies, Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain. The Program’s 5th cohort is expected to start in mid-September.

Saeed Al Falasi, executive director of Future Platforms at DFF, said: "The Dubai Future Accelerators programme has achieved remarkable levels of success in finding effective solutions to challenges facing Dubai's government entities and its strategic sectors, in collaboration with start-ups and innovative global companies. This supports the process of building the future, in Dubai and the UAE.”

The 5th cohort of Dubai Future Accelerators consists of nine weeks of joint work between the government entities and companies. The programme includes a series of specialised workshops and meetings with mentors and experts, as well as professional programmes and events.

Through its participation in the 5th cohort of the Dubai Future Accelerators programme, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai aims to find effective solutions to develop the process of issuing residence visas to become fully digital to ease the process for customers.

Smart Dubai aims to develop a mechanism for exchanging data on the economic and social aspects of Dubai, and promote the concept of decentralized data exchange. It also aims to ensure the quality of data and standards through innovation and practical use of modern technology to identify existing gaps and enhance data quality levels sustainably.

Emirates Airlines is also participating in the 5th cohort of the Dubai Future Accelerators Program to enhance customer experience in various stages of travel from the airport through the use of automated processes, Artificial Intelligence (AI), biometrics, data analysis, analysis of emotions and linking these systems, to contribute to the establishment of the Airport of the Future.

Dubai Police aims to employ social media to enhance public safety by predicting the occurrence of accidents or recommendations necessary for officers on shifts. It also aims to reduce the manual operations required when identifying and allocating resources to speed up emergency response, and improving emergency response by collecting and using data to forecast demand based on surveillance devices, such as sensors, heat detectors, among others.

Through its participation, the RTA aims to find innovative ways to increase maintenance efficiency and reduce maintenance expenses. These include 49 metro stations, 17 bus stations and a fleet of 1,500 buses.

Part of the programme, the KHDA aims to create an ecosystem where parents can participate in the early years of their children’s lives to enable students to shape their future.

DHA seeks to enhance quality of life through early intervention and healthcare using advanced healthcare techniques, reducing waiting time for patients in emergencies, and increasing accuracy and patient safety in operations, such as Vertebral Column Resection using robots.

DEWA aims to innovate solutions based on AI, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), digital transactions, and IoT, to improve the performance, productivity and quality of services and enhance the quality of customer service according to the highest international standards.

Through its participation in the Dubai Future Accelerators programme, Du aims to make use of data connectivity to provide companies with a competitive advantage that allows them to reduce costs, increase profitability, and become an active player in transforming Dubai into the smartest city in the world.

Etisalat Digital will focus on finding smart innovative solutions to the key challenges that any modern city may face. First, it focuses on reducing crime rates and reducing traffic congestion using AI technology in smart surveillance systems. The second challenge is to use Block Chain technology to reduce transaction costs and simplify procedures between different organisations such as banks, government entities, and the private sector by 40 percent in the next five years. The third challenge will use blockchain to allow exchange between various loyalty currencies; and the development of a cryptocurrency for loyalty programmes that can be used in online and physical transactions.

Dubai Future Accelerators offers an ideal opportunity to find solutions to challenges and provide innovative models to enhance services. The Programme brings together companies and government entities in Dubai to explore, develop and employ future technologies to address the challenges facing cities.