Over 500 startups and small and medium businesses (SMEs) will participate and showcase innovative solutions at the third edition of the AIM Startup 2019, to be held in April next year, in Dubai, UAE.

AIM Startup is a global event co-located with Annual Investment Meeting (AIM Congress), the world’s leading foreign direct investment platform, and Future Cities Show, a platform showcasing smart city solutions.

The event will take place from April 8 to 10, 2019, at the Dubai World Trade Center.

In partnership with the Ministry of Economy’s National Program for Small and Medium Enterprises and Projects, the event will bring together startups and SMEs to showcase innovative solutions, present investment opportunities, make partners and share knowledge with business leaders and mentors among a global audience of investors, industry pioneers, thought leaders and government officials during the three-day event, said a statement.

The event is also shortlisting eligible startups to enter an exclusive pitch competition, attract capital investment and win cash prizes for the winning projects, it said.

MOE’s National Program for Small and Medium Enterprises and Projects has been established to empower SMEs and to develop general frameworks and guidelines aimed at providing the necessary expertise and technical, administrative and training support to entrepreneurs from SMEs.

Members of this programme enjoy numerous benefits including credit facilities, promotion, and marketing, simplified procedures and reduction of fees, appropriate space allocation in exhibitions involving the state abroad for display of national products, establishing specialized local exhibitions to enhance the opportunities of projects and establishments to spread, and exemption of project and installations from the bank guarantee for the employment they use.

Dr Adeeb Alafeefi, director, National Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Projects, said: “Entrepreneurs, startups and SMEs are a formidable engine of growth for our economy and our country.”

“They are also the first responders when innovation is required to address challenges in administration, business or our day to day lives. The event is an excellent opportunity to encourage them and celebrate their achievements,” he said.

The event will also give 20,000 expected visitors in-depth sector knowledge and coaching through specialised workshops by international professionals and industry experts. Investors, entrepreneurs and policy makers will be able to meet, network and discuss future projects, legal frameworks as well as investment opportunities and requirements at the global event.

Moreover, participating entrepreneurs will benefit immensely from the minds of global experts and industry titans on relevant topics, insights on future technologies and current trends in a conference designed to equip them with the tools that will enable them to make sound business decisions. To encourage and promote entrepreneurial spirit, the event will honour selected startups and SMEs for their excellent achievements and innovations. – TradeArabia News Service