The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), a federal initiative under the UAE’s UAE National Innovation Strategy, has opened rolling applications for its Innovation Accelerator programme, designed to support high-potential innovators globally with bespoke services, market access and no equity dilution.
According to MBRIF’s website, the Accelerator is “free, equity-free and tailored to your most pressing needs … designed to identify, equip and provide bespoke services to the highest potential innovators to thrive in the UAE and beyond.”
Key eligibility criteria include:
- Innovators with a working prototype, or whose product‐service is ready for or already in the market.
- Innovation aligning with at least one of the UAE’s seven priority sectors: technology, education, water, transport, clean energy, health and space, though applications outside these sectors are also accepted where strong market potential is demonstrated.
- Applicants may be based outside the UAE, provided they are willing to explore a UAE presence or market access.
The application process is described as comprising an initial demo video and pitch deck, followed by deeper qualification, evaluation and a final pitch presentation.
MBRIF emphasises that the Accelerator does not charge application fees, take equity or demand membership fees, allowing innovators to retain full ownership while accessing a UAE-based ecosystem of mentors, experts and corporate partners.
For innovation and tech-consulting firms, especially those working across Africa, the Gulf and beyond, the rolling nature of applications means there is flexibility to prepare and apply when ready and underscores a gateway into the UAE market via a government-backed programme.
What to watch:
- The speed and scale of cohorts selected under the rolling model: how many innovators per intake and diversity of geographies represented.
- Whether selected members succeed in achieving UAE-market entry or partnerships via MBRIF’s network.
- Innovations from outside the priority sectors are gaining acceptance, showing how flexible the programme can be in practice.
- Follow-on investment, revenue growth and expansion out of the Accelerator for alumni.
For more information visit the website.
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