Twenty Emirati-led technology startups recently completed the rigorous Emirati Tech Founder Program, marking a key milestone in Dubai’s strategy to become a leading global hub for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and innovation. Spearheaded by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), an arm of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and the Bedayat incubator located in The Sustainable City – Dubai, the initiative successfully accelerated the growth of local entrepreneurs across key future technologies. The program, which culminated on November 20, 2025, aligns directly with the ambitious targets set out in the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
The initiative, delivered through Dubai SME’s Hamdan Innovation Incubation (Hi2) arm, reflects a direct governmental commitment to equipping local founders with essential market resources, mentorship, and practical opportunities necessary to transform novel ideas into commercially viable, high-growth tech ventures.
Accelerating Innovation Through Real-World Applications
The Emirati Tech Founder Program provided participants with an eight-week intensive incubation journey, focusing on comprehensive support that included hands-on mentorship, business model optimization, specialized product development assistance, and crucial market validation opportunities.
Bedayat amplified this experience by offering access to advanced facilities and a unique, real-world testing environment within The Sustainable City, designed to fast-track the scaling potential of early-stage startups.
Notable progress was demonstrated by five standout ventures—Carbon2Capital, Syspos, Sharar, Mershid, and DinoTech—who received a Dubai SME grant award to further refine and expand their products and services. These founders showcased significant innovation across critical fields, including sustainability, environmental technologies, digital systems, financial technology (FinTech), artificial intelligence (AI), and digital tourism.
Several graduating companies have already transitioned into active market implementation:
- Sharar launched an energy management pilot project specifically within The Sustainable City.
- Carbon2Capital successfully scaled its sustainability and carbon-focused initiatives.
- The ventures Syspos, Mershid, and DinoTech initiated commercial validation and early market adoption across various sectors.
Collaborative Vision Powers Economic Future
The success of the program underscores the power of public-private collaboration in fostering an enduring, innovation-driven economy. According to Abdelaziz Almaazmi, Director of the Business Incubation Department at DET, the graduation of these innovators is a “testament to visionary leadership and our commitment to the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.”
“By empowering Emirati entrepreneurs with world-class resources, mentorship, and market access, our partnership with Bedayat highlights the transformative power of collaboration… When Emirati entrepreneurs succeed, our economy strengthens and becomes more globally competitive,” Almaazmi added.
Faris Saeed, Founder and President of SEE Institute, which oversees Bedayat, affirmed the program’s vital role in supporting bold national impact, stating, “Our role is to enable entrepreneurs to build, test, and scale their ideas within an ecosystem that supports bold thinking and national impact.”
The strong interest in the inaugural program was clear, drawing 93 high-quality applications from 182 entrepreneurs working in strategic sectors such as AI, mobility, e-commerce, healthcare, and environmental technology solutions.
Building a Sustainable Entrepreneurial Pipeline
The partnership between Dubai SME and Bedayat is established as a long-term platform designed to nurture homegrown innovation, drive job creation, and solidify a sustainable pipeline of high-growth Emirati ventures. This collaborative effort actively reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a prime destination for global business and investment.
By fostering a business-friendly environment and providing tangible avenues for growth, the Emirate is strategically positioning itself to be a leader in future technologies and a sustainable economic powerhouse. For entrepreneurs seeking resources and support within Dubai, further details on SME and start-up assistance are available through official government channels.