Dubai Holding has announced the selection of 15 innovative scale-ups from a remarkable pool of over 1,400 applications submitted from 93 different countries for its second global impact accelerator, “Innovate For Tomorrow.” This initiative is part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation in the circular economy within the UAE.

About the Innovate For Tomorrow Program

The “Innovate For Tomorrow” accelerator, launched in collaboration with TECOM Group’s entrepreneurship incubator in5 and BOLT, aims to unite startups that are pioneering new methods for resource consumption, production, and regeneration. This program not only promotes cutting-edge solutions but also seeks to advance the UAE’s goals for sustainable development and strengthen its circular economy framework.

This year, the accelerator focused on three key themes: minimizing food loss and waste, enhancing resource recovery and regeneration, and leveraging digital innovation to support sustainability efforts. These themes align seamlessly with national objectives aimed at promoting sustainable practices in various sectors.

Applications and Evaluation Process

This year’s call for applications attracted submissions from diverse markets, including but not limited to the UAE, India, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. Each application was meticulously assessed based on criteria such as innovation, scalability, market validation, potential impact, and alignment with the needs of the UAE market.

The startups chosen for the accelerator come from a variety of sectors, such as environmental technology, recycling, and digital innovation. They are located in countries including the UAE, Norway, India, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the UK, showcasing the global appeal of the initiative.

Funding and Program Structure

The accelerator features an attractive funding pool, offering a total of AED 850,000 in prizes and pilot funding. The winning scale-up can look forward to receiving financial backing alongside the opportunity to conduct a proof-of-concept project within Dubai Holding’s expansive business ecosystem.

Participants will engage in a comprehensive 12-week hybrid accelerator program running from January to April 2026, which will include mentorship sessions, workshops, masterclasses, and invaluable access to investor networks. This structured program is designed to help startups refine their business models while accelerating their entry into the market.

Supporting UAE’s Sustainable Vision

Dubai Holding emphasized that this initiative strengthens the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031 and aligns with broader strategic visions, including the UAE Net Zero by 2050 initiative and the UAE Centennial 2071 vision. By backing innovative startups, the accelerator seeks to play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future for the region.

The program will culminate in a Demo Day scheduled for June 2026, where the top five scale-ups will have the opportunity to present their innovative solutions to a panel of investors, industry leaders, and potential partners. This event will not only serve as a platform for showcasing groundbreaking ideas but also as a launchpad for impactful business collaborations in the sustainability sector.