Dubai Holding has unveiled the chosen participants for its second global impact accelerator, “Innovate For Tomorrow,” having sifted through over 1,400 applications from 93 countries. This initiative seeks to foster innovative solutions that support a circular and sustainable future by revamping the way resources are utilized, produced, and regenerated.

Partnerships Driving Innovation

Launched in collaboration with in5, TECOM Group PJSC’s startup and entrepreneurship incubator, and BOLT, the program invites innovators worldwide to contribute to the advancement of circular economy principles. By focusing on transformative ideas, the initiative aims to address key areas within Dubai Holding’s business landscape, centering on three specific themes: reducing food loss and waste, enhancing resource recovery and regeneration, and fostering digital innovation for sustainability.

A Rigorous Selection Process

The submissions processed came from a diverse array of countries, including the UAE, India, the UK, and South Africa. Each application was meticulously evaluated based on several critical criteria, including the relevance of the issue tackled, potential for impact, uniqueness of the solution, market validation, scalability, and alignment with the needs of the UAE market. This rigorous selection process guarantees that only the most promising and innovative scale-ups participate in the accelerator.

Opportunities for Scale-ups

Selected scale-ups will be competing for a substantial prize pool and pilot funding totaling AED850,000. The winning entity will not only receive pilot funding but will also have the chance to execute a proof-of-concept project within Dubai Holding’s diverse portfolio. This accelerator program spans a 12-week hybrid format, taking place from January to April 2026, and features mentorship sessions, masterclasses, and specialized workshops led by industry experts and representatives from Dubai Holding. The objective is to fortify business models, speed up market entry, and connect startups with potential investors.

Commitment to Sustainability

The selected companies hail from a variety of nations, including the UAE, Norway, India, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the UK, and are engaged in various sectors such as environmental technology, recycling, sustainability, and digital innovation. Dubai Holding has emphasized that “Innovate For Tomorrow” underlines its dedication to sustainable development and aligns with major initiatives, such as the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031, the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic plan, and the UAE Centennial 2071 vision.

The culmination of this program is set for June 2026 when a Demo Day will be held, providing an opportunity for the top five scale-ups to showcase their innovative solutions to investors, partners, and industry leaders. This initiative not only highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of the region but also addresses pressing global challenges related to sustainability and resource management, showcasing the crucial role innovation plays in shaping a better future.