Dubai Holding Opens Call for Innovators in Sustainability
Dubai Holding's flagship scale-up programme serves as a beacon for entrepreneurs focused on fostering circular economy solutions for a sustainable future. This initiative invites innovators from all corners of the globe to contribute their ideas and solutions that will help reshape our relationship with resources.
Prize Opportunities and Mentorship Available
Participants in the Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator stand a chance to compete for an impressive prize pool of AED 850,000. This includes pilot funding and a chance to operate within Dubai Holding's vast ecosystem, helping them propel their innovative ideas into practical applications.
Expert Guidance
Through this competitive platform, participants will benefit from dedicated mentorship, expert training, and access to investor networks. This supportive structure is provided in collaboration with TECOM Group's renowned entrepreneurship incubator, in5.
Focused on Circular Economy Challenges
The 2025 edition of the programme encourages scale-ups to address pressing issues related to circular economy themes such as food loss and waste, resource recovery and regeneration, and digital innovations for sustainability. Submissions are being accepted until 25 November 2025, inviting forward-thinking innovators to present tech-enabled solutions that can create new value and lessen environmental impact.
Selection Process
From the pool of applications, fifteen scale-ups will be carefully chosen to join a 12-week hybrid accelerator. These selected participants will gain exclusive access to mentorship from leaders in the industry, masterclasses designed to enhance business models, and invaluable connections to investor networks. This comprehensive support aims to fast-track their market entry and help them refine their solutions for maximum impact.
The Program's Exciting Finale
The accelerator journey will culminate with a high-profile Demo Day in 2026. Here, the top scale-ups will showcase their innovations to potential investors, industry leaders, and partners. The event aims to recognize standout performers with one winner and two runners-up, along with the opportunity for the winning innovation to undergo funded implementation with Dubai Holding.
Successful Outcomes from Previous Editions
The initial iteration of the accelerator attracted a remarkable 150 submissions from over 31 countries, with standout winners utilizing innovative methods to address environmental challenges. Successful initiatives have included Othalo's upcycling of plastic waste into housing and The Surpluss's redistribution platform for excess materials.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
Huda Buhumaid, the Group Chief Impact Officer at Dubai Holding, highlighted the importance of supporting transformative solutions that have the potential to improve community resilience and contribute positively to the planet's health. The Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator is seen as a crucial factor in driving forward the UAE’s vision for a more sustainable future.
Corporate Insights
In its ongoing commitment to empower communities and enterprises, Dubai Holding actively engages in initiatives that support sustainable development. This includes alignment with the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy, aimed at achieving net zero by 2050 and the UAE Centennial Vision for 2071.
Resource-Rich Ecosystem
In partnership with in5, the entrepreneurship ecosystem is structured to integrate industry expertise, training, and access to the market. Since its establishment, in5 has provided support for over 1,000 start-ups, creating a significant impact on local and international entrepreneurial ventures.
Join the Innovative Challenge
The Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator is looking for global applications from scale-ups that possess a functional prototype or minimum viable product. To participate in this transformative experience, at least one founder must commit to the programme to enable their growth in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator?
This is a scale-up program by Dubai Holding aimed at fostering innovative ideas in sustainability and circular economy.
How much funding is available for participants?
Participants can compete for a prize pool of AED 850,000, which includes pilot funding for the winning solutions.
What are the main themes of the program?
The programme focuses on food loss and waste, resource recovery, regeneration, and digital innovation for sustainability.
When are applications open until?
Applications are open until 25 November 2025.
What happens after the accelerator program?
There will be a Demo Day in 2026 where top scale-ups can pitch their innovations to potential investors and partners.
