Dubai Startup Hub Launches Third Edition of Market Access Program For Startups And SMEs

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Startups and SMEs from around the world are invited to submit innovative ideas and solutions that solve key challenges faced by prominent companies and organisations in Dubai, as the Dubai Startup Hub opens applications for a new round of its Market Access program.

Dubai Startup Hub, the entrepreneurship arm of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has kicked off the third edition of its Market Access programme, which aims to enhance cooperation and facilitate deals between innovative startups, SMEs, leading companies and government entities in the emirate.

The program, open to startups and SMEs worldwide, is now accepting submissions on the Dubai Startup Hub website. Startups will have until December 10th 2018 to submit their ideas by visiting the following link: www.dubaichamber.com/dubaistartuphub/marketaccess

This edition features projects from Sumitomo Middle East, Emirates Post Group, Axiom Telecom, and Aswaaq LLC. The companies have listed core challenges they are facing with the aim of attracting innovative solutions that can be implemented within their organisations.

Sumitomo Middle East is seeking innovative solutions in the areas of mobility, renewable energy, energy management, and agri-tech, that add value to society.

Emirates Post Group is searching for innovative digital solutions to enhance employee training whilst maintaining optimum working efficiencies, in addition to new technical solutions to improve the safety of its drivers whilst on the road within the UAE.

Axiom Telecom is looking to attract several new solutions to support the management of its digital operations, and specifically for the company's pricing, automated fleet management, and vehicle tracking systems, as well as a smart parking solution that can be adopted.

Aswaaq LLC is requesting new solutions that would enable the retailer to use existing data generated from its various stores and create dynamic dashboards to monitor and manage operations. In addition, the company is seeking solutions that harness solar power and improve inventory management.

"Since its launch in 2017, we have seen a very strong response to the Market Access program, and remarkable success with the signing of several deals between startups and prominent companies in Dubai. This is why we have decided to launch the third edition to create more partnership opportunities in the market, and foster a culture of innovation within the business community," said Natalia Sycheva, Manager of Entrepreneurship at Dubai Chamber.

Selected candidates will be given an opportunity to tailor their ideas to meet specific needs, gain industry experience and network with industry players, said Sycheva, adding that Market Access aligns with Dubai Chamber's strategy which partly focuses on developing the emirate's entrepreneurial eco-system and providing startups with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive and grow.

Last year's edition saw three UAE-based startups sign winning agreements with regional and global corporates as part of the latest deals facilitated through Market Access. Winners Tuitify, FOO, Rib & Wit and Evolvin' Women, have scored deals with companies including Emirates NBD, one of the largest banking groups in the Middle East in terms of assets, global biopharmaceutical company Sanofi, and UAE-headquartered global conglomerate Nikai Group.

Dubai Chamber launched Dubai Startup Hub in 2016 as an online platform to connect startups, entrepreneurs, developers, venture capitalists and students, enabling them to learn about new opportunities and create new partnerships that stimulate economic growth.

To apply, visit the following link: www.dubaichamber.com/dubaistartuphub/marketaccess.

Megha Merani is an independent journalist based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Her stories have made headlines across a number of publications including Reuters, Associated Press, Entrepreneur Middle East, Bloomberg Middle East, Arabian Gulf Business Insight, Arabian Business, and former local daily 7DAYS.

Megha also produces editorial for government platforms including the World Government Summit and World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils. She has been a grant winner of the Thomson Reuters Foundation and The Global Initiative Against Organized Crime funded by the government of Norway to report on the online trade in illegal wildlife.

Megha is also an Associate Fellow (AFHEA) at Murdoch University in Dubai and leads its Digital Newsroom course unit. In addition, Megha serves as a United Nations Women mentor to support equal opportunities for women entrepreneurs, and supports various other programs including TIE Women, 60 Day Startups, and the Watt Inc. Business Incubator.

Dubai Startup Hub Launches Third Edition of Market Access Program For Startups And SMEs This edition of the program features projects from Sumitomo Middle East, Emirates Post Group, Axiom Telecom, and Aswaaq LLC.

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