The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has extended the application deadline for the "Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) Start-up Pitch Competition" for local and international technology companies specialising in artificial intelligence, 3D printing and decarbonisation in the industrial sector. Applications will now remain open until 5th May, 2024.
The competition aims to support and empower companies, showcase innovative solutions, and provide a platform for networking with investors and financing institutions. Its goal is to promote technological transformation in the industrial sector in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology.
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) announced a competition in March 2024 covering various industries like aviation, healthcare, automotive, and more, focusing on advanced technologies and sustainable practices. Technology start-ups globally are encouraged to participate, with a focus on driving progress in artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, and industrial decarbonization. The competition aligns with the UAE's National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and its Net Zero by 2050 initiative. It offers start-ups avenues for funding, collaboration, networking, and mentorship, fostering innovation and supporting the industry's transition towards sustainability.
Tariq Al Hashimi, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Advanced Technology Sector at MoIAT, said,
“The ministry has launched the MIITE Startup Pitch Competition to enable promising, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs to secure funding, as well as explore collaboration, incentives, and enablers within the UAE’s advanced technology ecosystem. By participating in the competition, start-ups have the opportunity to gain visibility, as well as attract potential investors and partners, contributing to the global transition towards a more sustainable industrial model.”
He added,
“The event is in line with MoIAT’s commitment to nurturing companies of all sizes and fostering an environment conducive to inclusive and sustainable economic growth. This is in line with Make it in the Emirates objectives to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and the country’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.”
The competition features two categories: additive manufacturing and decarbonization, each addressing specific industry challenges. Additive manufacturing welcomes start-ups in prototyping and 3D printing solutions across aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and more. Decarbonization categories include renewable energy, AI, digitalization, and carbon capture and storage. Open to local and global start-ups, it will be held at the Make it in the Emirates Forum on May 27th and 28th in Abu Dhabi. Evaluation criteria include innovation, market potential, and alignment with categories. The competition includes an optional bootcamp for mentorship and pitch refinement. Top winners receive monetary awards and pilot project opportunities with industrial partners. It's part of Make it in the Emirates, attracting investors and innovators to the UAE.
Make it in the Emirates is expected to attract extensive participation from decision-makers, government and private sector officials, local and international private companies, experts, entrepreneurs, financing entities, investors, start-ups, and SMEs.
This year’s competition is sponsored by AIQ, a disruptive advanced technology pioneer that is leveraging AI to solve complex challenges in the Energy Sector, VentureOne, Empowering researchers and entrepreneurs to transform their visionary ideas into value-driven products or services on a global scale, Yokogawa Electric Corporation, multinational electrical engineering and software company, and lastly, Hub 71, global tech ecosystem championing start-up growth.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
