Dubai Holding has opened applications for the 2025 edition of its Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator, a global initiative designed to foster entrepreneurship and advance sustainable innovation.
In partnership with TECOM Group’s in5 incubator, the programme invites scale-ups worldwide to develop solutions that support the transition to a circular economy.
Entrepreneurs will compete for a total prize pool of AED850,000, with the winning team receiving AED500,000 and a fully funded proof-of-concept within Dubai Holding’s portfolio. Runners-up will receive AED250,000 and AED100,000 respectively. Submissions are open until 25 November 2025, focusing on three key themes: food loss and waste, resource recovery and regeneration, and digital innovation for sustainability.
Fifteen scale-ups will be shortlisted to join a 12-week hybrid accelerator beginning early next year. Participants will receive expert mentorship, masterclasses, and access to investor networks, as well as opportunities to test and scale their solutions within Dubai Holding’s ecosystem. The programme will culminate in a Demo Day in 2026, where finalists will present to investors and industry leaders.
Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer at Dubai Holding, said the initiative supports the UAE’s vision for a circular and sustainable future by “backing future-forward solutions that can transform industries from the ground up.”
The first edition in 2024 drew 150 entries from 31 countries, with winners including Norway’s Othalo and UAE-based The Surpluss and Midori Network, all of which have since partnered with Dubai Holding.
The initiative reinforces Dubai Holding’s commitment to the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031 and Net Zero by 2050 goals, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to empower entrepreneurs and drive long-term sustainability.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
