Dubai Startup Hub, an entrepreneurship initiative of Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus, a wholly owned tech co-working space by Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), today announced the selection of 30 Emirati entrepreneurs to participate in their first joint Emirati Development Programme Training & Mentorship Academy

The academy provides a 2-module program comprised of specialized trainings and mentorship support. Commencing in June, the academy training sessions will cover such topics ranging from how to develop an effective business model, practical tools and strategies for generating sales, and in-depth pitch training.

A pitch competition will be organised for the 30 entrepreneurs during their time at the academy, with five winners chosen at the end who will go on to receive the additional benefit of 1 on 1 comprehensive mentorship support to further grow their ventures.

Applications received to the programme were diverse in scope and maturity, ranging from idea to early stage, some already generating revenues. . It was fantastic to also see such balanced gender mix, with a female/male split of 40%/60%.

“The Emirati Development Programme received a high number of submissions and succeeded in attracting ambitious Emirati entrepreneurs and owners of startup projects of all ages. Sixty percent of the applicants had not received or previously participated in trainings and workshops on entrepreneurship – the participation of these new entrepreneurs highlights that Dubai Startup Hub is a first-choice primary destination for those wanting to create innovative business ventures in our market. The program reflects the commitment of Dubai Startup Hub to support young citizens and activate their role and contribution to the growth of the private sector,” said Natalia Sycheva, Manager of Entrepreneurship at Dubai Chamber.

“From the applications received, we have selected 30 Emirati entrepreneurs to participate in the Emirati Development Programme in the Training & Mentorship Academy, with half (15) having business ideas that are yet to be converted into actual projects. The rest have started their commercial projects, with a number of these in the fields of advanced technologies, such as robotics, 3D printing and drone manufacturing, with others encompassing consumer goods and education and sustainability solutions,” Sycheva pointed out.

Hans Henrik Christensen, Vice President of Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), said: “Investing in our youth and guiding them for the future is a top priority for Dtec. We are proud to collaborate with Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry to provide training and guidance to Emirati entrepreneurs that will enable them to plan and implement innovative and high-quality solutions, especially within the technology industry. We are also pleased to award the winners with the required support, facilities and strategic council as part of Dtec Ventures, to scale up their projects in the future. This includes a flexi-desk setup at Dtec for one year for the first winner and 6 months free access to Dtec’s coworking space for the four other winners.

He added: “Dubai Silicon Oasis provides the ideal environment for startups and entrepreneurs. The various workshops that we organise throughout the year also motivate youth to be creative and inventive and hone their skills. These skills help them maximise their potential and capabilities as they grow their businesses and contribute to the country’s development process at various levels.

The Emirati Development Programme aims to encourage entrepreneurial nationals to take up private sector jobs opportunities by identifying and developing their skills through specialised training and providing them with the necessary knowledge and experience in entrepreneurship. It also aims help Emirati youth to start their own businesses or join an innovativeprivate sector company.

The programme is also the umbrella under which all Dubai Startup Hub’s initiatives that aims to develop the skills of Emirati youth will be gathered.

Established by Dubai Chamber in 2016, Dubai Startup Hub is the first initiative of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region. The hub has been designed to emphasis the value of public and private sector collaboration and embodies the aim of encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship as a main driver of the economy of Dubai and the UAE.