Dubai unveils smart city accelerator

Sheikh Ahmed and other officials during the signing ceremony of the Dubai Smart City Accelerator on Wednesday.

The Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) on Wednesday launched Dubai Smart City Accelerator ­- the first of its kind in the Mena region - within the DSOA's wholly-owned Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the DSOA, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Emirates airline and Chief Executive of the Emirates Group, launched the accelerator as well as its portal to enable interested startups and entrepreneurs to apply for the programme. The authority aims to accelerate 40 ventures in the next three years.
To be operated by Startupbootcamp, the global network of industry-focused startup accelerators, the Dubai Smart City Accelerator has been launched by the DSOA in collaboration with six strategic partners - Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du), Smart Dubai Office, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rochester Institute of Technology New York, Orange Business Services and Visa, injecting a total investment of Dh18.4 million into setting up the programme.
The agreement was signed by Dr Mohammed Alzarooni, vice-chairman and CEO of the DSOA; Majid Saif Al Ghurair, chairman of the Dubai Chamber; Osman Sultan, CEO of du ; Younus Al Nasser, assistant director-general of the Smart Dubai Office; Kamran Siddiqi, Visa group executive for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa; Luc Serviant, senior vice-president for the Middle East and Africa at Orange Business Services; Dr James H. Watters, senior vice-president of finance and treasurer at RIT New York and RIT Dubai board member; and Carsten Kølbek, CEO and founder of Startupbootcamp.
The accelerator programme, based on smart city technology, is targeting startups that are developing innovative solutions to help make cities smarter and overcome significant challenges due to congestion, waste, and energy.
Furthermore, in a bid to improve life for citizens, the programme will aim to identify solutions within smart homes and buildings, smart transportation and logistics, smart living, as well as smart urban planning and maintenance. Several local and regional startups are anticipated to leverage the know-how within the Internet of Things (IoT), sensor technology, big data, and virtual reality spheres to develop disruptive solutions.
Headlining a Press conference to announce the launch, Dr Alzarooni said the DSOA is successfully positioned as a reputable and much sought-after testing ground for several smart city solutions, applications and products in Dubai. "Public-private partnerships play a strong role in the country's development and translate a positive impact on its economic landscape," he said.
To run over a period of three years with a total of 40 startups, those accepted into the programme will receive the world-renowned and powerful Startupbootcamp acceleration package benefits including office space in Dtec, consultation and advisory support, as well as access to Startupbootcamp and its partner organisations and $20,000 (Dh73,460) in cash - all for a six per cent equity stake in the venture. Once completed, the startups will join Startupbootcamp's global alumni network consisting of some 400 enterprises from more than 50 countries worldwide.
"We are focused on providing Dubai's residents with a distinct and delightful living experience that will ensure they enjoy the highest quality of life with a sense of security, efficiency, and happiness," Dr Aisha bint Butti bin Bishr, director-general of the Smart Dubai Office, said.
Sultan said: "Today, the UAE is the region's tech startup hub hosting around a third of all Mena investors - hence, this collective collaboration for the Smart City Accelerator initiative enables us to further strengthen our contribution to digital innovation through working with innovators from across the world."
Al Ghurair said the Dubai Chamber is proud to support the Dubai Smart City Accelerator that provides an important platform to nurture emerging entrepreneurs who have the potential to make a major impact in Dubai's business scene.
"By investing in high-potential startups and innovative ideas, we can better facilitate businesses' adoption of smart solutions that will ultimately enhance the competitiveness of Dubai's private sector," he said.
Siddiqi said the smart cities era is opening up countless opportunities for ambitious entrepreneurs in the UAE and across the globe.
- business@khaleejtimes.com