Dubai Airshow 2021 to bring aerospace and defence startups to launch pad Vista

Dubai Airshow 2021 has introduce its new dedicated startup event, Vista, which will be the ultimate platform for innovators, creators and market disruptors to display the latest technologies and play a part in accelerating the future of the aerospace and defence industries.

The co-located event will connect startups with venture capitalists who are looking for disruptive new entrants that can out-hustle the big players. The event will be attended by national leaders, CEOs, investors, developers, technology disruptors, operators, and other key experts. Successful entrepreneurs from established global startups will also be present to inspire and guide aspiring startups.

Vita will include startups from 12 different sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Future Mobility, Software, Space, Aerospace, Material Science, Cyber Security, Defence, Tourism, Robotics, Drones, and Sustainability. The startup hub will provide entrepreneurs with an unrivalled opportunity to connect with investors, partners, and mentors to launch, scale and grow their startups, and bolster the growth of the aerospace and defence industries in the region.

During the 5-day programme, Vista will feature a number of sub-events in partnership with Gothams, a leading accelerator that is helping to build the next generation of aerospace and defence startups. Entrepreneurs can take part in pitch competitions where they will be able to present their technologies to industry leaders and investors with the chance of winning some great prizes. They will have the opportunity to get involved in mentorship programs, workshops, and high-level networking, learn about market trends and receive the best guidance from experts, key decision makers, and global investors. A recent study has shown that startups that have helpful mentors and learn from thought leaders have almost four times better user growth and raise seven times more capital.

Despite the prevalent capital-spending curb due to the pandemic, investments by global venture capitalists continued to increase. According to a Magnitt report, Saudi Arabia’s venture capital funding increased by 55% in 2020 reaching $152 million. Saudi Arabia continued its work to increase venture capital funding in 2021, in support of emerging startups. Saudi Arabia’s Sanabil Investments recently partnered with the early-stage venture fund, 500 Startups, to support startups in the region. 100 startups are expected to receive $100,000 to accelerate their growth in the region, as a result of this partnership.

Moreover, in the UAE, The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has partnered with Microsoft and Plug and Play on a range of initiatives to support technology startups in the region.

“We are delighted to be taking part in Dubai Airshow 2021 and have the opportunity to display our technologies to the wider industry. We look forward to receiving high-level guidance from significant mentors in the field, to support us in achieving our goal of using cutting-edge Earth Observation satellite technologies to help improve life on Earth,” co-founder of SARsat Arabia, Ahmed Alzurabi, said.

— business@khaleejtimes.com