The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), a federal initiative by the UAE Ministry of Finance, has announced the launch of Innovation Trailblazers, a new nationwide student pitching competition designed to empower the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. The program aims to identify and nurture promising ideas from university students, providing them with the resources to transform academic concepts into viable business solutions.
A Nationwide Search for Innovators
The inaugural edition of Innovation Trailblazers is launching in partnership with Dubai Investments and a coalition of six leading academic institutions: Abu Dhabi University, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Canadian University Dubai, Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University, and the University of Sharjah. The program is open to all university students across the UAE, extending beyond the current partner institutions.
Student teams will present their innovations to a panel of industry experts at pitch events hosted by partner universities across the country. Shortlisted teams will advance to a final pitch day in November 2025, where they will compete for significant support to accelerate their projects. Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, representing MBRIF, stated, “This program will enable future changemakers to build meaningful skills and contribute to the UAE’s innovation-driven economy.”
Fostering Talent with Tangible Rewards
To incentivize participation and provide a critical early-stage boost, the program offers substantial rewards for the top innovators. The top three winning teams will receive cash grants of AED 30,000, AED 20,000, and AED 15,000, respectively. Beyond the financial support, winners will also gain access to mentorship from Dubai Investments and a place in MBRIF’s Mini Accelerator program, helping them refine their business models and go-to-market strategies.
Mohammed Saeed Al Raqbani, Head of the Sustainability Committee at Dubai Investments, commented on the partnership, “Dubai Investments is proud to sponsor the UAE Universities Pitching Competition and to provide mentorship, guidance, and recognition to students who are turning vision into action. It’s inspiring to see the energy and ideas young changemakers bring forward.”
Bridging Academia and Industry
The core vision of Innovation Trailblazers is to build a national platform that strengthens the links between academia, government, and the private sector. By creating a direct pipeline for youth-driven innovation, the initiative supports the UAE’s long-term development goals and its National Innovation Strategy. The collaboration aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial culture within universities and ensure students gain practical experience that prepares them for the job market.
Prof. Tahseen Anwer Arshi of AURAK noted the program’s strategic importance, stating it “will support students and youth in the country, advancing UAE’s National Entrepreneurship agenda and contributing to the UAE’s vision of becoming an entrepreneurial nation by 2031.”
About The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF)
The Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) is a federal initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance and operated by Emirates Development Bank. Since its launch in 2016, the MBRIF has supported innovators through its Guarantee Scheme, which offers members access to affordable funding via a government-backed guarantee. In 2018, it launched the MBRIF Accelerator, which is aligned with the UAE National Innovation Strategy and provides world-class services and coaching to help innovative businesses scale and enhance their growth potential.
Source: Zawya
