The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), a federal initiative by the UAE Ministry of Finance, has announced the winners of the inaugural Innovation Trailblazers Program. The nationwide student pitching competition, designed to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, awarded top teams with cash grants and access to mentorship.
Championing Youth-Led Innovation
The program attracted over 70 applications from students representing more than 20 universities across the UAE. Following a rigorous evaluation, 13 shortlisted teams were selected to present their ideas to a panel of industry experts. The initiative aims to provide young innovators with a platform to be heard and supported, helping to build a pipeline of future talent for the UAE’s innovation-driven economy.
Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the UAE Ministry of Finance and Chief Innovation Officer, noted that the winning teams demonstrated creativity and a strong understanding of how to translate innovation into practical solutions with real economic and social value.
Recognising The Future Founders
The competition culminated in a final pitch day hosted by the University of Sharjah, where teams were evaluated on innovation, feasibility, and potential impact. The top three teams received cash grants and access to the MBRIF Mini Accelerator program to further develop their solutions.
The winning teams for the first edition were:
- First place (AED 30,000): VIAI Technologies
- Second place (AED 20,000): Munther
- Third place (AED 15,000): Vantage
Fostering Collaborative Ecosystems
Sponsored by Dubai Investments, the program was delivered in collaboration with 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. This structure reinforces MBRIF’s commitment to fostering collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector.
Mohammed Saeed Al Raqbani, Head of the Sustainability Committee at Dubai Investments, emphasized the importance of nurturing youth-driven innovation. He stated that the collaboration allows Dubai Investments to play an active role in helping future founders convert their vision into measurable outcomes for the UAE’s sustainable economy.
About Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund
The Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) is a federal initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance and is operated by Emirates Development Bank. Since its launch in 2016, the MBRIF has supported innovators through its first program, the Guarantee Scheme, which offers members access to affordable funding through a government-backed guarantee and without taking equity. The MBRIF’s second program, the MBRIF Accelerator, was launched in December 2018. Aligned with the UAE National Innovation Strategy, the initiative aims to enhance growth potential of innovative businesses shaping the future of UAE’s economy.
Source: Press Release
