The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), a UAE Ministry of Finance initiative, has concluded its Demo Day for the 11th cohort of its Innovation Accelerator Program. The event highlighted 20 startups from the UAE and beyond, connecting them with investors and strategic partners to fuel their next phase of growth.
Quick Facts
- 20 startups presented their business solutions.
- Three companies won top pitch awards.
- Sectors included health, sustainability, and robotics.
Driving the UAE’s Innovation Agenda
The event underscored MBRIF’s ongoing mission to support companies that contribute to the UAE’s economic diversification and development goals. Founders presented solutions aimed at solving clear market problems across critical sectors like water security, education, and technology.
Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the UAE Ministry of Finance, commented on the program’s role: “The Innovation Accelerator Program continues to reflect the Fund’s commitment to supporting high-potential businesses that can contribute to the UAE’s innovation ecosystem and long-term economic development. Through the Accelerator, we aim to provide founders with the practical support, strategic guidance, and ecosystem access they need to scale with confidence and create meaningful impact.”
Shaker Zainal, Head of MBRIF and Deputy CEO & Chief Business Officer at Emirates Development Bank, opened the event with welcome remarks before the startup pitches began.
Spotlighting Top Performers
A judging panel evaluated the startups on their innovation, scalability, and potential for social and economic impact. The panel included H.E Faisal Belhoul of J&F Holdings, Rabih Khoury of MEVP, Dr. Anas Bataw of Zacua Ventures, and Tanvir Shah, a FinTech advisor and MBRIF committee member.
Three startups received special recognition:
- Best Pitch Award: Bellboy
- Best UAE Homegrown Business: Pharmedic
- Most Impactful Business: Palmear
Other participating startups from Cohort 11 included BioTwin, Toothpick, Neulink, Disrupt-X, Synergy Quantum, SLZ, Qode Limited, CapQuest, Defy, AkelTech, Actualize, Professional.me, Digitech Oasis, ROBOX, Terra Grow, ReflowX, Smartail, and Third Body Dynamics.
About 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, MBRIF has supported innovators through its Guarantee Scheme, offering members access to affordable funding. Its second program, the MBRIF Accelerator, launched in 2018 to enhance the growth potential of innovative businesses shaping the future of the UAE’s economy by providing world-class services, coaching, and market access.
Source: Zawya
