Plug and Play, in partnership with Dubai Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, has launched the Dubai Accelerator Program. This new initiative invites ambitious, post-revenue startups to scale their operations globally from Dubai by working directly with leading corporations.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Accelerator Program
- For: Post-revenue, scaling startups (especially FinTech and Trade & Logistics)
- Key Benefits: Corporate Pilots (PoCs), Market Access, Investor Network, Dubai Workspace
- Application Deadline: October 12, 2025
- Location: Dubai, UAE
Accelerator Program Overview
The Dubai Accelerator Program is a gateway to startup success in Dubai, offering a unique opportunity to work directly with strategic corporate partners. Participants will co-define and test real-world Proof of Concepts (PoCs), validate their solutions, sharpen product-market fit, and accelerate their path to scale. The program is a key pillar of Dubai’s D33 economic development agenda, designed to position the city as a global launchpad for innovation.
Key Benefits
- Market Access: Unlock growth with pilots, strategic partnerships, and regional expansion opportunities.
- Expert Guidance: Learn from global and local experts in product, marketing, finance, and sales for smarter scaling.
- Funding Opportunities: Access fundraising education, investor networks, and one-on-one support.
- Dedicated Community: Network and share best practices with others in the innovation ecosystem.
- Prime Workspace: Gain access to the vibrant downtown Dubai campus, purpose-built to support founders.
Eligibility Criteria
- Stage: The program is looking for startups in the post-revenue stage that have already achieved product-market fit and are scaling.
- Solution: While all industries are welcome, the first cohort will strategically emphasize FinTech and Trade & Logistics.
- Geography: Applicants must be startups with a strong intention to establish and grow operations in Dubai, whether currently based in the UAE or expanding from abroad.
Key Dates and Schedule
- Application Deadline: October 12, 2025
- Cohort Announced: November 7, 2025
- Program Kick-Off: November 24, 2025
- Expo Day: April 2026 (Date TBD)
How to Apply
Applications are now open and can be submitted through the official Plug and Play website. The deadline to apply is October 12, 2025.
Apply here for the Dubai Accelerator Program.
About the Organizers
The accelerator is run by Plug and Play, a global innovation platform. It is a key pillar of Dubai’s D33 economic development agenda, anchored by strategic partners including the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, which aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global leader in the digital economy, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which is mandated to boost the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness.
Learn More: Plug and Play Dubai Accelerator
