Ten Startups Join MIT DesignX Dubai Accelerator's Second Cohort Focusing On Sustainability And Innovation

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), a special economic zone focused on innovation, has partnered with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Global Growth Hub (GGH) to announce the selection of 10 startups for the second cohort of the MIT DesignX Dubai Accelerator (MDXB). This initiative, launched in September 2023, is part of the global MIT DesignX Accelerator Programme.

The MDXB programme offers a comprehensive curriculum designed by MIT, featuring workshops and intensive classes in design and business. These sessions will be held at the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), a major tech hub in the MENA region, until May 2025. The programme aims to help startups refine their business models with guidance from local industry leaders, MIT alumni, and student interns.

The selected startups come from Europe, the US, and the GCC, all sharing a commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Their innovative solutions cover areas like hydrogen technology, waste management, emissions reduction, and energy storage. Notable participants include Protium Technologies, Kanz, PeykBot, Bilqis GreenTech, Travel Indigenous, Circa Biotech, Net0, EcoConnect, Theion, and The Hung Bag.

Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi of DSO expressed enthusiasm about hosting this cohort. He stated that it reflects the success of the first edition and continues to attract global interest with over 400 applications received worldwide. "We are excited to welcome these 10 promising startups to help them refine their vision and achieve their ambitions," he said.

Gilad Rosenzweig from MIT highlighted the achievements of the first cohort and expressed excitement for what this group will accomplish. "This programme provides an ecosystem that fosters venture and leadership growth," he noted. Participants are encouraged to leverage mentorship opportunities to scale their innovations in the UAE and beyond.

Omar Hassan from GGH emphasised the programme's potential in shaping future innovation. He mentioned that this year's cohort reflects remarkable diversity and aligns with global sustainability priorities. "We look forward to seeing these startups achieve transformative milestones," he added.

Diverse Startups with Global Reach

The selected startups offer diverse solutions across various sectors. Protium Technologies focuses on sustainable hydrogen technologies; Kanz simplifies financing applications using AI; PeykBot designs autonomous delivery robots; Bilqis GreenTech improves waste recycling; Travel Indigenous offers eco-friendly travel experiences; Circa Biotech converts organic waste into resources; Net0 provides carbon accounting software; EcoConnect aids sustainable procurement; Theion develops lithium-sulfur batteries; The Hung Bag organises deliveries efficiently.

The accelerator programme will conclude with a Demo Day on January 30. This event will bring together participating startups with investors and industry peers to celebrate their achievements. The winner of this cohort will also be announced during this gathering.

With inputs from WAM