Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator 2025 Invites Global Scale-Ups To Apply For Sustainable Solutions

Dubai Holding has opened applications for the "Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator 2025." This global initiative aims to foster entrepreneurship within a sustainable framework. In collaboration with TECOM Group PJSC's incubator, in5, the programme encourages scale-ups worldwide to rethink resource consumption and production. The goal is to transition towards a more circular and sustainable future.

Entrepreneurs will compete for a prize pool of AED850,000. The winning scale-up will receive pilot funding and a chance to implement their concept within Dubai Holding's diverse portfolio. Participants are urged to tackle pressing issues in the circular economy, focusing on food loss, resource recovery, and digital innovation for sustainability.

The accelerator programme invites submissions until 25th November 2025. Innovators with inclusive, tech-enabled solutions that reduce environmental impact are encouraged to apply. From these applications, 15 scale-ups will be chosen for a 12-week hybrid programme. They will benefit from mentorship, workshops, and access to Dubai Holding's infrastructure to refine their solutions.

The programme culminates in a Demo Day in 2026. Here, top scale-ups will present their innovations to investors and industry leaders. One winner and two runners-up will be announced. The winning innovation will proceed to real-world implementation with Dubai Holding's support.

The first edition of the accelerator in 2024 attracted 150 submissions from 31 countries. Winners included Othalo from Norway, which upcycles plastic waste into housing; The Surpluss from the UAE, redistributing excess materials; and Midori Network from the UAE, converting plastic waste into construction materials. These winners have since partnered with Dubai Holding.

Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer at Dubai Holding, stated: "By backing future-forward solutions that can transform industries from the ground up, Dubai Holding is catalysing change that lasts, contributing to stronger communities and a healthier planet."

Programme Structure and Benefits

The accelerator is powered by in5’s ecosystem and designed with BOLT as an execution partner. It combines industry expertise with structured training and market access opportunities. Founded by TECOM Group in 2013, in5 has supported over 1,000 start-ups across various sectors.

Majed Al Suwaidi of TECOM Group PJSC said: "As Dubai’s leading incubator, in5’s support for Dubai Holding’s Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator reaffirms our vision to support entrepreneurs and innovators with resources and guidance to secure their long-term growth."

Eligibility Criteria

The accelerator welcomes global applications from scale-ups with a functional prototype or Minimum Viable Product. Early customer validation or pre-seed funding is required. At least one founder must commit full-time to the programme and aim to scale within the UAE.

Winners receive an AED500,000 prize plus proof of concept funding by Dubai Holding. Second and third place scale-ups get AED250,000 and AED100,000 respectively. Participants also gain up to 20 hours of mentorship per scale-up from industry experts.

Additional Opportunities

The top five scale-ups enjoy one-year access to in5 incubation benefits worth AED90,000. The event includes over 15 masterclasses on business development and market entry among other topics. Participants also access discounted technology apps through Dubai Holding's extensive ecosystem.

With inputs from WAM