ADDED Launches Innovation Incubators to Boost Startup Ecosystem

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has launched the “Abu Dhabi innovation incubators programme” to support individuals wishing to turn their ideas into innovative opportunities that, in turn, will support a sustainable economy.

This incubator programme is part of the 14 initiatives under “Abu Dhabi Innovates”; Launched in May 2022, the framework was designed to enhance the innovation ecosystem in the Emirate.

It provides visionaries and entrepreneurs access to space and equipment they require to develop their innovations and convert them to commercialisable services and products.

Innovation incubators are among the top identified drivers that encourage and incentivise individuals. They play a significant role in providing a stimulating environment to support and convert ideas or scientific inventions into commercial opportunities.

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H.E Sameh Al Qubaisi, Director General of Economic Affairs at ADDED, said “This programme is in line with ADDED’s commitment to support and develop prosperous projects and provide regulatory and institutional frameworks that support innovation and research and development.

"This will be achieved by following a set of policies and regulations, developed by ADDED and partners, to ensure that innovation incubators are well-equipped and have the right operating model to support innovators at different stages."

Public and private institutions, which are investing in innovative technical solutions and supporting research and development (R&D), are eligible to earn innovation incubators license, following a thorough review by experts and according to best practices and policies in this field.

Leading academic and private institutions granted incubator’s license include Khalifa University, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi University, Higher Collage of Technology, Khwarizmi International College, New York University- Abu Dhabi, Plug and Play and Fat6lab.

The innovation incubator programme will focus on innovations with high growth potentials including Internet of Things (IoT), data centers and cloud services, e-commerce, smart manufacturing, clinical Research, asset management, commodity trading, tourism, FinTech, and AgriTech.

Ms. Hala Al Ameri, Executive Director of the Competitiveness Office of Abu Dhabi (COAD), said, “Innovation incubators enhance innovators capabilities, and provide them with suitable environment to develop their ideas from initiation to delivery, and accelerate development."

“The programme will also facilitate financing opportunities as well as encouraging entrepreneurs and investors to deal with trusted incubators, select innovations to invest in and support innovators to navigate their way through challenges to success,” Ms. Hala Al Ameri added.

The Competitiveness Office of Abu Dhabi (COAD) was established in 2011 to achieve the highest levels of competitiveness in the Emirate by creating a diverse and sustainable environment that stimulates innovation.

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