Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC), in partnership with Etihad Aviation Group, Miral and The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi have come together to launch FKIRA Labs, a startup accelerator that focuses on driving innovation and entrepreneurship to boost the travel and tourism sector in Abu Dhabi.
This comes as part of Abu Dhabi’s mission to turn the city into a world-class tourist destination and global innovation hub. FIKRA (which means ‘idea’ in Arabic) Labs is a three months program, and they’re encouraging startups from all over the MENA region to apply.
The application begins in February 2018, whereby interested startups can apply through filling out an online application. The startups are expected to provide details on the challenge they want to solve, their proposed solution, its potential value key milestones and more.
The acceleration program then follows a series of stages: First they shortlist the applicants, where a committee will be screening and reviewing the application, then conduct interviews, and then based on key metrics and criteria, 32 startups will be selected to join a mini-bootcamp.
Wondering what the bootcamp has in store for you? Well, for two days, there will be intensive workshops that will help the selected startups develop their business ideas. This prepares them for their pitch in front of a Jury Committee which will select 12 finalists that will take part in a 4-week acceleration program in Abu Dhabi.
During the 4-week acceleration phase, startups will be provided mentorship to refine and improve their ideas and business plans and develop prototypes in partnership with industry experts. Finally, a jury will select four startups -one for each organization mentioned above- as the winners. Winners will have the opportunity of working directly with their partner organization and might secure $100,000 equity investment.
What are you waiting for? Hurry up and apply NOW before March 5th, 2018.
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