Dubai Holding has opened applications for its 2025 Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator, a global programme aimed at fostering tech-driven solutions for resource recovery and sustainability, with a focus on shaping a circular economy and supporting the UAE’s environmental goals.
Dubai Holding has announced the opening of applications for its 2025 Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator—a prominent global initiative designed to fast-track sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship. Developed together with TECOM Group’s in5 incubator, the programme encourages startups and scale-ups around the world to develop innovative solutions that help shift toward a circular economy. This initiative is in line with the UAE’s broader sustainability goals and strategic priorities.
Building on the success of the inaugural 2024 edition, which drew 150 submissions from 31 countries, the 2025 programme aims to foster impactful ideas. The first cohort saw winners like Norway’s Othalo, whose technology transforms plastic waste into building materials. Additionally, UAE-based companies like The Surpluss, focused on redistributing excess industrial materials, and Midori Network, which converts plastic waste into construction resources, emerged as notable winners. These startups later formed active partnerships with Dubai Holding, demonstrating how the programme can nurture scalable, meaningful solutions.
This year’s challenge specifically invites entrepreneurs to develop regenerative, tech-enabled innovations around three main themes: food loss and waste, resource recovery and regeneration, and digital innovation for sustainability. The focus on these issues reflects growing global concerns regarding resource efficiency and environmental pressures—aligning well with international efforts to reshape production and consumption patterns toward circular economy principles.
The programme offers a hefty prize pool total of AED 850,000. The top team will receive AED 500,000 plus a fully funded opportunity to pilot their solution within Dubai Holding’s diverse portfolio, which spans different sectors and regions. Two additional finalists will also be awarded AED 250,000 and AED 100,000, respectively—funds that can make a real difference in propelling their innovations forward.
Beyond the cash prizes, 15 shortlisted scale-ups will participate in a 12-week hybrid accelerator, starting early next year. During this period, participants will benefit from customized mentorship from industry experts, masterclasses, workshops, and connections to investor networks. A key advantage is also gaining access to Dubai Holding’s extensive infrastructure, including testing and validation facilities, which makes it easier to turn prototypes into scalable solutions. The programme will wrap up with a Demo Day in 2026, where finalists will pitch their ideas to investors, strategic partners, and industry leaders.
Huda Buhumaid, Dubai Holding’s Chief Impact Officer, emphasized the importance of the initiative in supporting the UAE’s broader sustainable development goals. She mentioned that the programme “backs future-forward solutions that can transform industries from the ground up,” contributing to lasting positive change for both communities and the environment.
The Impact Accelerator aligns closely with the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031 and the Net Zero by 2050 strategic commitments, reaffirming Dubai Holding’s dedication to environmental sustainability and innovation. It also supports Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, which aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation for inclusive growth and long-term prosperity.
TECOM Group’s in5 incubator has been a key partner since its founding in 2013. Over the years, it has supported more than 1,000 startups across sectors like tech, media, design, and science, which have collectively raised over AED 7.8 billion in funding. Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of TECOM Group, highlighted in5’s mission, saying that the incubator is committed to helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into impactful businesses. He also pointed out that the alignment with Dubai’s D33 agenda strengthens efforts to build a sustainable future driven by innovation.
The accelerator is open to global scale-ups that already have at least a functioning prototype, minimum viable product, early customer validation, or are in pre-seed to pre-Series A funding stages. Selected startups will also gain one-year access to the in5 incubation programme and connections to more than 250 technology platforms and applications, helping to significantly boost their growth potential.
Overall, this initiative exemplifies Dubai Holding’s broader philanthropic efforts to empower communities and enterprises to contribute to sustainable development via innovation. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem—combining investment, mentorship, infrastructure, and partnerships—it aims to accelerate meaningful progress toward a more circular and sustainable economy both in the UAE and beyond. And, to be honest, given the global challenges around resource scarcity and climate change, programmes like this seem more crucial than ever to nurture tech solutions that can create systemic impact.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://focus.hidubai.com/dubai-holding-launches-second-innovate-for-tomorrow-accelerator-to-drive-global-sustainability-solutions/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://innovate-for-tomorrow.dubaiholding.com/ – Dubai Holding has launched the second edition of its Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator, a global initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and advancing sustainable innovation. In partnership with TECOM Group’s in5 incubator, the programme invites scale-ups worldwide to develop solutions supporting the transition to a circular economy. Entrepreneurs will compete for a total prize pool of AED850,000, with the winning team receiving AED500,000 and a fully funded proof-of-concept within Dubai Holding’s portfolio. Runners-up will receive AED250,000 and AED100,000 respectively. Submissions are open until 25 November 2025, focusing on three key themes: food loss and waste, resource recovery and regeneration, and digital innovation for sustainability. Fifteen scale-ups will be shortlisted to join a 12-week hybrid accelerator beginning early next year. Participants will receive expert mentorship, masterclasses, and access to investor networks, as well as opportunities to test and scale their solutions within Dubai Holding’s ecosystem. The programme will culminate in a Demo Day in 2026, where finalists will present to investors and industry leaders. Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer at Dubai Holding, stated that the initiative supports the UAE’s vision for a circular and sustainable future by “backing future-forward solutions that can transform industries from the ground up.” The first edition in 2024 drew 150 entries from 31 countries, with winners including Norway’s Othalo and UAE-based The Surpluss and Midori Network, all of which have since partnered with Dubai Holding. The initiative reinforces Dubai Holding’s commitment to the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031 and Net Zero by 2050 goals, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to empower entrepreneurs and drive long-term sustainability.
- https://www.dubaiholding.com/en/media-hub/press-releases/dubai-holding-opens-global-call-for-bold-innovators-to-join-the-innovate-for-tomorrow-impact-accelerator-2025 – Dubai Holding has officially opened applications for the second edition of its global Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator 2025. The flagship programme, delivered in partnership with TECOM Group PJSC’s start-up and entrepreneurship incubator, in5, is calling on bold scale-ups from around the world to reimagine how we consume, produce and regenerate resources to drive the transition to a more circular, sustainable future. Entrepreneurs will compete for a prize pool of AED 850,000, with the winning scale-up securing pilot funding and a transformative proof-of-concept opportunity within Dubai Holding’s diversified portfolio. The 2025 edition challenges scale-ups to tackle some of the most pressing circular economy issues across three sub-themes: food loss and waste, resource recovery and regeneration, and digital innovation for sustainability. Submissions are open until 25 November 2025, inviting innovators with inclusive, tech-enabled and regenerative solutions that can unlock new value and reduce environmental pressure. From the global pool of applicants, 15 scale-ups will be selected to enter a 12-week hybrid accelerator, gaining access to dedicated mentorship from industry leaders, masterclasses and workshops designed to sharpen business models and accelerate market entry, investor networks and ecosystem access across Dubai Holding’s diverse portfolio and world-class infrastructure and testing environments to validate and scale their solutions. The journey will culminate in a high-profile Demo Day in 2026, where the top scale-ups will pitch to investors, partners and industry leaders. One winner and two runners-up will be announced, with the winning innovation advancing into real-world, fully funded implementation with Dubai Holding. The first edition of the accelerator in 2024 attracted 150 submissions from 31 countries. Winners included Othalo (Norway), whose solution upcycles plastic waste into housing; The Surpluss (UAE), which redistributes excess materials across industries; and Midori Network (UAE), which converts plastic waste into construction materials. All three have since forged active partnerships with Dubai Holding, demonstrating the accelerator’s ability to catalyse scalable, real-world impact. Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer at Dubai Holding, said: “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. Building on the UAE’s vision for a more circular and sustainable future, the Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator enables scale-ups to unlock their full potential in an environment purpose-built for change, progress and impact.” The programme reflects Dubai Holding’s philanthropic mission to empower communities and enterprises to drive sustainable development, alongside its commitment to advancing the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031, UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and UAE Centennial 2071 vision. Powered by in5’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and designed with execution partner BOLT, the accelerator combines industry expertise, structured training and market access opportunities to help founders refine, adapt and elevate their solutions for scale. Founded by TECOM Group in 2013, in5 has supported more than 1,000 start-ups that have raised over AED 7.8 billion in funding across the technology, media, design and science sectors. Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President at TECOM Group PJSC, on behalf of in5, 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. Aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, we will continue to help start-ups and scale-ups transform their bold ideas into scalable and impactful businesses that drive future sustainability.” The accelerator welcomes global applications from scale-ups with a functional prototype or Minimum Viable Product, early customer validation or pre-serial funding.
- https://innovate-for-tomorrow.dubaiholding.com/apply-now – Applications are now open for the Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator, Dubai Holding’s flagship scale-up challenge designed to accelerate bold solutions for a better future. The application process takes 10-15 minutes to complete, with submissions closing on 25 November 2025. As part of the programme, the first-place winner will receive a fully funded opportunity to pilot their scale-up solution within Dubai Holding’s extensive ecosystem. The winner and runners-up will share a total cash prize pool valued at AED 850,000. Shortlisted applicants will have the exclusive opportunity to enrol in a 12-week accelerator programme, with mentorship support. Shortlisted applicants will gain ecosystem exposure and networking opportunities with key investors. Selected cohort applicants will gain one-year access to the in5 incubator programme. Top scale-ups will receive a pitching opportunity to partners and investors at our Demo Day. Shortlisted applicants will gain access to 250+ technology platforms and apps.
- https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2025/october/09-10/dubai-holding-opens-submissions – Dubai Holding has officially opened applications for the second edition of its Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator 2025 global initiative to promote entrepreneurship within a sustainable framework. The flagship programme, delivered in partnership with TECOM Group PJSC’s start-up and entrepreneurship incubator, in5, challenges scale-ups from around the world to reimagine how to consume, produce and regenerate resources to drive the transition to a more circular, sustainable future. Entrepreneurs entering the competition will vie for a prize pool of AED850,000, with the winning scale-up securing pilot funding and a transformative proof-of-concept opportunity within Dubai Holding’s diversified portfolio. The 2025 edition calls upon participants to address some of the most pressing circular economy issues across three sub-themes: food loss and waste, resource recovery and regeneration, and digital innovation for sustainability. Submissions are open until 25 November 2025, inviting innovators with inclusive, tech-enabled and regenerative solutions that can unlock new value and reduce environmental pressure. From the global pool of applicants, 15 scale-ups will be selected to enter a 12-week hybrid accelerator programme, gaining access to dedicated mentorship from industry leaders, masterclasses and workshops designed to sharpen business models and accelerate market entry, investor networks and ecosystem access across Dubai Holding’s diverse portfolio and world-class infrastructure and testing environments to validate and scale their solutions. The journey will culminate in a high-profile Demo Day in 2026, where the top scale-ups will pitch to investors, partners and industry leaders. One winner and two runners-up will be announced, with the winning innovation advancing into real-world, fully funded implementation with Dubai Holding. The first edition of the accelerator in 2024 attracted 150 submissions from 31 countries. Winners included Othalo (Norway), whose solution upcycles plastic waste into housing; The Surpluss (UAE), which redistributes excess materials across industries; and Midori Network (UAE), which converts plastic waste into construction materials. All three have since forged active partnerships with Dubai Holding, demonstrating the accelerator’s ability to catalyse scalable, real-world impact. Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer at Dubai Holding, said: “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. Building on the UAE’s vision for a more circular and sustainable future, the Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator enables scale-ups to unlock their full potential in an environment purpose-built for change, progress and impact.” Dubai Holding is a diversified global investment company operating across 10 sectors and 34 countries. The programme reflects its philanthropic mission to empower communities and enterprises to drive sustainable development, alongside its commitment to advancing the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031, UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and UAE Centennial 2071 vision. Powered by in5’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and designed with execution partner BOLT, the accelerator programme combines industry expertise, structured training and market access opportunities to help founders refine, adapt and elevate their solutions for scale. Founded by TECOM Group in 2013, in5 has supported more than 1,000 start-ups that have raised over AED7.8 billion in funding across the technology, media, design and science sectors. Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President at TECOM Group PJSC, on behalf of in5, 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. Aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, we will continue to help start-ups and scale-ups transform their bold ideas into scalable and impactful businesses that drive future sustainability.” The accelerator welcomes global applications from scale-ups with a functional prototype or Minimum Viable Product, early customer validation or pre-seed to pre-Series A funding.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is current, with the article dated October 10, 2025, and the official announcement from Dubai Holding dated October 6, 2025. ([dubaiholding.com](https://www.dubaiholding.com/en/media-hub/press-releases/dubai-holding-opens-global-call-for-bold-innovators-to-join-the-innovate-for-tomorrow-impact-accelerator-2025?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The quotes from Huda Buhumaid and Majed Al Suwaidi are consistent across sources, indicating originality. ([dubaiholding.com](https://www.dubaiholding.com/en/media-hub/press-releases/dubai-holding-opens-global-call-for-bold-innovators-to-join-the-innovate-for-tomorrow-impact-accelerator-2025?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from Dubai Holding’s official press release, a reputable organisation. ([dubaiholding.com](https://www.dubaiholding.com/en/media-hub/press-releases/dubai-holding-opens-global-call-for-bold-innovators-to-join-the-innovate-for-tomorrow-impact-accelerator-2025?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about the accelerator programme, including prize details and application deadlines, are corroborated by multiple reputable sources. ([dubaiholding.com](https://www.dubaiholding.com/en/media-hub/press-releases/dubai-holding-opens-global-call-for-bold-innovators-to-join-the-innovate-for-tomorrow-impact-accelerator-2025?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and originates from a reliable source. All claims are plausible and supported by multiple reputable outlets.
