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StartAD, the innovation and entrepreneurship platform anchored at NYU Abu Dhabi, has partnered with Khalifa Fund, which has empowered Emiratis’ abilities, enhanced their talents, and raised their efficiency to serve the country’s growth, for Enterprise Development for the first time to present an updated version of Ibtikari (My Innovation).

The fourth edition of Ibtikari will be an intensive six-month incubator aimed at helping UAE nationals advance their technology startups. Ibtikari is open to startups with at least one UAE national partner starting from September 30, 2018 to March 31, 2019 at NYU Abu Dhabi. Five teams will be identified through a rigorous evaluation process which will include an online application and in-person interview.

Then, they will be selected based on their proposed concept, the project’s potential market reach, as well as its prototype or proof of concept. Applications are now open and available on this website; the final deadline is August 31, 2018.

The new structure will include three phases: mentorship, network introductions, and investment evaluation. Participating teams will initially be required to attend a series of training sessions and one-on-one meetings with Ibtikari’s mentors. The program’s organizers will then facilitate introductions to key corporate partners, prospective clients, and experts in the industry locally and in New York City to help startups expand their network and advance their businesses.

The organizers will then facilitate introductions to key corporate partners, prospective clients, and experts in the industry locally and in New York City to help startups expand their network and advance their businesses. Participants will also be considered for potential financial and non-financial support from Khalifa Fund if they meet the criteria.

The program’s third phase will focus on investment evaluation; startAD’s investment advisors will schedule regular meetings with the teams to provide detailed feedback on their business model and external investments it could likely attract. The five selected finalists will be given access to startAD’s prototyping facilities and co-working space at NYU Abu Dhabi throughout the duration of Ibtikari.

NYU Abu Dhabi Research Professor of Engineering, Vice Provost for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and startAD Managing Director Ramesh Jagannathan said, “Local corporate leaders in aviation, energy, shipping, transportation, logistics, and finance play an integral role in sourcing startups, validating their business model, and accelerating their success. By partnering with Khalifa Fund, our goal is to equip startups, particularly UAE nationals, with the necessary tools to help them convert their technologies into products and services.”

Abdullah Saeed Al Darmaki, Chief Executive of Khalifa Fund explained, “The Fund will provide all the possible support to ensure the success of all Ibtikari startups that meet its financial requirements and conditions and build the values of leadership, creativity, and innovation among Emirati segments.”

Ibtikari aspires to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UAE and enable the development of technology startups in emerging and significant local industries such as energy, aviation, logistics, Fintech, and smart transportation.