Abu Dhabi launches 12 new social start-ups to tackle financial literacy and edtech

Under the theme “Entrepreneurship for Social Good”, the sixth cohort helps these social entrepreneurs develop innovative solutions applicable to the financial literacy and educational technology (EdTech) sectors. The event was attended by the Chairman of the Department of Community Development (DCD), Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, and the Director General of Ma’an, Salama Al Ameemi.

Twice a year, MSI selects promising start-ups and provides them with the resources and support to help them grow as they seek to develop high-impact solutions and scale sustainable businesses that benefit society. To date, MSI’s track record has resulted in the incubation of 53 social enterprises and the acceleration of 21 existing nonprofits. With its backing, more than 40 startups have been licensed, or are in the process of being licensed.

The sixth batch was selected based on their creative proposals to develop projects that will enable the third sector to flourish in Abu Dhabi and inspire social entrepreneurs for the development of strong, active and interconnected communities and the growth and diversity of the UAE economy make a contribution.

“We are delighted to witness today the successful demo day of the sixth batch of 12 start-ups from the Ma’an Social Incubator. With the support of MSI and its partners, they have achieved great success in bringing inspiring and innovative ideas and projects to life. Make great strides and tackle the challenges of financial literacy and educational technology in a way that is destined to have a real social impact. It is vital that we are fully committed to initiatives that will help thriving Abu Dhabi communities, which is why we The MSI has a strong focus on the emirate’s social priorities, including financial literacy and educational technology. These two themes play a vivid role in our nation’s visionary future and will help shape our economy,” said Al Ameemi.

• Focused on financial literacy, Lune is a business that partners with banks and corporations to improve customers’ financial literacy and well-being through simplified financial data and money management capabilities.

• FinStart Arabia is a social impact start-up that designs and delivers innovative learner-centred and community-based financial literacy programmes to sustainably change the financial behaviour of youth and youth in the UAE.

• Cashee empowers and educates teens on how to manage their money so they grow up to be financially responsible adults.

• Squirrel is a financial literacy platform for students that gamifies money management and financial decision-making issues that adults face on a daily basis.

• Edfundo is developing the UAE’s first teacher-developed money management app for children and teens.

• Reedz is a mobile app that provides a 20-minute roundup of Arabic audiobooks featuring the world’s best-selling books and a library of podcasts.

• Tutoruu is a tutoring network that connects high-achieving undergraduates with struggling peers in need.

• Skillplay helps students learn future skills, gain internships, earn certificates and win exciting prizes by playing a minute of games a day.

• Playbook is a global educational and entertaining platform for women seeking leadership roles through diverse digital academy masterclasses.

• La Talli is a platform to showcase independent designer products reflecting UAE heritage, culture, heritage and art.

• Geek Express is the first MENA-focused online technical school that prepares children for the future job market through an accredited K-12 curriculum.

• Kam Kalima provides innovative learning spaces that help schools today teach the Arabic they need tomorrow.

• MSI’s impressive track record to date has resulted in the incubation of 53 social enterprises and the acceleration of 21 existing nonprofits. With its backing, more than 40 startups have been licensed, or are in the process of being licensed.