ADDED in Abu Dhabi launches innovation incubator programme

The Competitiveness Office of Abu Dhabi (COAD), part of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), has launched the Abu Dhabi Innovation Incubator Programme to support entrepreneurs.

The incubator program is part of 14 initiatives under Innovation Abu Dhabi, launched in May.

It aims to provide visionaries and entrepreneurs with the space and equipment they need to develop innovations and turn them into commercializable services and products.

Sameh Al Qubaisi, ADDED Director-General for Economic Affairs, said: “This programme is in line with ADDED’s commitment to support and develop prosperity projects and provide a regulatory and institutional framework to support innovation and research and development in key economic sectors.

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

Public and private institutions that invest in innovative technological solutions and support R&D are eligible for an “Innovation Incubator” license after a thorough review by experts and in accordance with best practices and policies in the field.

Leading academic and private institutions licensed for incubators include Khalifa University, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi University, Advanced Institute of Technology, Khwarizmo International College, NYU Abu Dhabi, Plug and Play and Fat6lab.

The program will focus on developing innovations that support clusters with high growth potential, including IoT, data center and cloud services, e-commerce, smart manufacturing, clinical research, asset management, commodity trading, tourism, fintech and agtech.

Hala Al Ameri, Head of Competitiveness Office Abu Dhabi (COAD), said: “Innovation incubators empower innovators, providing them with a suitable environment to develop their ideas, from inception to delivery, and accelerate their Innovation and project development. .

“The program will also facilitate access to financing opportunities and business deals, and encourage entrepreneurs and investors to engage with trusted incubators, select innovation investments and support innovators to succeed through challenges.”