ABU DHABI: The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has extended the application deadline for the “Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) Start-up Pitch Competition” for local and international technology companies specialising in artificial intelligence, 3D printing and decarbonisation in the industrial sector. Applications will now remain open until 5th May, 2024.
The competition aims to support and empower companies, showcase innovative solutions, and provide a platform for networking with investors and financing institutions. Its goal is to promote technological transformation in the industrial sector in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology.
The competition covers industries such as aviation, healthcare, automotive, electronics, energy, customised manufacturing, decarbonisation, renewable energy, artificial intelligence and digitisation, and carbon capture and storage.
Technology start-ups worldwide are invited to participate in the competition
to drive progress in artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, and industrial decarbonisation by supporting start-ups with avenues for funding and collaboration.
The MoIAT announced the competition in March 2024, which will engage high-potential, fast-growing start-ups that have demonstrated a commitment to reducing the industry’s carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices through advanced technologies.
The competition aligns with the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology to boost innovation, accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, and promote sustainable development. Start-ups are invited to showcase groundbreaking innovations that can support the industry’s green transition in line with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.
The competition provides a platform for start-ups to network with industry partners, investors and policymakers, as well as gain insights from experts and engage with mentors in a supportive entrepreneurial environ
ment. The event will also offer start-ups the opportunity to further develop and deploy their technologies in the UAE in collaboration with industry partners.
Tariq Al Hashimi, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Advanced Technology Sector at MoIAT, said, ‘The ministry has launched the MIITE Startup Pitch Competition to enable promising, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs to secure funding, as well as explore collaboration, incentives, and enablers within the UAE’s advanced technology ecosystem. By participating in the competition, start-ups have the opportunity to gain visibility, as well as attract potential investors and partners, contributing to the global transition towards a more sustainable industrial model.’
He added, ‘The event is in line with MoIAT’s commitment to nurturing companies of all sizes and fostering an environment conducive to inclusive and sustainable economic growth. This is in line with Make it in the Emirates objectives to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for inno
vation and the country’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.’
The competition includes two categories and subsectors, each representing different approaches to addressing industry-specific challenges. The additive manufacturing category is open to start-ups involved in prototyping and 3D printing solutions across various industries such as aerospace, healthcare, automotive, electronics, energy, and customised manufacturing. Decarbonisation categories include renewable energy, AI and digitalisation for decarbonisation, as well as carbon capture and storage.
Open to local and global start-ups, the competition will take place at the third Make it in the Emirates Forum, held on 27th and 28th May at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre. Applications will be evaluated based on innovation, market potential, and alignment with competition categories.
The competition comprises an optional bootcamp, where qualified start-ups participate in mentorship sessions with industry experts and entrepreneurs to refine their pitches
and strategies. The top three winners from each category will receive monetary awards and opportunities to work with industrial partners on pilot projects.
The competition is one of several initiatives launched under Make it in the Emirates, which aims to attract investors, industrialists, and innovators to the UAE to benefit from the country’s competitive advantages.
Make it in the Emirates is expected to attract extensive participation from decision-makers, government and private sector officials, local and international private companies, experts, entrepreneurs, financing entities, investors, start-ups, and SMEs.
This year’s competition is sponsored by AIQ, a disruptive advanced technology pioneer that is leveraging AI to solve complex challenges in the Energy Sector, VentureOne, Empowering researchers and entrepreneurs to transform their visionary ideas into value-driven products or services on a global scale, Yokogawa Electric Corporation, multinational electrical engineering and software company, and
lastly, Hub 71, global tech ecosystem championing start-up growth.
Source: Emirates News Agency