Dubai Holding Selects 15 Startups for Sustainability Challenge

Dubai Holding has selected 15 startups from more than 1,400 submissions across 93 countries for the second edition of its sustainability-focused Innovate For Tomorrow programme.

The initiative offers AED850,000 ($231,000) in funding alongside pilot opportunities aimed at accelerating climate-tech and circular economy solutions across the UAE.

Startups from around the world chosen

The selected startups come from:

• United Arab Emirates
• India
• United Kingdom
• Norway
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Denmark
• Netherlands
• South Africa

Dubai Holding said applications were evaluated based on:

• Innovation and differentiation
• Scalability
• Market validation
• Sustainability impact
• Suitability for the UAE market

Program focused on circular economy innovation

The accelerator focused on three major sustainability themes:

1. Food loss and waste
2. Resource recovery and regeneration
3. Digital innovation for sustainability

The programme was developed in partnership with TECOM Group startup incubator in5 and innovation platform BOLT.

Participants completed a 12-week hybrid accelerator programme between January and April 2026.

The curriculum included:

• Mentorship sessions
• Industry workshops
• Investor networking
• Business model development
• Sustainability masterclasses

Winning startup to receive pilot opportunity

Dubai Holding confirmed that the winning scale-up will receive pilot funding and the chance to launch a proof-of-concept project within the company’s broader business ecosystem.

The initiative supports several long-term national goals, including:

• UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031
• UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategy
• UAE Centennial 2071 vision

UAE intensifies push for climate-tech startups

The competition reflects growing efforts across the Gulf region to attract startups focused on:

• Climate technology
• Renewable energy
• Sustainable infrastructure
• Waste reduction
• Circular economy systems

Regional governments and major corporations increasingly view sustainability innovation as a strategic growth sector tied to future economic diversification plans.

Demo Day scheduled for June

The programme will conclude with a Demo Day event in June 2026, where the top five startups will present their technologies and business models to investors, corporate leaders and strategic partners.

Dubai continues positioning itself as a regional hub for startup innovation, particularly in sectors linked to sustainability and advanced technologies.