DIFC opens inaugural Future Sustainability Forum to unlock global solutions and drive tangible progress for a climate-resilient future.

In the presence of more than 1000 industry leaders and changemakers from across 30 countries, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, opened the first ever Future Sustainability Forum (“The Forum”) at the Ritz-Carlton, DIFC. Held in the run-up to COP28, the Forum spotlights DIFC’s vision of fostering global solutions to address climate financing requirements in emerging markets. The two-day Forum has convened leading industry stalwarts, decision-makers, and innovators from around the world to explore ways for the financial sector to lead action on climate change. Know more here .

SPOTLIGHT

DIFC completes first Metaverse Accelerator Programme aligned with Dubai's Future Economy and Digital Technology Mandate

The programme follows the launch of DIFC's Metaverse Platform earlier this year in line with the Dubai Metaverse Strategy and has attracted over 160 applicants from the UAE, UK, US, India and France with a focus on metaverse, AI, Web3, AR/VR and Blockchain sectors. Read the full press release here .

DIFC Innovation Hub launches 9th edition of FinTech Accelerator Programme

The 9th edition of the Programme will focus on open banking and AI, automation, innovative payment solutions, hyper-personalisation and customer experience, to enhance financial literacy. A total of 20 start-ups have been onboarded who will gain invaluable access to some of the region's leading banks and insurance companies. Read the full press release here .

DIFC AccelerateHER powered by Dubai Islamic Bank welcomes 10 exceptional women, marking the commencement of a transformative journey

The programme shortlisted and welcomed 10 young female professionals to the programme along with it's exclusive partner - Dubai Islamic Bank. The programme stands with over 100+ alumni, 200+ mentors with over 120+ workshops delivered. Know more here .

HIGHLIGHTS

Community Open Day - Venture Con | Wrap-up

Venture Con featured a diverse and insightful agenda that explored the multifaceted world of corporate venturing. It commenced with a deep dive into the history of venture building, global trends and the essential components of successful ventures. Know more here .

FinTech Accelerator Programme | Welcome Day

We are excited to announce that we have shortlisted 20 start-ups from a pool of 703 applications, for our flagship FinTech Accelerator Programme. These start-ups specialise in FinTech, RegTech, InsurTech and Islamic Finance from all around the world. Know more here .

Standard Chartered Women in Tech Programme | Welcome Day

DIFC Innovation Hub welcomed 11 women-led start-ups to SC Women in Tech programme. These inspiring start-ups hail from diverse backgrounds like FinTech, HealthTech, FoodTech, AI and Wellness. The programme received 100+ applications showcasing tremendous interest and enthusiasm for the Women in Tech programme. Know more here .

Metaverse Accelerator Programme | Demo Day

The DIFC Metaverse Accelerator Programme's inaugural Demo Day has drawn its curtains, leaving behind a trail of innovation that promises to reshape our digital future. Our esteemed institutional partners Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), DP World and Daoverse Capital stood as pillars of support, demonstrating their dedication to nurturing groundbreaking ventures. With more than 200 applications and 10 exceptional start-ups selected, the DIFC Metaverse Accelerator Programme has laid the foundation for a future where boundaries are meant to be pushed. Know more here .

Fintech Surge 2023

Where finance + technology create limitless opportunities.

Date: 15 - 18 October 2023

Venue: Dubai Harbour

Fintech Surge is the premier hub for Fintech entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, regulators and institutions as we leverage the vast growth of PayTech, WealthTech, InsureTech and RegTech in the MENA region. Taking place at the iconic Dubai Harbour and co-located with North Star, the largest dedicated startup event in the world, with 1000+ startup exhibitors and 700 VCs and Future Blockchain Summit, the only government backed event will bring together the region’s largest gathering of thought leaders, Blockchain projects, game-changing startups and powerful investors including more than 200 speakers and 1000+ investors who will converge for four days of networking and education centered around disruptive technologies of the future. Visit the website now to know more.

Future Blockchain Summit 2023

The Global Summit for Blockchain and Cryptocurrency transformation.

Date: 15 - 18 October 2023

Venue: Dubai Harbour

Future Blockchain Summit, the MENA region’s most immersive large-scale blockchain event, is moving to Dubai Harbour from 15-18 October 2023 and is revamping with a new concept designed to embolden the disruptors, empower the change-makers, and inspire the innovators of the Web 3.0, Blockchain, Crypto, NFT, Metaverse, and Gaming community. Over four days at the Future Blockchain Summit, industry leaders will leverage countless networking opportunities, gain insights from a power-packed agenda, pitch for growth funding in the Supernova Challenge as well as the Investors Program & Forum, become experts in Academic Masterclasses, and join the action in a Web 3.0 Gaming Showdown. Visit the website now to know more.

Sustaintech Accelerator by EmiratesNBD

Amidst climate concerns, banks are rapidly adopting environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, as key strategic elements in their commitment to going green. Sustainable banking is helping transform the banking and finance industry to work for people, planet and profit.Consumers are increasingly looking for sustainability in all aspects of their lives, including financial services. EmiratesNBD is inviting global Sustaintechs to join them in creating impactful and innovative solutions for their customers. Apply now.

DarE Incubator

Dar Ventures and Acasia Group launched DarE, a dynamic 6-month sector-focused incubator designed to support tech startups operating within the AEC industry across the MENA Region.

What DarE Incubator Offers:

• Guidance from industry experts.
• Up to $50,000 to help startups scale their innovations.
• Tailored training and workshops.
• Network with potential investors who can help accelerate your startup's growth.
• Support throughout your product development journey.

If you or anyone you know is using technology to innovate within the AEC industry, this opportunity is a perfect fit. We are generally interested in different startups that cater to the AEC Tech industry - some solutions may include: 3D modeling or AR & VR Solutions, Engineering IoT Solutions, Architecture AI Solutions, Operations Management, Client Management, Renovation Design Solutions and Product Quality Control.

To find out further details about the program, check your eligibility, and submit your application, please go to this link: https://www.dare.untapcompete.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dubai & DIFC-based space and technology company AzurX backs Scottish SpaceTech scaleup Krucial in $3.7mn funding round to accelerate growth internationally

Using a combination of state-of-the-art satellite and cellular technology combined with IoT devices and cloud services, Krucial enables access to mission-critical data for industries with remote and hard-to-reach assets. The investment will be used to accelerate growth in core markets including energy, rail, aquaculture and agriculture in the UK and internationally. Know more here.

DIFC start-up ThetaRay raises $57 million to continue unlocking business opportunities for banks and fintechs

The DIFC start-up and a leader in next-generation AI-powered secure global payments has just achieved a major milestone in its journey towards a safer and more efficient financial landscape. With a fundraise of $57 million, Theta Ray is poised to transform the financial crime detection landscape. Know more here.

Stake officially reaches 100 PCs!

The DIFC-based digital real estate investment platform has now become the first company to manage 100 PCs for the purpose of fractionally owned real estate. Each PC is used to be an owner of a property within Dubai and represent the investors within that property. Stake now boasts over 350,000 users with the biggest PC encompassing 1,118 shareholders, each owning a small fraction of a 3-bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai.

Invoicemate is now a part of DIFC!

Invoicemate is a UAE-based fintech company. Founded in 2020 by Muhammad Salman Anjum who is ranked among the Global top 100 blockchain leaders. The core product of the company is also named as InvoiceMate which is the world's first AI and blockchain-powered invoice financing enabler. They are now a proud part of the DIFC ecosystem and are actively working towards enabling financial inclusion of SMEs in the ecosystem and beyond through working capital financing.

IBSFINtech is now a part of DIFC!

IBSFINtech is globally recognised for Treasury & Trade Finance Management, offering award-winning solution to empower CxOs and Treasurers to enhance visibility, improve control, mitigate operational risk, drive automation, optimise business efficiency and establish a single point of truth.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE HUB

PwC's Collaboration Hub

PwC Middle East and DIFC Innovation Hub join forces to launch 'The Collaboration Hub' at the Dubai FinTech Summit. This initiative aims to accelerate the growth of over 800+ fintech and innovation companies in the DIFC ecosystem. Members can access exclusive one-on-one sessions with PwC experts, offering valuable insights and guidance on various topics. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock new opportunities for your startup's success!

Register Here

PARTNERSHIPS

DIFC Innovation Hub welcomes two remarkable partners to its ecosystem.

Falak Investment Hub is an ecosystem developer with a unique infrastructure of start-up investment programs, an angel network & platform, a business hub, and a VC fund. We are a hub for those who believe they can help thrive a nation and rise to their personal limitless potential.

Iliad Partners is a venture capital firm based in the UAE that invests in early-stage technology companies in MENA. Iliad partners with high-potential founders building disruptive B2B companies that are digitizing key sectors in the region via localised solutions and supports them in their journey to grow their businesses, expand into new markets and scale across MENA and beyond.