Building the Next Generation of UAE-Made Success Stories
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), in partnership with the Emirates Development Bank (EDB), has officially launched the Make it in the Emirates Accelerator, a dynamic new program designed to fast-track the growth of high-potential industrial startups in the UAE.
Unveiled at the Make it in the Emirates 2025 event at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the initiative is a bold step toward transforming industrial entrepreneurship and scaling local innovation into global impact.
A Platform for Bold Innovators
With a clear mission to empower UAE-based industrial startups, the accelerator is offering:
- ✅ Strategic support and business mentorship
- ✅ Technical expertise to scale operations
- ✅ Customized financial solutions from EDB
- ✅ Access to new markets and partnerships
The program targets founders in key sectors such as:
- Food security
- Healthcare
- Renewable energy
- Advanced technology
- Manufacturing
By connecting these ventures with capital, mentorship, and opportunities, the accelerator aims to fuel the rise of world-class products “Made in the UAE”.
Leadership Speaks
HE Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of EDB, graced the launch event, highlighting the nation’s commitment to building a resilient and future-ready economy.
HE Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, emphasized:
“This accelerator embodies our shared ambition to empower entrepreneurs and scale UAE-made products globally. It’s about creating the right ecosystem, one built on innovation, investment, and impact.”
Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of EDB, echoed the sentiment:
“Turning ‘Make it in the Emirates’ into a global brand begins with backing entrepreneurs who are bold, resilient, and visionary. This program gives them the tools, funding, and networks to lead.”
Since 2021, EDB has already financed over AED 18.7 billion, creating 32,000+ jobs, and the bank is just getting started.
Meet the First Cohort
The inaugural group of startups supported under the accelerator shows the program’s diverse vision:
- Pure Soil – an organic food innovator
- Yala Kombucha – an award-winning health beverage brand
- Sulmi – an electric motorbike startup revolutionizing green transport
- Dein – a luxury leather goods brand blending Emirati craftsmanship with modern design
These startups are not just launching products, they’re shaping industries.
Building a Future-Ready Industrial Economy
The Make it in the Emirates Accelerator is more than a program, it’s part of a larger movement. It aligns with other national initiatives like:
- The Manufacturing Accelerator
- AgriX for agri-tech innovation
- The overarching Operation 300bn strategy to boost industrial growth
As the accelerator grows, more promising entrepreneurs will join the mission, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for industrial innovation and entrepreneurship.