‘Innovate for Tomorrow’ Global Innovation Challenge

Spearheaded by Dubai Holding, the challenge will be implemented in collaboration with TECOM Group’s in5 business incubator.

The challenge mobilises innovators to formulate innovative strategies in harmony with the UAE’s dedication to environmental stewardship. These solutions should actively contribute to the nation’s net-zero policy objectives, aiming to promote responsible resource management while steadfastly fostering the principles of a circular economy, as advocated by UN SDG 12.​

Key Focus Areas

The challenge identifies critical entry points within the responsible consumption and production theme. Proposed solutions should align with one or more of the following key areas. The examples provided for each area are not exhaustive; solutions can encompass alternative approaches or a combination thereof.

• Circular Design Principles: Prioritise durable, repairable, and recyclable product design, integrating circular economy principles.
• Resource Efficiency: Minimise resource consumption and use innovative technologies to optimise raw material use.
• Supply Chain Sustainability: Foster transparency, accountability, and collaboration to enhance sustainability throughout the supply chain.
• Eco-friendly Packaging: Embrace environmentally friendly materials and explore innovations for reduced waste.
• Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Reusing: Minimise waste across the product life cycle, promote durability, and establish efficient recycling and composting programmes.
• Consumer Education and Awareness: Develop educational programmes to raise awareness about sustainable consumption habits and waste management, empowering informed choices.

Prizes and Opportunities

• Pilot project implementation
  • The winner will be granted an exclusive four-month opportunity to implement their solution within Dubai Holding, accessing a unique market opportunity. The funding for this pilot project will be provided by Dubai Holding up to a maximum value.​
• Access to TECOM Group’s in5 business incubator
  • The winner and the runner-up will have access to Dubai Holding’s larger ecosystem including TECOM Group’s highly regarded incubator, in5 for one year. This provides a supportive environment for further development and growth, including access to resources and mentorship.
• Access to investor day pitch
  • The virtual Investor Day Pitch offers not only the winner but also all five finalists a unique and pivotal opportunity to present their innovative solutions to investors. This event provides finalists with extensive networking opportunities within the Dubai Holding ecosystem. This includes valuable connections, collaborations, and exposure to key stakeholders within the industry.​
• Pitch and award ceremony in Dubai
  • The five finalists will be invited to Dubai (UAE) to participate in the pitch and award ceremony at their own cost. The ceremony will facilitate a unique opportunity for finalists to showcase their solutions in person and interact with key stakeholders.
• Mentorship with industry experts
  • The winner will engage in mentorship sessions with industry experts from across the Group and beyond throughout the pilot implementation. This mentorship ensures guidance, support, and expertise to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented during the innovation journey.​
• Cash Prizes
  • First-Place (winner): Cash prize of 50,000 AED
  • Second-Place (runner-up): Cash prize of 25,000 AED

Eligibility Criteria​

• They welcome applications from scale-up companies actively engaged in addressing challenges within the responsible consumption and production theme.​
• Applicant Status: ​
  • The applicant is required to be registered in the UAE or in any other country operating as a company, non-profit organisation, or social enterprise.
  • The applicant should represent a scale-up company with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) ready to enter the market or a scale-up company already operating locally in the UAE or globally in any other country.​
  • The applicant’s company must have the operational capability to execute a pilot programme with Dubai Holding in the UAE.
  • The applicant’s company should strongly promote diversity and inclusion as part of the values of the company.​
  • The applicant must hold a leadership position within the company, serving as either the founder, co-founder, or a senior executive.
  • The applicant should be at least 18 years old.​
• Geographical Scope: The challenge is open to applicants globally.​
• Industry Focus: The challenge seeks solutions to responsible consumption and production (UN SDG 12) that can be adopted and scaled in the United Arab Emirates. Innovative solutions should comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the UAE.​
• Innovation Type: Submitted solutions can be a product, a service, a process, or a combination. ​

For more information, visit Dubai Holding.