Dubai Startup Hub’s Market Access program teamed corporate members with nine startups
Dubai Startup Hub, an initiative of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has announced the successful conclusion of its Market Access program’s second cohort, which saw several high-potential startups joining forces with leading UAE corporates at a recent business pitching and matchmaking event. Market Access corporate members Emirates NBD, Sumitomo and Accenture teamed up with nine startups offering innovative solutions to solve existing challenges faced by the companies. The corporate requirements came from various functions and industry domains, including midstream pipeline business, food security & waste management, and hyper-personalization of banking services.
Emirates NBD will collaborate with four startups, namely ApRbot, which specialises in reducing cost and increasing speed of documents workflow with artificial intelligence; BankBuddy, a technology platform used by financial institutions use to increase revenue by using artificial intelligence and user data; Emerge Consulting, a digital solution enabling businesses to improve efficiency and productivity; and Banking Caddie; an intelligent solution designed to boost revenue of banks that integrates different banking systems.
Sumitomo will begin projects with two startups - Digital Energy, which solves complex value chain problems by embedding efficiencies in AI-powered solutions; and Distichain, a trade engine using blockchain and AI technologies to deliver B2B e-commerce marketplaces and e-procurement platforms.
Accenture has teamed up with three startups: Digital Energy, a provider of AI-powered solutions for industrial planning, supply chain, and field execution; PlasticFri, a cleantech company that turns non-edible plants and organic waste to plant-based alternatives to replace disposable plastics; and iERP, an end-to-end business prediction platform offering valuable insights on customer data and sales.
The second cohort of Market Access attracted 44 startups submissions, of which 55% came from outside of the UAE. The UAE accounted for the largest share of startup submissions, or 45% of the total entries came from the UAE, followed by India (11%) and Russia (7%). Portugal, China and Nigeria each accounted for 5% of all submissions, while the remaining 22% came from other countries.
Market Access is one of Dubai Startup Hub’s flagship programs designed to facilitate partnerships between corporates and startups. The program offers annual membership to corporates with four matchmaking events held throughout the year. Shortlisted startups benefit from tailored business training and a chance to pitch to corporate leaders.
