EBS Global Incubator Fellowship — Dubai

About

The EBS Global Incubator at Heriot-Watt University Dubai offers a four-month, no-fee/no-equity fellowship with workspace, mentorship, workshops and investor networks for early-stage tech ventures focused on AI/Robotics, Net Zero, or Smart Construction & Clean Technology.

Benefits

• 🏢Free Workspace and IT
  Free co-working offices, breakout spaces, meeting rooms, high-speed fiber broadband and IT infrastructure on the Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus
• 🧑‍🏫 Expert Support
  Mentorship, leadership coaching and guidance from business consultants and academics, with continuous business development support
• 🎓Capability Building
  Business workshops and trainings, and work with student consultants through the EBS Practice Excellence Network
• 🌐Networks and Funding Access
  Access to global enterprise and research networks, EBS alumni network, exclusive funding competitions and investor networks
• 🎤Pitch Opportunities
  The chance to pitch to Heriot-Watt University Principal Partners and present to industry leaders, angel investors and venture capitalists for potential collaboration and/or investment (conditional/potential outcomes)
• 🧪Venture Development
  Expert support to transform an innovative technology idea into a TRL 3 prototype/PoC and support from idea validation through MVP development, without a guarantee of funding or investment

Eligibility Criteria

• Tech Focus
• Mandatory requirement of an innovative tech solution in AI/Robotics, Net Zero, or Smart Construction and Clean Technology, per the official Dubai programme page
• Location Fit
• Mandatory requirement that the startup can be based in any geographic location but must see a strategic fit in implementing its solution in Dubai
• In-Person Attendance
• Mandatory requirement that at least one team member can attend the incubator in person in Dubai
• UAE Visa
• Mandatory requirement that the applicant has their own UAE visa
• Incorporation
• Mandatory requirement that the venture is incorporated and has at least one full-time team member
• Program Partnership
• Mandatory requirement that the venture is willing to work with the EBS Practice Excellence Network and its talent pool and acquires a UAE business license at the start
• Encouraged Applicants
• Encouraged applications at TRL 1, and Heriot-Watt University students, female founders and Emirati nationals are encouraged to apply

Participation Commitments

• In-Person Attendance
• At least one team member must attend the incubator in person in Dubai (mandatory)
• UAE Business License
• Selected ventures must acquire a UAE business license at the start
• UAE Visa
• Applicants must have their own UAE visa, and Heriot-Watt University Dubai does not provide visa or funding support
• No Fee and No Equity
• No programme fee and 0% equity are taken, based on official EBS Global Incubator LinkedIn posts

Target Region

Startups may be based in any geographic location, provided they see a strategic fit in implementing their solution in Dubai; at least one team member must attend the Dubai incubator in person (mandatory); applicants must have their own UAE visa; selected ventures must acquire a UAE business license at the start.

Target Sector

Energy & Utilities, Real Estate & Construction