Applications Open for Emirates NBD’s National Incubator for Digital Talents Program
Following the significant success of the first edition of the “National Incubator for Digital Talents” program, Emirates NBD has announced the launch of its second edition. The program is supported by its strategic partner, the Dubai International Financial Centre, along with leading global companies in the field, including Visa, Microsoft, and Dell Technologies.
The program aims to support the next generation of global entrepreneurs from the UAE, providing them with opportunities to succeed and thrive both within and outside the country.
Supported by the “Innovation Hub” at the Dubai International Financial Centre, the second edition of the program will take place over six weeks at the newly inaugurated “Innovation One” building at the center.
The new cohort will include four fintech startups led by founders or co-founders who are UAE nationals.
Participants will have the opportunity to join a comprehensive program and gain valuable insights focused on enterprise building and innovation, provided by experts from Emirates NBD and its partners.
Participants will also have direct interactions with senior leaders at Emirates NBD and undergo several days of immersive and specialized experiences with companies like Visa, Microsoft, and Dell Technologies.
Additionally, participants will benefit from mentoring and training services, along with numerous other advantages including extensive networking opportunities.
The fintech market value in the UAE is expected to reach $3.16 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.56%, reaching $5.71 billion by 2029.
In light of these potentials, the program seeks to establish the UAE’s position as a leading hub for financial technology and to advance the fields of technology and innovation.
Iman Abdul Razzaq, the Chief Operating Officer at Emirates NBD Group, said, “Emirates NBD is committed to innovation in all its initiatives. We are thrilled with the great results of the first edition of the ‘National Incubator for Digital Talents’ program, and we expect very positive outcomes for the upcoming edition.”
She added, “We are extremely proud of the unprecedented achievements of the program in enhancing the entrepreneurial talents of UAE nationals in the fintech sector, and contributing to the support of the country’s aspirations to develop the national digital economy.”
Mohamed Al Balushi, CEO of the “Innovation Hub” at the Dubai International Financial Centre, said, “The ‘Innovation Hub’ at the Dubai International Financial Centre is committed to supporting and nurturing local talents and enhancing their growth and development within the thriving fintech ecosystem in Dubai. We hope, by providing access to mentoring, financing, and market opportunities, to empower ambitious entrepreneurs to realize their full potential and contribute to growth and innovation in the financial services sector in the region.”
In the context of the first edition of the program, launched in October 2023, the bank organized an exceptional two-day trip to Saudi Arabia for Emirati entrepreneurs. This immersive experience was designed to inspire startup founders and enrich them by introducing them to alternative digital ecosystems for startups.
Furthermore, the program initiated discussions with teams at Emirates NBD and introduced three proof-of-value (POV) discussions in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
This collaborative initiative between the public and private sectors in the UAE supports innovation and entrepreneurship and enhances its status as a global center for financial technology.
