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Mid East Info
03-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Cigna Healthcare Becomes First Health Partner for UAE Startup Ecosystem Ignyte - Middle East Business News and Information
Companies registered with Ignyte gain access to tailored health plans from Cigna Healthcare Coverage includes mental health support, chronic condition care, and workplace wellness tools tailored for start-up companies. Dubai, UAE:July, 2025 – Cigna Healthcare Middle East, a global health services company, has signed a MoU with Ignyte, to provide comprehensive and scalable health coverage to start-ups registered with Ignyte. Ignyte is a key initiative under the Dubai Digital Economy Strategy, designed to drive exponential growth for start-ups across industries. This announcement makes Cigna Healthcare the first and exclusive healthcare provider associated with Ignyte. The agreement was signed during the Dubai FinTech Summit 2025, at Madinat Jumeirah, by Leah Cotterill, CEO of Cigna Healthcare Middle East and Africa (outside KSA), and Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer of the DIFC Innovation Hub. Cigna Healthcare will offer companies registered with Ignyte, access to affordable and flexible coverage plans that encompass founder and employee wellbeing, mental health, workplace wellness, and more. The policies also cover chronic health conditions, and plans can be scaled up as the startup continues to grow. Under the partnership, customers can benefit from exclusive discounts and a simple, hassle-free digital experience powered by Cigna Envoy®, featuring easy-to-use claim submission options. As Ignyte's go-to health and wellbeing partner, Cigna Healthcare Middle East is also able to tailor specific solutions for its 1,000+ startups and more than 100 mentors and investors. Leah Cotterill stated: 'Ignyte is shaping an exciting generation of businesses, and we are proud to be their go-to health and wellbeing partner. We believe that sustainable growth begins with investing in individuals. This partnership guarantees that startups and their teams have access to appropriate health solutions from the outset, enabling them to concentrate on building, scaling, and driving innovation with assurance. Mohammad Alblooshi said: 'Ignyte's mission is to empower entrepreneurs, and this partnership with Cigna Healthcare reinforces this goal by ensuring that all startups grow from a strong foundation of wellbeing. Health is not only a form of support, but it has also become a true strategic and competitive advantage in the business world.' Ignyte members can benefit from Cigna Healthcare's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides access to work/life resources and licensed clinicians to help individuals cope with a wide variety of concerns, from family and financial issues to emotional health and stress. About Cigna Healthcare: Cigna Healthcare is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health and vitality. With a heritage of over 250 years, Cigna Healthcare is committed to its promise of being together all the way in providing health care, clinical management, and wellness programs to employers, individuals, and governments around the world. Operating for more than 19 years in the Middle East region, Cigna Healthcare serves the GCC markets and Lebanon through its locally regulated entities. The company delivers both health and wellness services to individuals, employers, and government entities in the region. Cigna Healthcare has a deep understanding of the African continent for over 60 years, servicing over 250,000 members. Cigna Healthcare services corporates through direct partnerships with locally licensed insurers in each market, providing health insurance for local companies and multinationals. Cigna Healthcare maintains a global sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, employing over 72,000 people who service more than 164 million customer relationships.
TECHx
27-05-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Emirates NBD Launches Fourth Cohort of NDTI Program
Home » Emerging technologies » Fintech » Emirates NBD Launches Fourth NDTI Cohort Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT), has announced the launch of the fourth cohort of its National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® program. The program is supported by major industry partners. These include the DIFC Innovation Hub, Visa, Microsoft, and Dell Technologies. It follows the success of three previous editions aimed at nurturing UAE National FinTech innovators. According to Emirates NBD, the FinTech sector currently contributes 8.7% to the UAE's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The incubator spans six to eight weeks and is tailored to empower Emirati FinTech leaders. It provides: Resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities Guidance to scale innovative FinTech ventures Emirates NBD reported that this program supports the UAE's digital transformation by promoting talent and entrepreneurship in FinTech. The new cohort features startups targeting key industries: QuickPay: A digital platform for faster real estate invoice payments Carbon2Capital: An AI tool to track and reduce carbon emissions Jadwelny: A smart travel platform using AI for personalized trip planning Watermelon LTD: A digital F&B ecosystem connecting suppliers and outlets The program will include several enhancements. Participants will now have tailored meetings with decision-makers and senior stakeholders from Emirates NBD. Startups will also engage in dedicated Immersion Days and the Emirates NBD Decision Makers Series. FinTech founders will network with industry leaders and SMEs. They will also receive expert guidance on pitching to venture capitalists. In June 2025, participants will travel to London. There, they will connect with the global FinTech ecosystem, learn from the market, and gain confidence to grow internationally. Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, revealed that the program is part of the bank's commitment to a thriving digital economy. He noted the initiative helps startups grow and positively impact the industry and economy. Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub, stated that empowering Emirati FinTech talent is key to building a future-ready digital economy. He added that the collaboration aims to offer the tools and exposure needed for startups to scale from Dubai to the world. The NDTI program reflects Emirates NBD's ongoing support for innovation and digital growth in the UAE. The bank reaffirmed its role as a key enabler of a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
Mid East Info
27-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Emirates NBD announces fourth cohort of National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® program, empowering the next wave of Emirati FinTech leaders
Dubai, UAE,May 2025: Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, announced the launch of the fourth cohort of its bespoke National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® program. A cluster of world-class industry partners, including the DIFC Innovation Hub, Visa, Microsoft and Dell Technologies will support the program, which has already concluded three successful editions in its quest of finding the next generation of UAE National FinTech innovators. In the UAE, the FinTech sector currently contributes 8.7% to the UAE's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The six-to-eight week incubator program is designed to empower promising Emirati FinTech leaders by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities needed to scale their pioneering ventures. The program drives the UAE's digital transformation agenda by boosting the country's talent and the growth of entrepreneurship within the FinTech space. The fourth cohort features a diverse group of startups addressing key sectors. These include QuickPay, a digital platform accelerating invoice payments in real estate; Carbon2Capital, an AI-powered platform enabling businesses to track, reduce, and offset carbon emissions; Jadwelny, an AI-powered travel platform personalising and automating trip planning; and Watermelon LTD, a comprehensive F&B ecosystem connecting manufacturers, farmers and F&B outlets. Building on the success of previous cohorts, the program will undergo several key enhancements. Startups will have the opportunity to have tailored interactions with decision-makers, meet individually with senior Emirates NBD stakeholders relevant to their industry sectors, and engage in more meaningful discussions with mentors during dedicated Immersion Days with partners, and through Emirates NBD's Decision Makers Series, where founders can connect with Senior Leaders from the Group. FinTech founders will also network with industry leaders and renowned SMEs, while receiving guidance on venture capitalist pitching. Lastly, FinTech leaders will enjoy an international trip to London in June 2025, allowing them to tap into a vibrant ecosystem, learn from the FinTech landscape, and build connections and confidence to scale their business globally. Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking, Emirates NBD, said: 'Emirates NBD is proud to welcome the fourth cohort of the National Digital Talent Incubator Program. Solidifying our commitment to supporting the UAE's vision for a thriving digital economy, the program creates opportunities for FinTech startups to flourish and contribute to the investment environment within the UAE. By providing these talented entrepreneurs with access to the mentorship, networking, and investment, we are helping them build innovative solutions that will positively impact the industry and economy.' Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer, the DIFC Innovation Hub, said: 'Empowering the next generation of Emirati FinTech talent is essential to shaping a future-ready digital-driven economy. At DIFC Innovation Hub, we are proud to support initiatives like the National Digital Talent Incubator that align with our mission to nurture high-potential founders and accelerate the growth of homegrown ventures. By collaborating with Emirates NBD and other leading partners, we are creating a thriving ecosystem where Emirati entrepreneurs can access the tools, mentorship, and global exposure they need to lead the next wave of FinTech innovation from Dubai to the world.' The NDTI program reflects Emirates NBD's ongoing commitment to innovation and its role as a key enabler of the UAE's digital future. By supporting the next generation of Emirati FinTech founders, Emirates NBD is contributing to a more diversified, knowledge-based economy. About Emirates NBD: Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As at 31st March 2025, total assets were AED 1 trillion, (equivalent to approx. USD 272 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 839 branches and 4,539 ATMs / SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of USD 4.54 billion. Emirates NBD Group serves its customers (individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions) and helps them realise their financial objectives through a range of banking products and services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. The Group is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97% of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches. The Group also operates Liv, the lifestyle digital bank by Emirates NBD, with close to half a million users, it continues to be the fastest-growing bank in the region. Emirates NBD contributes to the construction of a sustainable future as an active participant and supporter of the UAE's main development and sustainability initiatives, including financial wellness and the inclusion of people of determination. Emirates NBD is committed to supporting the UAE's Year of Sustainability as Principal Banking Partner of COP28 and an early supporter to the Dubai Can sustainability initiative, a city-wide initiative aimed to reduce use of single-use plastic bottled water.
Arabian Business
05-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai's iACCEL GBI, Ignyte partner to boost UAE startup ecosystem with global access
iACCEL Gulf Business Incubator (iACCEL GBI), a leading go-to-market accelerator launched under the patronage of Dubai SME, announced a strategic partnership with Ignyte, a leading global startup ecosystem that empowers founders, to strengthen the UAE's innovation landscape. The two will collaborate to offer an integrated pathway for high-potential startups to gain access to worldclass mentors and investor visibility, access cross-border networks, and scale across international markets, iACCEL GBI said. The collaboration will see portfolio startups from both ecosystems benefiting from increased visibility, growth support, and regional access. Startups under Ignyte will be able to leverage iACCEL GBI's core strengths in structured go-to-market acceleration and market entry, while iACCEL GBI associates will gain access to Ignyte's investor network, corporate partnerships, and more than 250 marketplace offers, the two organisations said. A phased onboarding of iACCEL GBI startups onto the Ignyte platform is currently underway and will continue in the coming weeks, the Dubai-based accelerator said. Aligned with the UAE's broader vision to establish itself as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, the partnership reinforces iACCEL GBI's commitment to building a robust startup ecosystem across the UAE and wider GCC, it added. Deepak Ahuja, Co-founder and CEO of iACCEL GBI, said the partnership with Ignyte represents a major step forward in the accelerator's mission to empower startups with the resources, global exposure, and mentorship they need to scale successfully. 'By integrating our cohorts into Ignyte's expansive ecosystem, our startups will be equipped with the tools necessary to grow both locally and internationally,' he said. Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub, said: 'At Ignyte, we are proud to partner with iACCEL GBI to empower the next generation of high-potential startups at this pivotal moment in UAE's innovation journey.' 'This synergistic partnership brings together iACCEL GBI's expertise in empowering local startups with global opportunities and Ignyte's extensive network and cross-border connections, creating the ideal launchpad for regional startups to scale in and beyond the Middle East,' he said. Over the last two years, iACCEL GBI has steadily emerged as a critical launchpad for international startups, providing tailored market-entry and expansion strategies for scaling in the Middle East. Through the partnership with Ignyte, iACCEL GBI aims to accelerate that impact by creating long-term and cross-platform value. The announcement also comes at a time when the UAE's startup landscape is experiencing extraordinary momentum. In 2024 alone, Dubai saw a 120 per cent increase in digital startups, a testament to the emirate's consistent push to attract global innovators, iACCEL GBI said. Venture capital and private equity funding in the UAE is expected to more than triple, reaching $2.5 billion in 2025 – a reflection of investor confidence and the growing appetite for scalable, tech-led ventures in the Middle East.
Arabian Business
27-02-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Transguard, DIFC Innovation Hub partner to boost smart building tech in UAE
Transguard Group, a leading provider of integrated security, facilities management, and business support services, announced a strategic partnership with the DIFC Innovation Hub to drive innovation in smart building solutions. This collaboration aims to redefine the future of intelligent infrastructure, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and security across the UAE's built environment. Transguard-DIFC partnership The DIFC Innovation Hub, home to a thriving network of start-ups, technology firms, and financial institutions, is to provide a dynamic platform for testing and scaling innovative solutions. Through this partnership, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and investors will have the opportunity to explore new frontiers in smart building technologies, including but not limited to AI-driven systems, predictive maintenance, and energy optimisation. The partnership is set to launch a series of workshops, hackathons, and pilot programmes aimed at driving tangible advancements in the sector. Through knowledge-sharing, Transguard Group and DIFC Innovation Hub will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of intelligent infrastructure in the region. 'This partnership with the DIFC Innovation Hub is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate our leadership in the digital space,' said Rabie Atieh, Chief Executive Officer, Transguard Group. Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Innovation Hub, said they continue to develop partnerships with organisations that are committed to driving innovation in future-focused industries. 'Our partnership with Transguard will set new standards for intelligent infrastructure using advanced technologies to improve sustainability, efficiency and security, which are areas of mutual interest that we lead by example on,' he said. Transguard Group and DIFC Innovation Hub also announced the launch of an early-stage accelerator programme to support tech start-ups, culminating in a showcase at the prestigious Dubai Fintech Summit on May 13.
