Latest news with #accelerator
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
IFZA announces launch of innovative startup accelerator
Dubai, UAE: IFZA - one of the world's most dynamic Free Zone communities, is pleased to announce the launch of Scale360, in association with Plug and Play. Scale360 is a startup accelerator dedicated to bridging the gap between international startups and leading international corporates. The accelerator aims to connect globally-scaling startups looking to enter the UAE market with corporates looking to actively engage with emerging innovations. Scale360 is a platform that connects visionaries, problem solvers and scale-makers. It harnesses the agility, disruptive technology and fresh thinking of startups that can accelerate corporate innovation, so that large corporations can quickly gain access to cutting-edge solutions, new revenue streams, and a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market. Commenting on the launch of Scale360, Julia Timms, Chief Commercial Officer at IFZA said, 'Our mission at IFZA is to empower businesses to grow from Dubai and beyond. We believe business has a superpower to build bridges that enable innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth supporting social transformation through economic innovation. Scale360 is more than just an innovation programme connecting companies with high-growth startups to drive business transformation, it also helps to foster collaboration, unlock business opportunities, and drive economic growth.' Benjamin Kloss, Vice President Corporate Partner ships & UAE Director at Plug and Play Tech Center added, 'Scale360 is a testament to the region's forward-thinking vision. From Plug and Play's vantage point, we see immense potential in creating a truly interconnected ecosystem where global startups and established corporates can collaborate seamlessly in crucial sectors including sustainability, AI, robotics, smart mobility, and future-forward enterprise solutions. This program showcases the UAE as a key player and a central hub for fostering and deploying these innovative and disruptive technologies." Based in Dubai with an international outlook, Scale360 leverages the UAE's proven attributes as one of the world's leading business hubs, linking markets across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. While Scale360 is open to a wide range of industries, it focuses on technology-driven startups in sustainability, AI, robotics, smart cities, mobility, and enterprise solutions, among other areas. It provides a structured approach to scaling businesses and ensures entrepreneurs and business leaders have the right partnerships, strategies, and market entry support to thrive. Startups participating in the Scale360 programme can expect a range of benefits and support from IFZA including free office space, excellent infrastructure support such as legal, banking setup and compliance training, access to the booming UAE Market, invitations to dedicated networking events, as well as access to key corporates in the region. In addition, participants will also be able to take advantage of invaluable learning experiences including education on business culture and the Middle Eastern way of sales and procurement, workshops and 1:1 mentoring by UAE-based founders, leaders, and experts; and peer-to-peer support system throughout the journey. Dubai's fast-growing tech and innovation sector is creating massive opportunities. Additionally, the UAE leads the Middle East and North Africa in venture capital funding, fueling high-growth startups. This includes a $30 billion AI investment fund recently launched in partnership with BlackRock and Microsoft. Scale360 is committed to empowering startups with meaningful connections, sharing global expertise, and enabling international innovators to scale their smart city solutions from Dubai to the world. About IFZA IFZA is the most dynamic and truly international Free Zone Community in the UAE, optimising the country's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. IFZA differentiates itself through its multi-national approach, providing personalised business establishment solutions through its network of Government Authorities and Professional Partners. Business Owners and Employees can also benefit from a wide spectrum of value-added services within the IFZA ecosystem, including but not limited to property solutions, visa packages and training and development. The IFZA Business Park offers a wide variety of cutting-edge office facilities tailored to meet each Licensee's individual needs and provides a professional, welcoming environment to greet clients, network with other businesses and thrive. For details contact: Daniel Ford Head of Corporate Communications, IFZA dford@ M: +971 56 415 3075
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bounce Innovation Hub starting polymer, materials science accelerator; taking applications
Bounce Innovation Hub has launched a new, 12-month accelerator for polymer and materials science startups called Synthe6. Bounce is accepting applications for the first cohort of the accelerator, which launches this September, according to a news release. Startups can apply at and applications are due by July 31. The program will in its first year support up to eight early-stage companies with commercialization training, grant funding and access to industry leaders through the Polymer Industry Cluster, housed at the Greater Akron Chamber. In partnership with the cluster, Synthe6 is geared toward "hard tech" startups specializing in polymers, according to the release. The accelerator will offer $25,000 in non-dilutive funding and $15,000 to cover expenses for professional services. Such services include legal and marketing as well as materials formulation and testing services. 'This isn't a generic accelerator,' said Nick Glavan, Synthe6 program director. 'We're creating a program designed around the unique commercialization challenges that polymer and materials startups face. We will connect founders to mentors, specialists, and industry relationships that actually move the needle.' The accelerator includes weekly sessions that include targeted workshops, mentor coaching and access to experts such as investment advisers, grant strategists, leadership development coaches and regulatory consultants. Jaye Goldstein, a tech startup adviser and program architect, provided input on the development of the accelerator's curriculum. Goldstein supported innovation programs at MIT and Harvard. 'The Synthe6 Materials Accelerator is a powerful example of how the Polymer Industry Cluster is activating our innovation ecosystem to accelerate real-world impact for member companies,' said Hans Dorfi, the Polymer Industry Cluster's executive director and chief innovation officer. 'By connecting emerging materials startups with our leading industry members, technical experts, and commercialization resources, we're creating a launchpad for the next generation of sustainable, scalable polymer solutions." The state of Ohio's Innovation Hubs program provided funding for the accelerator, the release said. A committee of technical and entrepreneurial experts appointed by the Polymer Industry Cluster will review applications and announce final admission decisions in August. Learn more at This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Bounce Innovation Hub launching new accelerator focused on polymers Solve the daily Crossword
Zawya
22-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Supervision programme launched for Omani start-ups
MUSCAT: The Omani Start-up Accelerator has launched the 'Supervision and Follow-up' programme - an initiative designed to support the sustained growth of emerging start-ups across the Sultanate of Oman. Targeting start-ups that have graduated from the accelerator or hold the official 'Start-up Card' issued by the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED), the programme will run from July 2025 to January 2026. It offers a robust six-month support system tailored to guide start-ups through their critical early-growth phase. The programme delivers a wide array of integrated services, including specialised advisory sessions covering financial management, legal compliance and business model development. It also enhances technical readiness and market access, equipping start-ups to confidently scale into regional and international markets. 'This programme is a strategic extension of our efforts to institutionalise start-up growth in Oman,' said Qais al Toubi, General Supervisor of the Rising Omani Start-ups Programme and Deputy President for Finance and Investment. 'It delivers hands-on, targeted support to help start-ups overcome sector-specific challenges, build investment readiness and grow in line with Oman Vision 2040.' The initiative also facilitates participation in entrepreneurship exhibitions and investment conferences, provides fully-equipped office spaces and organises regular networking sessions with investors and sector experts - ensuring that start-ups receive holistic support. A key feature of the programme is its active monitoring mechanism, which tracks each start-up's growth trajectory, ensuring that clear milestones are achieved throughout the supervision period. The initiative is a joint effort between ASMED and Madayn, through its enabling arm, the Industrial Innovation Academy, reflecting a national commitment to building a globally competitive start-up ecosystem. By enhancing investment readiness and enabling expansion into new markets, the 'Supervision and Follow-up' programme is expected to empower Omani entrepreneurs to take their ventures to the next level - contributing positively to the diversification and resilience of the national economy. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Washington Post
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Washington Post
Are electric minicars the future of city driving? We put one to the test.
I turn the key. The touch screen on the dashboard flashes to life. Colored disco lights illuminate inside the speakers. As I smash the accelerator to the floor, the electric motor sprints into high gear, about 25 miles per hour. Welcome to the future of city driving. Maybe. Last week I test drove a new way to get around: electric minicars.
FF News
09-06-2025
- Business
- FF News
We're Helping Founders in Financial Services Accelerate Their Potential
One of our initiatives as a firm is to work with founders and business leaders in financial services to accelerate their ability to have an impact. That is why this month, we were pleased to announce that the Fintech Forward Programme – in collaboration with EY – is open for applications. This accelerator programme is designed to empower exceptional start-up founders and business leaders who are developing solutions that have the potential to redefine financial services. For more information or to apply, visit here . Applications are now open for the 12-week in-person and virtual programme for individuals who meet the following criteria: Applying technology to create scalable solutions within financial services. Have a live product demonstrating market traction, with annual revenues not exceeding £1 million. Show a commitment to making a positive impact on individuals and/or businesses in the UK. Are dedicated to active participation in the programme. Successful applicants will gain access to expert mentorship from bank executives, tailored workshops with industry specialists, such as a two-day offsite at J.P. Morgan's technology centre in Glasgow, and opportunities to showcase their business to potential investors and commercial partners. Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in a sponsored trip to Slush in Helsinki, one of the world's most founder-focused events. To help ensure there are no barriers to participation, the Programme includes travel, accommodation and other related expenses for participants. The Fintech Forward Programme is part of JPMorganChase's broader efforts to unlock the potential of the innovation economy, recognizing the challenges facing underserved individuals and entrepreneurs who can be overlooked for investment or have unequal access to essential resources. Veronique Steiner , Head of EMEA Innovation Economy & Head of EMEA E-Commerce, Technology, Media and Telecom at J.P. Morgan Payments, says, 'At J.P. Morgan Payments, our north star is to improve the payments ecosystem and transform the movement of information, money, and assets. We're actively encouraging applications from founders or business leaders who are overcoming obstacles to growing a business, including a lack of proximity to funding and networks, and are addressing the needs of underserved consumers, businesses or communities.' Alumni of the programme will benefit from a unique network of peers and an ongoing connection with JPMorganChase, fostering continued growth, innovation and new commercial opportunity. Companies In This Post JP Morgan Chase
