Dubai Holding, the global investment company operating across 10 sectors in 34 countries, has officially announced the launch of the second edition of its global Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator 2025. The flagship program, delivered in partnership with TECOM Group PJSC’s start-up and entrepreneurship incubator, in5, is calling on bold scale-ups from around the world to reimagine how we consume, produce, and regenerate resources to drive the transition to a more circular, sustainable future, and renewed, contributing to the transition toward a sustainable circular economy.
The total prize pool amounts to AED 850,000, in addition to seed funding for pilot projects and a unique opportunity to demonstrate the scalability of winning ideas across Dubai Holding’s diverse portfolio. The 2025 edition focuses on three main pillars: food loss and waste reduction, resource recycling and regeneration, and digital innovation for sustainability.
In this interview, Tala Khlat, Associate Director of Philanthropy at Dubai Holding, explains how the challenge — part of Dubai Holding’s broader commitment to innovation and sustainability — empowers entrepreneurs and startups to deliver measurable, long-term impact in Dubai and globally.
Can you tell us about the current initiative you’re working on and its main objective?
Last year, we achieved great success with Dubai Holding, and now we’re working on a new project that focuses even more on tangible impact. We’re not just providing financial support — participants are enrolled in a comprehensive program that helps them develop and realize their visions, in line with our commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Who is involved in implementing this initiative?
We have a full team — it’s not just me. The team includes experts from various departments within Dubai Holding, from finance to marketing, all working together to ensure the success of the program and guide entrepreneurs toward the best outcomes.
How do you select the startups that participate in the program?
We select 15 projects from all applicants through our website. By the end of the program, participants gain significant experience and are ready to scale their ideas. The first-place winner receives a prize of AED 500,000, along with a partnership contract with Dubai Holding to collaborate on one of our projects — whether in real estate, hospitality, or retail developments such as malls and community centers.
What is the main focus of this year’s edition?
This year, our focus is on the circular economy — projects that offer innovative and sustainable economic solutions. We’re looking for ideas that promote responsible consumption and production, reduce waste, and support environmental protection.
Some might ask why Dubai Holding is going global when its name is associated with Dubai. Shouldn’t the focus be on local projects?
That’s a very good question. Our name is indeed Dubai Holding, but we believe innovation knows no borders. We operate in more than 30 countries, and for us, “global” doesn’t mean neglecting the local market. On the contrary, one of last year’s winners was Emirati Rania, which shows that our initiatives are open to everyone, both inside and outside the UAE. Our goal is to attract the best ideas, no matter where they come from, as long as they can make a difference here.
Do you think local entrepreneurs still need more support from you?
We absolutely value local talent, but at the same time, we seek innovative solutions that can benefit Dubai and the wider region. For instance, if we find an international startup with a strong digital or technological idea that can solve a real challenge here, we’re happy to support it. What matters most to us is the positive impact — not just where the idea comes from.
Can you give an example of a project you supported in the past?
Of course. Last year, we supported a project focused on recycling plastic waste and converting it into construction materials. We implemented the project here in Dubai, and it was a great success — it reinforced the principles of the circular economy and helped reduce waste.
How much funding did you provide to participants?
In that cycle, the prize was AED 50,000, but this year we’ve increased it to AED 500,000 in cash to expand our support and maximize the impact.
Does your support include only financial aid, or do you provide additional services as well?
It’s not limited to funding. We also offer professional services and consultations within the program — covering areas such as marketing, finance, and partnership development. All of this happens in a supportive environment within Dubai Holding, including accommodation in our hotels and direct collaboration with our internal teams.
Are the contracts offered to winners permanent or temporary?
It depends on the nature of the project. Sometimes the contracts are short-term to test an idea, while in other cases, they evolve into long-term collaborations if the project proves successful. What matters most to us is seeing real, measurable outcomes that drive sustainability and create meaningful impact.