Khalifa Fund Entrepreneurship Competition Opens Applications
Finalists will pitch their solutions to a panel of judges at the inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Business Week on December 5.
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has launched the first Khalifa Fund Entrepreneurship Competition, as part of its involvement in the inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Business Week.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the competition aims to support startups in Abu Dhabi that offer practical solutions in key sectors.
Organized by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the competition invites startups to present solutions to current challenges. The goal is to attract entrepreneurs and small businesses that can create measurable impact and create sustainable growth, in line with Abu Dhabi Business Week’s theme, “Deliver Impact, Make a Difference.”
The competition includes three categories in sectors prioritized by Abu Dhabi. This includes biolife and healthcare, which focuses on advancements in medical technology, digital health, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and wellness, In robotics and artificial intelligence, the emphasis is on automation, data analytics, and machine learning to improve industrial processes and daily life. Additionally, agritech and aquatech focus on sustainable agriculture, water management, food security, and smart farming practices.
Each category winner will receive a financial award to help develop and launch their solutions. Participants will also gain access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities with experts and investors, to support the growth of their ventures within Abu Dhabi’s business environment.
In a statement, Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, acting CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, commented, “This competition reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and advancing priority sectors to contribute to a sustainable, dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the objectives of Abu Dhabi Business Week and Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030 to build a knowledge-based economy.”
She added, “We look to inspire exceptional entrepreneurial minds to keep pace with emerging trends and the latest developments in the global economic landscape, encouraging critical thinking and creativity in developing innovative, sustainable solutions to complex daily challenges. This aligns with our national economic goals, positioning Abu Dhabi as a launchpad for future-ready innovations. We eagerly look forward to the bright ideas and concepts that will arise from this competition and the positive impact these startups will make.”
Eligibility criteria for entrepreneurs and startups include being UAE nationals or UAE-based expatriates partnered with Emiratis. Applicants must present a prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) and a for-profit business plan that outlines their strategy for growth. Finalists will pitch their solutions to a panel of judges at Abu Dhabi Business Week on December 5.
Applications for the competition will be accepted until November 20.
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development was established in 2007 under Law 14 of 2005 and its amendments, to implement the vision of the late HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, former President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The Fund operates as an independent, not-for-profit agency of the Abu Dhabi government, focusing on the support and development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Initially founded with a capital of AED 300 million (US$81.68 million), the fund's capital was increased to AED 1 billion ($272.257 million) in 2008 to meet demand for its services. By 2011, the total capital reached AED 2 billion ($544.515 million), and the fund expanded its network of branches to serve all of the UAE.
