Dubai Future Accelerators: Developers of hyperloop, 3D printers among 30 chosen

The Dubai Future Accelerators programme has shortlisted 30 companies among 2,274 applications from 73 countries, it confirmed on Sunday.

The 30 companies will work with seven government authorities over a 12-week period to develop and test their products and solutions.

The list of finalists chosen to take part in the first round of the programme includes Hyperloop One, which is developing a transportation system set to outpace the speed of light; Next Future Transportation, specialising in mass-transit solutions and self-driving vehicles; Concensys, the world’s largest software provider for app developers and Blockchain companies; Construction Robotics, specialising in construction solutions that increase productivity five-fold; and Honeywell, the Fortune 100 company working on developing advanced digital systems for the healthcare sector.

Also read: Hyperloop train to travel from Dubai to Fujairah in ‘less than 10 minutes’

“Now that we have concluded the selection phase of the Dubai Future Accelerators programme, we can go ahead with the actual testing stage for the innovative solutions in cooperation with the relevant authorities,” said CEO of Dubai Future Foundation Saif Al Aleeli.

“Following an in-depth study – undertaken with our partners and a group of leading experts – to test the feasibility and effectiveness of each entry’s proposed solutions for the challenges facing the relevant key sectors, we can confidently say that we have selected the most innovative and promising applicants.”

The Dubai Future Accelerators programme comprises three rounds every year, with each round lasting three months.

The initiative provides training programmes for participants to learn about business development and prototyping, as well as to create pilot projects for Dubai.

By the end of the programme, participants are given the tools to build a profitable business model, in cooperation with the relevant government entities and global experts.

The Dubai Future Accelerators programme is an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation, and part of the Waqf’s $275m ‘Future Fund’.

Read more: Dubai to invest $270m in future accelerators programme

“Through this initiative, the UAE is seeking to redefine the international role of business accelerators,” said Mohammed Al Gergawi, vice chairman and managing director of Dubai Future Foundation.

“These accelerators will now adhere to the government’s agenda and strategies, and serve as a catalyst to research and development within the most strategic sectors, such as education, health, infrastructure, transportation, and energy. They will provide a global platform to develop new and innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing society.”

Also read: In pictures: Dubai opens world’s first 3D printed office