Dubai SME launches digital health business incubator Ztartup

A new digital health business incubator called Ztartup has been launched in Dubai Healthcare City.

Located in in Wafi Residences, the incubator was launched by Dubai SME, the agency of Dubai Economy mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, and is dedicated to healthcare technology, including digital media and augmented and virtual reality used in healthcare; digital emergency and safety technology.

The incubator provides two specialised programmes – one for business incubation and the other for business accelerators. The incubator programme will evaluate the enterprises and the skill of the entrepreneurs and help them choose the best programme for them to start and launch their businesses, reported state-run news agency WAM. It also offers several other services, including connecting entrepreneurs to a network of specialists and mentors to help develop their products and services as well as varied courses, training, workspaces, business start-up packages required in each phase of the project, and a number of specialised laboratories that help entrepreneurs to design prototypes for their projects

“Our aim is to develop a new ecosystem that supports tech entrepreneurs. The impact of this new system will be seen on future businesses, technical skills of entrepreneurs and overall economic growth in the UAE. Ztartup seeks to incorporate entrepreneurial initiatives into incubation programmes and business accelerators to ensure their success and sustainability. Ztartup will also connect them to experts who can assist them to advance their tech innovations,” said Mohamed Shafi, CEO and founder of Ztartup.

Ztartup brings the number of business incubators certified by Dubai SME to 13. Dubai SME has also established a Business Incubator Network (DBIN) of accredited business incubators and accelerators, which will act as a reference and catalyst for business incubation programmes in the UAE. The certified incubators offer a package of services, events and work spaces that support entrepreneurs in launching projects. The accreditation programme is also aimed to motivate and support the private sector to invest in business incubators and accelerators.

“There should be balanced support from the public as well as private sectors to enhance the role of small and medium enterprises, create new market opportunities start-ups, open diverse financing channels for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, and formulate systems and laws for crowdfunding. The private sector plays a major role in supporting start-ups through its community initiatives, which contributes to accelerating economic growth rate,” said Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME.