The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in collaboration with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, has announced the launch of a new startup accelerator program in partnership with Plug and Play, a Silicon Valley-based innovation platform known for its work with technology startups and Fortune 500 corporations.

The three-month accelerator, now open for applications, is designed to support post-revenue startups positioned for regional expansion. It is part of a broader effort to align with Dubai’s long-term economic strategy, known as the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of the city’s economy over the next decade.

The inaugural edition of the program will focus on three sectors: Trade and Logistics, Connectivity and Digital Solutions, and Financial Technology. These industries have been identified as critical pillars in Dubai’s efforts to diversify its economy and accelerate digital transformation.

Participating startups will engage directly with major corporate partners including DHL, du, and Visa. The program offers access to senior innovation executives, mentorship, investor networks, and tailored support for market entry and expansion within Dubai’s corporate ecosystem.

For corporate participants, the accelerator offers early exposure to emerging technologies and opportunities to co-develop solutions with high-growth startups. The initiative is designed to foster commercial partnerships and stimulate cross-sector innovation.

“This initiative marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s innovation journey,” said Hadi Badri, Chief Executive of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), a division of DET. “We are inviting bold and ambitious founders to leverage this platform to scale their impact. This accelerator is an integrated model that brings together entrepreneurs, corporates, investors, and mentors under one collaborative framework.”

Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, underscored the strategic intent behind the initiative. “This program demonstrates our commitment to connecting global entrepreneurial talent with real economic opportunities in Dubai. We are creating an ecosystem where innovative solutions are matched with market needs, particularly in sectors critical to the emirate’s long-term development.”

The program is modeled on Plug and Play’s established accelerator methodology, which emphasizes rapid pilot testing, structured mentorship, and commercial scalability. Founded in 2006, Plug and Play has built a reputation for linking startups with multinational corporations across industries.

“We are honored to join forces with Dubai’s leading economic institutions,” said Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play. “Through this partnership, we aim to build a best-in-class accelerator that delivers both startup growth and corporate innovation outcomes.”

The initiative is a key component of Dubai’s D33 agenda, which includes specific goals to establish 30 new unicorns and scale 400 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into large businesses by 2033. Officials have positioned the accelerator as a tool to help realize these targets, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global hub for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.

Applications for the first cohort are currently open. Selected startups will begin the program later this year.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.