Apply for the Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator 2025 by Dubai Holding — a global programme empowering scale-ups to transform circular systems for a sustainable future. Deadline: November 25, 2025.

About the Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator 2025

The Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator 2025 is Dubai Holding’s flagship scale-up programme designed to empower innovators to unlock a better future through circular economy solutions.

Now in its second edition, the accelerator calls on global and UAE-based scale-ups to reimagine how we produce, consume, and regenerate resources across the country’s key sectors — from food and construction to digital innovation.

Aligned with the UAE Vision 2071, the UAE Net Zero by 2050 initiative, and the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031, this year’s challenge aims to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

For full programme details, visit the official Innovate For Tomorrow website.

The Challenge

The Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator 2025 invites bold, purpose-driven scale-ups to present innovative solutions that rethink ownership, consumption, and production within Dubai Holding’s key sectors.

Applicants can choose one or more of the following sub-themes:

1. Food Loss and Waste

Solutions that reduce food waste through smarter use, sharing, or upcycling — such as redistribution platforms, shelf-life extension technology, or restaurant waste repurposing systems.
Learn more on the official challenge page.

2. Resource Recovery and Regeneration

Innovations that recover, reuse, or repurpose materials to extend product lifecycles and minimize dependence on virgin resources — including e-waste conversion, construction reuse, or textile recycling.

3. Digital Innovation for Sustainability

Digital and smart technologies such as AI and IoT that help design, track, manage, and recover resources — from “material passports” and smart sensors to IoT-enabled waste collection.

Timeline

• Applications open: October 6, 2025

• Applications close: November 25, 2025

• Cohort selection: December 2025

• Accelerator programme: January – April 2026 (12-week hybrid training)

• Demo Day: May 2026

• Pilot implementation: Begins May 2026

Application deadline: November 25, 2025.

Apply directly via Dubai Holding’s official portal.

Prizes and Perks

Winners and shortlisted scale-ups will gain exclusive access to Dubai Holding’s powerful innovation ecosystem.

• 1st Place: AED 500,000 + fully funded pilot opportunity within Dubai Holding.

• 2nd Place: AED 250,000

• 3rd Place: AED 100,000

All selected scale-ups will also benefit from:

• A 12-week hybrid accelerator programme with expert mentorship.

• Exposure to key investors and partners.

• One-year access to the in5 incubator programme.

• Over 250 discounted tech platforms and digital tools.

Read more in Dubai Holding’s press release.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator 2025, scale-ups must:

• Have at least one full-time founder committed throughout the 12-week programme.

• Be ready and willing to scale their solution within the UAE.

• Possess one of the following:

  • A functional prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

  • Early customer validation

  • Pre-seed to Pre-Series A funding stage

Full eligibility details are available on the official website.

Selection Criteria and Process

Applicants will be evaluated through a structured, four-step process:

1. Eligibility review and scoring — Initial evaluation of applications.

2. Pitch deck review — Assessment of traction, clarity, and proof-of-concept.

3. Founder interviews — Evaluation of mindset, team capacity, and business alignment.

4. Final selection — Top 15 scale-ups are invited to join the 12-week accelerator.

Dubai Holding assesses innovation, scalability, impact potential, and market fit within the UAE context.

Why You Should Apply

By joining the Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator 2025, you gain:

• Real-world pilot funding to validate your solution.

• Access to Dubai Holding’s 10-sector ecosystem.

• Exclusive mentorship from industry leaders.

• International visibility through Demo Day and investor networks.

• Strategic partnerships for long-term growth in the UAE and beyond.

For insights into last year’s success stories, visit Dubai Holding’s newsroom.

How to Apply

Apply here

Deadline: November 25, 2025

Ensure your application and supporting materials are submitted before the deadline to be considered for the 2025 cohort.

Useful Resources

• Official Website: innovate-for-tomorrow.dubaiholding.com

• Press Release (PR Newswire): Dubai Holding opens global call for bold innovators

• Learn more about Dubai Holding

For more international career opportunities, visit Opportunities For Youth