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Ecosystem

Dubai SME Launches 'Founders of Tomorrow' to Cultivate Emirati Startups

Dubai SME introduced 'Founders of Tomorrow,' a national program aimed at accelerating the creation and scaling of Emirati-owned businesses. The initiative connects university innovations with real-world challenges from government and corporations.

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DXB Start·March 27, 2026·1 min read·18 hours ago

Dubai SME, an agency of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, launched the 'Founders of Tomorrow' program. This national initiative is designed to foster the growth of Emirati startups by bridging the gap between academic innovation and market needs.

The program's core objective is to identify promising ideas from universities and align them with challenges presented by government entities and corporate partners. This structured approach aims to provide Emirati entrepreneurs with the resources and mentorship needed to develop viable, scalable businesses.

'Founders of Tomorrow' represents a strategic effort to enhance the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, empower Emirati talent, and contribute to Dubai's economic diversification goals by nurturing homegrown innovation.

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