The Catalyst Accelerator Program
Catalyst is an Abu Dhabi accelerator with Flat6Labs in the stack, Masdar City and bp on the market-access side. Funding is a SAFE paid in KPI-linked tranches, plus a three-month calendar and pilot paths. Evergreen apply-now on their site — treat “evergreen” as “they take applications,” not “they fund everyone.” Climate, energy, and industrial-adjacent software fit better than a consumer social app. This is not Ignite. Different form, different money.
DESK TAKE
One of the few rows on this board that is clearly a deal, not a licence. Read the SAFE. Tranches mean they can stop writing cheques if you miss the KPI.
ELIGIBILITY
Masdar City–bp climate accelerator powered by Flat6Labs, for pre-seed and seed ClimateTech startups that want to enter the UAE market. - Pre-seed and seed-stage ClimateTech startups, with a preference for TRL 4–6 and an MVP or early traction - Focus areas include energy storage, renewable energy, carbon and climate intelligence, waste-to-energy, circular economy and green mobility - Open to startups worldwide, especially from Egypt, Oman and the UAE - Selected companies are expected to set up in Masdar City to expand across the MENA region - Applications managed via Dealum; shortlisted startups pitch, then go through due diligence
QUESTIONS
Is this Flat6Labs Ignite?
No. Ignite is a separate Flat6Labs intake. Catalyst is the Masdar / bp programme.
Do I have to sit in Masdar City?
Expect Abu Dhabi gravity. Confirm attendance rules on the apply page.