Khalifa Fund Launches Second Entrepreneurship Competition to Boost Innovation in Abu Dhabi
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has launched the second edition of the Khalifa Fund Entrepreneurship Competition in collaboration with the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award, aiming to support innovative startups and accelerate business growth across priority sectors.
The initiative is designed to attract entrepreneurs with high-impact ideas, offering a structured platform to develop solutions that address real market needs while strengthening the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Strategic Focus on Innovation and Growth
The competition reflects a broader national vision inspired by the legacy of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, promoting a culture of excellence, innovation, and sustainable development.
According to Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund, the initiative reinforces the organisation’s role in empowering Emirati entrepreneurs and enabling them to transform ideas into competitive, scalable ventures.
She highlighted that the programme will focus on key sectors such as fintech, energy, and agriculture, while providing participants with funding, mentorship, infrastructure, and market access.
Expanded Reach Across Abu Dhabi
This year’s edition broadens its geographic scope through MZN business accelerator hubs located in:
- Abu Dhabi
- Al Ain
- Al Dhafra
The expansion ensures greater accessibility and inclusivity, supporting entrepreneurs across the emirate.
Comprehensive Support and Prize Package
Participants will benefit from a holistic development programme, including:
- Over AED 1 million in prizes and in-kind support
- Access to premium workspaces and digital tools
- Specialised training workshops and advisory services
- Opportunities for networking and strategic partnerships
The programme also focuses on helping startups transition from prototype stage to market-ready solutions.
Five-Stage Competition Structure
The competition is structured across five key phases:
- Applications and screening (open until June 5, 2026)
- Technical evaluation and selection
- Bootcamps and training sessions, including mock pitches
- Mentorship and investment readiness preparation
- Final live pitches during the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award ceremony
At the finale, five sector winners and three innovation award recipients will be announced.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to entrepreneurs:
- Aged 18 and above
- Residing in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra
- With businesses owned or co-owned by Emirati nationals
- Possessing a working prototype or viable product
Entries will be assessed based on market potential, scalability, sector impact, team strength, and technical feasibility.
Supporting the Falcon Economy
The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s “Falcon Economy” model, focusing on diversification and innovation-driven growth. By nurturing startups and enabling access to resources, the programme aims to strengthen the emirate’s position as a hub for entrepreneurship and economic development.
