MoIAT and EDB Launch ‘Make it in the Emirates Accelerator’ to Fast-Track UAE’s Next Wave of Industrial Startups

In a bold step toward fueling the UAE’s industrial transformation, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and the Emirates Development Bank (EDB) have jointly launched the Make it in the Emirates Accelerator, the nation’s first dedicated accelerator for high-impact industrial startups and scale-ups. The initiative was unveiled during Make it in the Emirates 2025, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Designed to empower homegrown innovation and transform it into global manufacturing success stories, the accelerator will provide selected entrepreneurs with strategic tools, market access, technical expertise, mentorship, and tailored financial support. The program supports startups across priority sectors such as food security, healthcare, renewable energy, advanced technology, and manufacturing.

His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of EDB, attended the launch event, highlighting the program’s alignment with the UAE’s National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology.

“The Make it in the Emirates Accelerator is an innovative initiative to empower and equip a distinguished group of entrepreneurs in the industrial sector,” said HE Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT. “It will unlock new opportunities for UAE-made products to compete globally and inspire the next generation of industrial leaders.”

HE Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, emphasized the program’s long-term vision:

“Turning Make it in the Emirates into a global brand starts with empowering the right entrepreneurs — the ones with ambition, resilience, and world-class ideas. Through this program, we are offering them a valuable opportunity to transform ideas into globally impactful projects.”

Since launching its strategy in 2021, EDB has already disbursed over AED 18.7 billion in financing and supported the creation of more than 32,000 jobs. The new accelerator marks a strategic next step in building a future-ready industrial economy, where innovation becomes a national export.

First Cohort of Startups Showcased

At the forum, EDB showcased the first cohort of startups supported through the accelerator:

• Pure Soil – A pioneer in organic food production in the UAE.

• Yala Kombucha – A health-focused brand crafting probiotic beverages.

• Sulmi – The UAE’s first electric motorbike company advancing sustainable mobility.

• Dein – A luxury leather goods label blending Emirati craftsmanship with modern design.

A Long-Term Vision for Industrial Excellence

The Make it in the Emirates Accelerator forms part of a broader push to build robust industrial ecosystems under Operation 300bn, and works in synergy with other EDB and MoIAT initiatives such as the Manufacturing Accelerator and AgriX. Future cohorts will welcome more entrepreneurs, further advancing the UAE’s position as a global hub for industrial innovation and excellence.