Dubai Holding has selected 15 scale-ups from more than 1,400 submissions across 93 countries for the second edition of its global impact accelerator, “Innovate For Tomorrow,” as the company ramps up efforts to support circular economy innovation in the UAE.

The flagship accelerator, launched in partnership with TECOM Group’s entrepreneurship incubator in5 and in collaboration with BOLT, brings together startups developing solutions to reshape how resources are consumed, produced, and regenerated.

This year’s program focused on three core themes: food loss and waste, resource recovery and regeneration, and digital innovation for sustainability. The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to accelerate sustainable development and advance the UAE’s circular economy ambitions.

Applications were received from several markets, including the UAE, India, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. Participants were evaluated based on factors such as innovation, scalability, market validation, impact potential, and relevance to the UAE market.

The selected companies, operating across sectors including environmental technology, recycling, sustainability, and digital innovation, are based in countries such as the UAE, Norway, India, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

The accelerator features a total prize pool and pilot funding of AED 850,000. The winning scale-up will receive financial support and the opportunity to implement a proof-of-concept project within Dubai Holding’s business ecosystem.

Participants completed a 12-week hybrid accelerator program running from January to April 2026, which included mentorship sessions, workshops, masterclasses, and access to investor networks. The program was designed to help startups refine their business models and accelerate market entry.

Dubai Holding said the initiative supports the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031, the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, and the UAE Centennial 2071 vision.

The program will conclude with a Demo Day in June 2026, where the top five scale-ups will pitch their solutions to investors, partners, and industry leaders.