Futurism Programme aims to boost tech innovation

DUBAI / Emirates Business

The deadline for technology start-ups to enter this year’s international AED100,000 Futurism Programme, a zero-equity accelerator initiative of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), closes on July 31. The annual Futurism Programme aims to boost technology innovation within the tourism industry ecosystem and further position Dubai as a leading international technology hub for start-ups.
Since it was launched earlier this month, the 3rd edition of the Futurism Programme, run in collaboration with leading professional services company, Accenture, has generated strong interest among start-ups around the world, resulting in high quality submissions to date. The 2019 Futurism Programme has the support of key industry partners and investors representing a broad spectrum of sectors, from travel to hospitality, and aviation to artificial intelligence, finance to technology and transportation. They include strategic partner, Seera Group, and industry partners Atlantis The Palm, Emaar Hospitality Group, the Emirates Group and Accor Hotels. The Futurism Programme also welcomes to its partnership network Dubai SME, Shorooq Investments, Wamda, Middle East Venture Partners, Microsoft, Amazon, Dentons, Alteryx and Careem.
The range of start-ups will have the opportunity to showcase innovative technology solutions to help drive a variety of Futurism themes to personalise and offer end-to-end seamless traveller experiences, optimise industry operations, encourage visitors to make Dubai their destination of choice and support sustainable travel.
HE Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Tourism, said: ”Our Futurism Programme is inspired by the Dubai 10X initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to develop disruptive strategies and solutions that will propel Dubai 10 years in front of other world cities. Dubai Tourism is now fully focussed on further enhancing the Futurism initiative to create a conducive environment where start-ups, global innovators and entrepreneurs can access a zero-equity accelerator programme.
“The growing interest among industry partners, venture capital firms and start-ups that have already applied for this year’s Futurism Programme is clear evidence that Dubai’s reputation as an entrepreneurial hub is continuing to gain rapid momentum. Indeed, the programme will not only ensure a great experience for start-ups and a suitable testing ground for new ideas but also provides trend-setting technology solutions to make the tourist’s experience transformative and even more memorable, as part of our efforts to make Dubai the world’s most visited city in line with Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2022-2025.”