Ma’an lists 25 start-ups for Abu Dhabi social incubator

ABU DHABI / Emirates Business

A total of 25 teams have been shortlisted by the Authority for Social Contribution — Ma’an to proceed to the pitching phase of their social incubator programme, which aims to grow business ideas with a community focus into social enterprises and not-for-profit associations.
It follows a highly competitive selection process which saw more than 130 ventures applying to Ma’an Social Incubator.
The first cycle of the incubator will provide solutions for challenges faced by people of determination. Applications received ranged between ideas and start-ups in the UAE and around the world including as far afield as Brazil, Denmark, France, Nigeria and India. Some of the applications that made the shortlist include tech solutions, assistance living solutions and services, education enhancements and recreational opportunities.
The shortlisted teams will compete for final 10 places on the Ma’an Social Incubator programme, starting in September, where more than AED4.4million will be available in the form of milestone funding and support in the form of mentorship, office space, business expertise and access to investors.
As part of the next stage in the selection process, all 25 teams will receive support to prepare them for the final pitch event where they will be coached on the fundamentals of developing a successful pitch. They will pitch their venture to a judging panel at the end of August who will select the final 10 teams.
HE Salama Al Ameemi said: “At Ma’an our mission is to make a positive social impact in Abu Dhabi, encouraging the growth of the third sector and making a positive difference in the lives of our residents. The Ma’an Social Incubator is our first program and it has been fantastic to see such an overwhelmingly positive response from business-minded social entrepreneurs at home and abroad.”