Edinburgh Business School Global Incubator
Edinburgh Business School Dubai campus is committed to providing world class education and business support to its students and to the wider community, and never has this been more important than during these current challenging times.
EBS Global Incubator was founded on the premise that dedicated individuals with transformative ideas can solve 21st-century challenges. In an effort to empower change, EBS Global Incubator supports fearless early stage entrepreneurs through a unique programme designed to transform audacious ideas into scalable and investable ventures. By providing free workspace, strategic, educational, and business resources, along with access to professional and investor networks, EBS Global Incubator gives fellows the tools needed to achieve meaningful outcomes. Located in Edinburgh and Dubai, the diverse political, philanthropic, academic, business and international community engenders a truly unrivalled enterprise ecosystem to incubate innovation.
EBS Global Incubator is a one-stop haven for entrepreneurs to scale their business ideas.
The EBS Incubator Fellowship
A 4-month fellowship equipping your team with free workspace, expert support from business consultants and academics, mentorship, leadership coaching, along with continuous business development to help make your entrepreneurial vision a reality.
Your Profile
We are encouraging applications at TRL 1 with a focus on AI/Robotics, Net Zero, Smart Construction & Clean Technology. Your venture needs to be incorporated and eager to grow its leadership team by working with the EBS Practice Excellence Network and its talent pool.
Why Should You Apply
- Virtual & in-person program elements allow for maximum agility and facilitate global participation.
- Capitalize on the interconnectedness of the global tech industry whilst using Dubai as the proof-of-concept platform for your start-up.
- Leverage a digital alumni network of past participants for additional support, collaboration, and potential business opportunities.
- Gain curated access to HWU Industry Panels and events to grow your start-up in Dubai.
- Prime exhibition space and pitch opportunities at conferences & events in Dubai.
Who Should Apply
- You have an innovative tech solution in AI/Robotics, Net Zero, Smart Construction & Clean Technology.
- Your start-up can be based in any geographic location but see a strategic fit in implementing your solution in Dubai. And at least one team member is able to attend the incubator in person (mandatory). Please note that you will be required to acquire a UAE business license in the start.
- Your business has at least 1 full-time team member.
- Your startup matches one of our three themes outlined.
- Heriot Watt University students, female founders and Emirati nationals are encouraged to apply
What’s included?
- Become investment/funding ready with expert support in transforming an innovative technology idea into a TRL 3 Prototype/PoC.
- Grow your business capabilities by working with student consultants through the EBS Practice Excellence Network.
- Achieve your goals and grow your business through our business development support, global enterprise and research networks, as well as through access to exclusive funding competitions and investor networks.
- Up-skill your team through a broad range of business workshops and trainings
- Ensure uninterrupted business operations by utilizing the Incubator's co-working offices, breakout spaces, meeting rooms, high-speed fiber broadband, and excellent IT Infrastructure.
- Extend your reach and increase your impact by joining and connecting with the global EBS alumni network of inspiring entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and policy makers.
- The chance to pitch your venture to HWU Principal Partners.
- The opportunity to present your startup to industry leaders, angel investors and venture capitalists for potential collaboration and/or investment.
- Incubated companies can access all the support and enterprise development activities in Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus, throughout the network and the broader support community.
- They also receive access to resources, training, and workshops, and have the opportunity to work with a mentor.
Please note: Applicants to Edinburgh Business School Dubai campus Incubator must have their own UAE visa.
Meet the team
Huma Imdad, Incubator Manager - Enterprise Executive
Huma is a sustainable innovation specialist with diverse professional and entrepreneurial experience in experimentation, sustainable strategies, and the use of technology for the Sustainable Development Agenda. She has an MS in Development Studies with a research focus on Technology Adoption and Entrepreneurship as well as an MBA from the Institute of Management Sciences, Pakistan. She has worked for more than 11 years and has been involved in multiple social development projects across the globe. She brings on first-hand experience in defining new sustainable business strategies, mainstreaming report writing, digitizing systems, gaining collective intelligence, and delivering operational impact with effective project management, entrepreneurship 101 and active stakeholders’ engagement. With knowledge of social innovation and entrepreneurship she has founded Zhaagh Business Solutions, Muzh Studios, SharingOut and HerQbator, all running to date. She is the EBS Global Incubator Manager & Enterprise Exec in HW Dubai.
Core competencies include - strategy development, experimental design, systems thinking, pitch decks, business model canvas, market analysis, user research, lean startup, data empowerment, collective intelligence, sustainable management; behavior insights, ESG management; sustainability reporting, strategic partnerships; innovation management; policy analysis, project management; and understanding enterprise ecosystems.
h.imdad@hw.ac.uk
+971581511014
Meet the Fellows
Cohort II of 2023/2024
Crossbar
Crossbar is a platform that connects football players, coaches, referees, and vendors. Whether you want to book a pitch, challenge another team, or find a coach or a referee, Crossbar makes it easy and convenient. Crossbar also fosters a community of football lovers who can share their passion, skills, and experiences. Crossbar is more than just an app, it's a revolution in the football experience.
SRRS
SRRS (Smart Recycling Robotic System) is a technology that uses AI and image processing to sort and recycle different types of waste. It can handle urban, industrial, and hospital waste, reducing the environmental impact and increasing the efficiency of waste management. SRRS is a solution for the growing problem of waste disposal in the world.
Quaketant
Quaketant is a mobile app that helps you manage earthquake risks and impacts. It provides you with seismic ratings of your location, real-time alerts of nearby quakes, and an 'I Need Help' panel to request assistance. Quaketant also works with construction firms, real estate and government agencies to reduce economic losses, enhance emergency responses, and promote safety and community resilience. Quaketant is more than just an app, it's a solution for earthquake preparedness and recovery.
Cogny
Cogny Solutions develop innovative VR software for the diagnosis of neurological disabilities. The software simulates real-life scenarios that test the cognitive and motor skills of the users, allowing for accurate monitoring of their condition. The company's goal is to enable early detection, accurate diagnosis, and improved life quality for people with neurological disabilities.
ENOA Motors
ENOA Motors is an electric vehicle OEM startup that offers a unique solution to the adaptability gap in transportation. Its vehicles can transform in size on-demand, according to the customer's needs and preferences. Whether it's a compact car for city driving, a spacious SUV for family trips, or a cargo van for business deliveries, ENOA Motors can provide it with a simple touch of a button. ENOA Motors is creating a new automotive segment: M-O-D (Modular-on-Demand), which combines innovation, convenience, and sustainability. The company is targeting regions such as EU/UK, India, USA, and Middle East, where there is a high demand for versatile and eco-friendly transportation options.
AutoSouq
AutoSouq is a one-stop car-buying platform for the UAE and GCC region. It aggregates car listings from various websites onto a centralized platform, making it easy for car buyers to find their ideal vehicle. AutoSouq features a user-friendly interface, search, filtering, and sorting options that allow users to customize their search criteria and compare different cars. AutoSouq's business model is based on advertisements and partnerships with car dealers and websites.
Matwiz
Matwiz is an AI tool that streamlines the process of building material selection for architects, engineers, and interior designers in the construction industry. It combines eco-friendliness with efficient data centralization, allowing users to find the best materials for their projects in terms of sustainability, cost, and performance. Matwiz is currently in the MVP stage, and aims to be the pioneer in AI-based material recommendation.
Oengoo
Oengoo is a gamified platform that helps you stay motivated and active while jogging or walking. It turns your daily routines into fun and rewarding challenges that keep you engaged and healthy. You can track your progress, earn badges, compete with others, and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Oengoo is currently in beta testing with more than 500 users in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Unite
Unite is an online platform that aims to bring together NGOs, groups, and individuals who are working for global social and environmental causes. Unite is still in the ideation stage, but it plans to develop a MVP and a prototype soon. Unite's target audience are those who want to make a positive difference in the world through activism and collaboration.
Owlsight
Owlsight is a cutting-edge solution that aims to make the world a safer place by detecting crime in real time using existing surveillance cameras. By leveraging skeleton tracking technology and machine learning, Owlsight can analyze body movements for suspicious behavior and alert the authorities before an assault happens. This can help prevent violence and reduce response times, saving lives and resources. Owlsight is currently in the seed stage, part of the MIT fellowship program, and looking for investors and partners who share its vision.
Reality Analytics
Reality analytics is a service that aims to improve the real estate market by providing accurate and transparent information to clients. It helps clients make informed decisions by comparing active property listings with actual transaction data, conducting rental renewal analyses, and generating comprehensive property reports. Reality analytics facilitates fair transactions and enhances transparency in the real estate market.
Aire
Aire is a platform that aims to transform the A-level education landscape by offering condensed, interactive learning. It provides short and structured A-level education through a TikTok-like video player, an AI chatbot, a scanner, and a past paper dispenser. It also has a calendar feature for exam preparation.
Automated Monitoring Solutions
Automated Monitoring Solutions provides services to improve safety and efficiency at industrial facilities. They help their clients prevent accidents and injuries, eliminate falsification of pre-shift inspections, and enhance worker health and productivity. Their solutions include industrial facility safety, accident prevention, and worker health and efficiency.
Knowfly
Knowfly is an online education platform that aims to make learning more interactive, motivating, personal and enjoyable. It connects learners from all over the world and creates a supportive community where they can share their goals, challenges and achievements. Knowfly also ensures accountability and engagement by providing feedback, rewards and recognition.
Cohort I of 2022/2023
Freight Collab
Freight Collab is a Business to Business (B2B), Software as a service (SaaS) professional social network and marketplace (market network) for global Freight sellers and buyers. It enables them to do their business collaboration, including finding reliable business partners, exchanging freight quotes, making digital agreements, doing all their business communication, and arranging safe international payments, all through a user-friendly dashboard. Over 600 verified companies from over 80 countries have joined Freight Collab.
Accomi portal Est.
Accomi portal Est. is a service-based firm that aims to support international students from different countries as they come to study in the UAE. Our mission is to make sure that their academic and social lives are safe and enjoyable. To achieve this, we have identified the common problems that students face when trying to find suitable living arrangements and made it our goal to resolve these issues. Our service does all the necessary paperwork, freeing up the students to concentrate on their studies. Furthermore, we assist students in finding cost-effective and suitable student housing and apartments and help them acclimate to the local culture in the UAE.
Nevronn
Nevronn is a mobile app that is: 1. Integrating information and services that owners need throughout their EV lifecycle. 2. Creating a community among existing EV users along with new potential users, enhance the experience of the users through various functions and benefits. 3. Starting in UAE and focusing on EV, aims to become a global platform integrating the clean mobility ecosystem. 4. The company is already settled as a Free Zone Establishment (Arianna Aglietti 100%).
StoryBox
StoryBox is an AI-driven EdTech application that helps parents make their child’s screen time more productive by transforming their kid’s creations like drawings into engaging stories for social, cognitive, and educational development.
Proscan
Proscan is a cutting-edge software company that is revolutionizing the construction industry. Our mission is to provide innovative software solutions that streamline the process of safety and quality control, ensuring better and safer construction practices, while enabling construction management companies and developers to focus on building the future.
Applications
Stage 1
Applications are now open, apply by clicking here.
Applications will be considered by a committee. The committee will review each application and decide which businesses are shortlisted to come and pitch.
Stage 2
Pitches should be five minutes long and clearly explain the business opportunity and the benefits incubation will provide. The committee will select successful candidates from these pitches
Contact Us
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