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Microsoft for Startups Middle East

Highway to 100 Unicorns
Virtual Conference

Helping founders gain insights on
how to scale their startups

in partnership with Abu dhabi investment logo

Highway to 100 Unicorns: COP28 Edition Virtual Conference

Our virtual conferences feature daily sessions fireside chats, panel discussions and workshops covering startup trends and the most pressing issues facing entrepreneurs.

In 2023 as the UAE prepares for the historic COP28, our 4th season of the conference focuses on sustainability and climate technology.

Sessions include key themes in sustainability and feature experts and successful entrepreneurs sharing their insights and stories.

Check out the live Season 4 sessions

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  • Season 1
  • Season 2
  • Season 3
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  • Tuesday
    22/06
    Investor
    Day

  • Wednesday
    23/06
    Accessibility
    Day

  • Monday
    28/06
    Tech
    Day

  • Tuesday
    29/06
    Founders
    Day

  • Wednesday
    30/06
    Corporates
    Day

  • Monday
    05/07
    Go-to-Market
    Day

  • Tuesday
    06/07
    Government
    Day

  • Wednesday
    07/07
    Ecosystems
    Day


Start-up Stories

Inspiring Stories that reveal insights into the journeys and challenges of some of the most successful founders across the Middle East



GrowthX cohort 4

GrowthX Accelerator : COP28 Edition

Join our 8-week, equity-free accelerator program for sustainability startups! With the support of Microsoft and Abu Dhabi Investment Office, learn from global experts, connect with the right corporate and investment network, and access opportunities to scale your solution to the next level.


Program Components

  • Four themes based on COP28 thematic days:

- Finance, Trade, Gender Equality and Accountability

- Energy, Industry, and Just Transition

- Nature, Land Use, and Oceans

- Food, Agriculture and Water

  • Virtual capacity building workshops and training covering Business, Abu Dhabi, Sustainability and Tech
  • Unique curated mentor panel dedicated specifically to each startup
  • 1:1 Technical support and guidance from Microsoft specialists
  • In-person Demo Day and opportunities at COP28 in the UAE
  • Access to investors and corporate partners
  • Up to $150,000 in credits and benefits on Founders Hub

Startup Criteria:

  • Tech startups
  • Sustainability solutions
  • Revenue Generating Scale-Ups or Growth Stage Innovators

Timeline

Application Deadline

September 17

Program Duration

October 2 – November 24

Demo Day

First week of COP28 in December



We are proudly partnering with our founding partners, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, to transform the region as a global tech & startup hub.

Founding Partner

ADIP logo

Conference Partner

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