Microsoft for Startups Middle East

You’re Doing Big Things

Bridging the gap between corporates and tech entrepreneurs through tech enablement, knowledge sharing and community building

We’re here to help

Microsoft for Startups is a global program dedicated to helping startups successfully scale their companies.

The program supports qualifying startups across 4 pillars:

Tech Enablement

We connect founders with the tech they need to thrive. Access a package of perks, including a minimum of $25,000 of free Azure credits, GitHub Enterprise License, Microsoft 365 Licenses, and an extensive network of tech experts.

Corporate Readiness

The program connects tech startups with some of the biggest corporations and mentors that prepare our startups for enterprise selling.

Financial Readiness

Work closely with expert financial mentors to enhance the startups’ financial and business models.

Investor Readiness

Understand how investor ready you are and get exposure to Microsoft’s VC partner network.

Scaling startups
across the Middle East, Africa and Europe

We help startups scale further and faster through meaningful and authentic partnerships.

From building to selling to scaling, we share our time, technology and connections to provide founders with free access to better tools, sales and support.

We invest in all levels of the start-up community, building relationships for the long term.

GrowthX Accelerator: Cohort 5

GrowthX Accelerator : AI Edition

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

Applications are now Open

Apply now

Program Components

- AI based technology solutions.

- Virtual capacity building workshops and training covering Business, Abu Dhabi, AI and Tech.

- Unique curated mentor panels are dedicated specifically to each startup.

- 1:1 Technical support and guidance from Microsoft specialists.

- In-person Demo Day and opportunities at UAE.

- Access to investors and corporate partners

- Up to $150,000 in Azure credits and benefits on Founders Hub


Startup Criteria:

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

Timeline

Application Last Date

September 2nd

Program Duration

September 16 – November 8

Demo Day

First week of December

Highway to 100 Unicorns: AI 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.

As the UAE accelerates its journey towards AI transformation in 2024, our upcoming 5th season of the conference places a special emphasis on AI technology.

The sessions will explore vital AI themes, featuring experts and entrepreneurs sharing insights and stories, offering attendees invaluable knowledge and inspiration for navigating AI's dynamic landscape.

Check out the live Season 4 sessions

2:00 PM (GMT +4)
Opening Remarks: COP28 and Sustainability in the UAE

Rona Shedid, Senior Specialist, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, COP28 Presidency

Sherif Tawfik, Chief Sustainability Commercial Officer - Central Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Microsoft


3:00PM (GMT +4)
Startups in Abu Dhabi: Setting Up and Success

Brittany McDonough, Head of Innovation and Ecosystem, Abu Dhabi Investment Office


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Start-up Stories

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

Meet our Startups & Partners

Links direct to third-party start-up website

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