A dozen early stage startups from the Middle East, Western Europe and the Ukraine have traveled to Dubai to join two local seed accelerators. TURN8, the accelerator launched last May by DP World, welcomed 10 startups to its first round. i360accelerator, launched last year by Innovation 360, selected two startups for its second round.
More than 185 ideas were submitted to TURN8 via international idea pitching events and an online pitching system. The selected teams were carefully chosen based not only on their ideas, but on a number of factors including feasibility, scalability, addressable market and team dynamics.
The selected startups include a number of mobile apps and online portals, including a sentiment analysis social media tool; a synonymous text generator; an interactive educational tool for teaching math; a geolocation app for touring artists; an automated approach to help travelers connect with kindred spirits; and an app that allows people to share their dreams online.
Additional TURN8 startups chosen include a retail loyalty program; an SMS-based system for determining the validity of consumer products; a device designed to improve communication between deaf individuals and others; and a new way to incorporate UAV technology into video games.
Startups selected for i360accelerator include an e-commerce site that aims to be the UAE’s largest online supplier of school and office supplies, and a mobile app that lets users survey their friends or family members related to a specific decision.
All the teams will work through a similar process to design, prototype and launch their new business ventures. Along the way, they will be supported by funding, training, mentorship and other necessary resources provided by the accelerators.
The teams will work out of a new co-working facility established by i360accelerator. @The Cribb, as the facility is called, is open to other entrepreneurs from the region as well. It offers workstations and resources, meetups and networking events, and opportunities to meet industry thought leaders. The space also features @The Cribb Café, which offers healthy food and stimulating beverages to help onsite entrepreneurs work productively throughout the day.
