Dubai Internet City and Microsoft Gulf have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provides startups and Small and Medium Enterprises in the UAE with access to Microsoft’s BizSpark software program. Solidifying both organizations’ commitment to supporting startups in the UAE and across the Arab world, the partnership serves to promote entrepreneurship within IT-oriented start-ups through bridging the challenges any start-up may face through the use of technology.
Signed during GITEX Technology Week in Dubai, the MOU will effectively serve to foster entrepreneurship within the region’s IT industry. Microsoft will enroll In5 on its Startups Network Partner Program allowing its IT oriented members to benefit from free software and services available through Microsoft BizSpark Program. Additionally, Microsoft will provide cloud computing resources via BizSpark Azure to eligible In5 startups and technical training on BizSpark products.
Speaking on the occasion of the partnership, Mr. Majed Al Suwaidi, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource Zone Managing Director, said: “Dubai Internet City and Microsoft’s partnership will support the continuing development of the thriving ICT industry and entrepreneurship sector in the UAE. The agreement highlights DIC’s support for our business partners as well as for start-ups and entrepreneurs, and I am confident that In5 companies will benefit greatly from the partnership and from the innovative technology provided by BizSpark.”
Commenting on the partnership, Samer Abu-Ltaif, Regional General Manager at Microsoft Gulf said, “Microsoft Gulf is committed to taking a holistic approach to helping startups in the UAE and region achieve their full potential, and we believe this partnership with In5 will fuel this. Through BizSpark Software Microsoft has already empowered over 160 startups in the region and we will continue to do so through this joint approach with In5. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dubai Internet City for their partnership which we believe is a step in the right direction to supporting the plan for Dubai Smart City.”
One of the first startups to benefit from the synergies between In5 and Microsoft has been Doctorized, the world’s first social healthcare platform that focuses on connecting patients to doctors for professional medical advice anywhere, anytime. By using .NET and Microsoft technologies, Doctorized was able to create an efficient, low-cost and easily-accessible platform that users could connect to for expert medical information from anywhere around the world.
In5 was founded in May 2013 by Dubai Internet City and is a dynamic social initiative and a registered non-profit organization (NGO) working to expand economic opportunities for youth throughout the Arab world. In5 provides entrepreneurs with a dynamic and engaging working environment from the early stages of idea creation through to idea implementation and the commercial launch of a product or service. Entrepreneurs can apply on an individual or company basis, and will be assessed by a committee of industry experts to determine their eligibility.
