Investopia 2025: Future100 initiative explores strengthening UAE's entrepreneurial ecosystem

The UAE's "Future 100" initiative reaffirms its commitment to accelerating the development of SMEs in the UAE's future economic sectors. This initiative aims to create a holistic investment ecosystem aligned with technological advancements and enhance opportunities for economic growth. This commitment is designed to drive the transformation of the UAE economy, solidifying the UAE's position as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The initiative hosted discussions during Investopia 2025, held in Abu Dhabi on February 26th and 27th. Prominent figures such as Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, and Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, attended the event. In addition, numerous representatives from entrepreneurs, startups, investment funds, business incubators, accelerators, and global technology and innovation companies participated.

Investopia 2025 was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court of the UAE.

The initiative included 15 sessions featuring 48 speakers, including ministers, senior officials, and industry experts. Discussions covered a range of pressing topics, including artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, technology-driven entrepreneurship, the future of SMEs, innovative investment strategies, and the integration of technology in financial models. Other topics explored included mechanisms to promote the expansion of SMEs in the new economy, and the critical role of women entrepreneurs in driving positive social and economic impact.

At the opening session, Alia Al Mazrouei and Sarah Shaw, Executive Director of the National CSR Fund (Majra), emphasized the importance of the initiative in empowering companies in the future economic sectors. They explored strategies for promoting entrepreneurship and ensuring sustainability, while solidifying the UAE's position as a global business hub.

Alia Al Mazrouei emphasized that "Future 100" has become a key driver for the growth of SMEs in the UAE's new economy, assisting them in expanding to regional and global markets. She noted that the UAE leadership has established a competitive legislative framework that attracts entrepreneurs and startups from around the world, and provides essential initiatives for their success.

Currently, SMEs account for 94% of all companies in the UAE, with 25,000 new businesses founded by Emirati youth in 2024 alone. The UAE has more than 50 government and private business incubators and accelerators, which contributes to its ranking by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) as a leading global destination for business and economic activity in 2024. The UAE also ranked first globally for the third consecutive year in the 2023-2024 GEM Entrepreneurial Framework Conditions Index, excelling in key indicators such as financing, market access, and government support.

Al Mazrouei emphasized that promoting national entrepreneurship is a strategic priority for the UAE and an important component of the national economic agenda, led by the Ministry of Economy in cooperation with government entities, the private sector, and academic and research institutions. She outlined new initiatives aimed at enhancing national competitiveness and increasing the success rate of entrepreneurs from 30% to 50% within the next decade.

Key initiatives also include the Riyada Fund, which allocates AED 300 million to support entrepreneurial ventures, and the Emirates Entrepreneurship Council, which aims to unify national efforts to accelerate SME growth and strengthen cooperation among key stakeholders. She also encouraged entrepreneurs and startups to leverage these enablers and incentives, as well as the "Future 100" initiative.

Sarah Shaw further noted that companies participating in the initiative are among the first to receive the Majra Seal of Sustainable Impact, which recognizes their commitment to sustainability and social impact. In addition, she reported that the number of sustainability and environment-focused startup applications increased by 43% under the "Future 100" program, reflecting the maturity of the UAE's entrepreneurial ecosystem and its alignment with the UAE Green Agenda 2030.

In addition, the event included a session titled "Cisco Digital Innovation Award: Recognizing Excellence in Innovation," showcasing the product innovation lab launched by Cisco in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of SMEs through innovative solutions. Bassam Shaker, General Manager of Creative Advanced Technologies, participated in the session.

Another session, "Accelerating the Future: Transforming Growth Through AI and Emerging Technologies," invited industry leaders such as Ahmed Alwan, CEO of Hub71, Mohammed Al Blooshi, CEO of the Innovation Hub at Dubai International Financial Centre, and Mansoor Jafar, CEO of Abu Dhabi Global Academy. The discussion focused on the role of accelerators and incubators in supporting AI-driven and advanced technology startups, exploring financing strategies, expansion possibilities, and emerging trends in sustainable technology.

Furthermore, a session titled "Maturation: How Technology and Entrepreneurship are Transforming the MENA Region" explored the transformation of emerging markets and the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in reshaping the region's economic landscape, highlighting success stories, challenges, and future opportunities.

In addition, the "Crimson Founders Demo Session: Startups Founded by MIT and Harvard Founders" showcased six leading startups founded by graduates from MIT and Harvard, showcasing solutions in artificial intelligence, energy, biotechnology, financial technology, and security. Entrepreneurs and investors, including Arya Bolourfrushan, Founder of Applied AI, and David Brown, Founder of Helix Carbon, participated in the session, which was moderated by Anousheh Kalantari, Founder of Crimson Founders.

Furthermore, a closed-door session titled "DHL Forward Challenge" highlighted its winners, featuring interactive discussions on innovative and strategic approaches to reshaping the logistics industry through digital transformation and advanced technology solutions. Participants included Irina Albanese, Head of Innovation Center at DHL Middle East and Africa, and Anjan Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Greendzine.

On the second day, a session titled "Funding the Future: Innovative Models for SME Financing" explored how SMEs can access funding for advanced technologies. Speakers discussed how technology can streamline the financing process and the role of strategic partnerships in developing a dynamic financing ecosystem. The session invited Farooq Siddiqui, Project Lead at SC Ventures, and Francesco Velea, CEO of Vasanara Capital.

Another discussion session, "Empowering and Supporting: Women Entrepreneurs Driving Impact," explored the role of women in entrepreneurship and the balance between professional and family life. Participants included Maha Al Gergawi, Vice President of Business Community Support at Dubai Chamber of Commerce, and Salama Al Amimi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Family Care Authority. The session highlighted investment opportunities and social policies in support of women in business.

Jayesh Patel, CEO of Wio Bank, hosted a session on advanced financing solutions for SMEs, discussing Wio Bank's role in providing innovative financial solutions to facilitate business growth.

A discussion session titled "Investing in the Future: Unleashing the Potential of the UAE's New Economy" explored investment strategies and their importance in expanding businesses in future economic sectors, particularly artificial intelligence, modern technology, and financial technology. Speakers included Walid Mansour, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Middle East Venture Partners, and Julian Plozo, Senior Partner at Eurasia Capital.

The event concluded with "Catalysts for Success: Shaping the Investment Stories of the Future 100," where entrepreneurs shared their investment journeys and strategies for securing funding and driving growth. Participants included Tarek Othman, Co-founder and Commercial Director of Abro Company, and Haitham Al-Riyahi, Co-founder and CEO of Sirka Biotech. The session was moderated by Sonia Gokhale, Founder and General Partner of Venture Market, emphasizing how strategic investments can pave the way for economic progress in an evolving business environment.