Investopia 2025: Future100 initiative signs 6 agreements to drive startup growth in UAE’s new economy sectors

During Investopia 2025, the Future100 initiative announced the signing of new collaboration agreements with six key economic and academic institutions, business accelerators, and investment firms. These Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aim to drive the growth of startups in emerging and sustainable economic sectors, strengthen the UAE's entrepreneurial ecosystem, and provide innovative solutions for scaling up startups. The new partners of the Future100 initiative include Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Oraseya Capital (the investment arm of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority), the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Innovation Hub, Ernst & Young (EY) UAE, Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), and the in5 incubator.

Her Excellency Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, attended the signing ceremony. His Excellency Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, signed the MoUs on behalf of the Future100 initiative. Signing on behalf of the new partners were: Professor Eric Xing, President of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence; Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of the DIFC Innovation Hub; Majid Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of TECOM Group - Dubai Media City, representing in5; Anthony O’Sullivan, Managing Partner of EY UAE; Walid Mansour, Co-founder and Managing Partner of MEVP; and Hassan Waheed Al Falasi, Board Member of Oraseya Capital.

Her Excellency Alia Al Mazrouei emphasized the UAE's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, stating: "The UAE has been proactive in launching pioneering initiatives to create a competitive environment for entrepreneurs, enabling them to attract investments, promote their products and services, and access the necessary funding. This also helps in cultivating an entrepreneurial culture within our society." She noted that the Future100 initiative is one of the UAE's most important programs aimed at accelerating growth in emerging economic sectors and creating more opportunities for startups to expand globally. The program annually recognizes the top 100 startups contributing to the UAE's future economic competitiveness.

Al Mazrouei added: "The initiative's partners play a vital role in providing technical and legal support, as well as offering competitive financing solutions, to the 100 companies selected in each cycle. We remain committed to establishing more partnerships to strengthen the UAE's entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering innovators with the necessary expertise to develop groundbreaking projects that benefit society and drive the country's economic and social progress." These collaborations will be crucial in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the Future100 initiative.

The Future100 initiative's partners further reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between the public, private, and academic sectors to create an environment conducive to startups and business innovation. Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of the DIFC Innovation Hub, said: "As a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, DIFC is proud to partner with the Ministry of Economy as an accelerator partner for the Future100 initiative. Our collaboration aligns with the UAE's strategic vision for innovation and entrepreneurship and will empower the next generation of innovators by providing them with the tools, resources, and expertise needed to drive positive change and shape the future economy."

Speaking on behalf of in5, Majid Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of TECOM Group - Dubai Media City, highlighted the significance of the partnership in advancing the UAE's innovation agenda, stating: "Our strategic partnership with the Ministry of Economy is a critical step in supporting the 'We the UAE 2031' vision and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. By supporting the Future100 initiative, we aim to empower future innovators who are the bedrock of sustainable development. in5 remains committed to fostering innovation across vital sectors, thereby solidifying the UAE's position as a global hub for startups and entrepreneurs."

Anthony O’Sullivan, Managing Partner of EY UAE, commented: "We are delighted to support the Future100 initiative to enhance opportunities and resources for local startups. This collaboration between the government and private sector highlights the power of collective efforts in identifying, supporting, and scaling innovative businesses that contribute to the diversification of the UAE economy. The investments made today will help build a thriving and sustainable business ecosystem for the future."

Walid Mansour, Co-founder and Managing Partner of MEVP, stated: "Our partnership with the Ministry of Economy in this initiative underscores our commitment to investing in promising and innovative startups. With our 15 years of experience in identifying and supporting transformative technology companies in the region, MEVP is uniquely positioned to support the UAE's innovation vision. We are excited to continue our journey of empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and contributing to the UAE's future economic growth."

Hassan Waheed Al Falasi, Board Member of Oraseya Capital, noted: "As the investment arm of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, Oraseya Capital is honored to partner with the Future100 initiative to empower the UAE's next generation of SMEs. As one of the most active startup investors in 2024, this AED 1 million investment reinforces our commitment to fostering innovation, supporting the growth of local tech companies, and strengthening the future economy. We look forward to contributing to the success of these companies through this initiative."

In addition to these six agreements, Her Excellency Alia Al Mazrouei also witnessed the signing of two additional agreements at Investopia 2025, involving startups recognized in this year's Future100 list and international research institutions.

The first agreement was signed by P4ML, a technology-driven healthcare company, with the Sanford Integrated Stem Cell Orbital Research Center (ISSCOR) at the University of California, San Diego. Furthermore, this collaboration focuses on space-based stem cell research, biodata analysis, drug discovery, and precision medicine. The partnership aims to develop an advanced platform for drug discovery and biodata analysis, while ensuring strict governance of data sharing and research technologies to support the health of astronauts and space tourists through cutting-edge research.

Furthermore, the second agreement was signed by Circa Biotech, a company specializing in food waste recycling (a startup recognized under the program), with Energy Absolute of Thailand. This partnership aims to establish a biofuel feedstock production facility in the UAE to support the supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

The Future100 initiative, launched by the Ministry of Economy in partnership with the Government Development and Future Office, is an annual national program launched on World Future Day. The program further identifies and celebrates the top 100 startups that enhance the UAE's readiness for the future economy, solidifying its position as a global hub for innovation, creativity, and talent in future industries.