District 2020 launches global entrepreneur programme, Scale2Dubai
District 2020, the mixed-use community and innovation ecosystem evolving from Expo 2020 Dubai has launched a global entrepreneur programme, called Scale2Dubai. The programme will enable start-ups and small businesses to expand internationally by becoming part of its innovation ecosystem. The programme will enable start-ups and global innovators to scale their businesses in Dubai by capitalising on the partnerships formed through their country’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai. Successful applicants to Scale2Dubai will benefit from a soft-landing into Dubai within District 2020, given the support they need to scale, adapt and establish themselves in the UAE. The benefits they will receive include two years of free working space, support in visa and business set-up and more. Additionally, they will be empowered by District 2020’s physical and digital infrastructure, strategic geographic location and a unique work and living ecosystem.
The Scale2Dubai programme will draw upon Expo 2020’s and District 2020’s vision of enabling innovation and industry growth by providing these small businesses and start-ups the tools and environment they need to break ground and thrive. District 2020 aims to curate an innovation-driven ecosystem by bringing together businesses, large and small, from across industries and from around the world to collaborate and gain competitive advantages.
“Launching Scale2Dubai is an important milestone in our journey towards curating a truly global, future-proof innovation-driven community. Start-ups and small businesses are a fundamental ingredient of any true innovation ecosystem, as they help to spark competition with more established companies while attracting venture capital into the community,” said Marjan Faraidooni, chief pavilions and exhibitions officer, Expo 2020 Dubai. “Organisations in their early stages of growth also so often contribute fresh ideas and approaches that are hugely influential in disrupting industries for the better. That’s exactly what we want to bring into District 2020, and in return, Scale2Dubai provides ambitious companies with a platform to reach new international markets.”
District 2020’s ecosystem will comprise a diverse tenant mix, attracting companies in key growth industries including logistics and transport, travel and tourism, construction and real estate and education. District 2020 will also focus on attracting businesses involved in the disruptive technologies of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The Scale2Dubai programme will facilitate access to enabling platforms such as accelerators and incubators, networks of mentors and investors and experts within District 2020’s business ecosystem. Small businesses will benefit from direct connection to Fortune 500 companies, international organisations and influential partners who will help them innovate and lead their business and industry forward. The ultimate goal of the programme is to gradually grow the selected small businesses and integrate them into the District 2020 business community, the UAE and the regional marketplace.
“The Scale2Dubai programme is an incredible opportunity for international start-ups and small businesses looking to grow. We recognise the challenges that entrepreneurs face while scaling and have developed a programme that helps them grow their businesses in Dubai. If you are a start-up or small business that aligns to District 2020’s focus industries and enabling technologies, we are inviting you to be part of our community and to leverage the power of connecting with our innovation ecosystem,” concludes Tala Al Ansari, director – Scale2Dubai, District 2020.
