IFZA Launches Scale360 Accelerator for Global Startups

Dubai, UAE –  The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) has officially launched its inaugural Scale360 Accelerator Program, a dynamic market access initiative aimed at connecting international startups with the UAE’s vibrant business ecosystem. The program made its debut during Dubai Immersion Week at GITEX Global 2025, welcoming a select cohort of 15 pioneering startups focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainability.

The participating startups, including Groundup.ai, BrandContext, Nucleon Security, Organized Matter, GlassHUB, ShareID, Tayar | طيار, ISTINA AI, Power Dime, Sensgreen, nettle, RELAYTO AI, 913.ai, Interloom, and Synteza AI, span diverse sectors ranging from retail and banking to defense and green technologies. This diverse cohort reflects the program’s commitment to fostering innovation across multiple industries while promoting the UAE as a global hub for cutting-edge solutions.

“At IFZA, we are dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and attracting high-potential ventures to the UAE,” said Julia Timms, Chief Commercial Officer at IFZA. “The Scale360 Accelerator is designed to support international startups in navigating the UAE’s business landscape, connecting with investors, and launching successfully. We are proud to contribute to an ecosystem where collaboration drives meaningful growth.”

During the Immersion Week, Scale360 partnered with Shorooq Partners for their annual GITEX Social, one of the region’s most influential startup networking events. The event brought together over 300 investors, partners, and ecosystem enablers, including corporate collaborators NVIDIA, Taylor Wessing, ElevenLabs, LimonCloud, and Verod-Kepple. Shorooq Partners also announced a $100 million AI-focused investment fund, reinforcing the UAE’s Vision 2031 and ambition to lead in AI and sustainability innovation.

A key highlight of the program was a fireside chat titled “Do’s and Don’ts for Foreign Startups Entering the UAE”, featuring industry experts Gilles Praet (Sentiance), Fabrizio Siracusano (serial entrepreneur and innovation advisor), and Yahya Iqelan (MBZUAI). The panel provided practical insights on navigating regulatory frameworks, building partnerships, and leveraging the UAE’s business ecosystem to achieve growth.

“Scale360 bridges ambition with access,” emphasized Sinead O’Keeffe, Head of Scale360. “Our mission is to ensure international startups are fully equipped to enter the UAE market, collaborate effectively, and grow alongside the region’s most forward-looking partners.”

The program also showcases the strategic role of UAE free zones, which offer startups essential infrastructure, incentives, and access to regional and international markets. Its focus on AI and sustainability aligns closely with the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 and Net Zero by 2050 initiatives, underscoring Dubai’s leadership in emerging technologies and green innovation.

The Scale360 cohort will continue its engagement with corporate partners and investors in the coming weeks, culminating in a Demo Day in November 2025, where startups will showcase their progress and pitch to potential investors.

For invitations or further details about the Scale360 Cohort, please contact Sinead O’Keeffe, Head of Scale360.