Latest news with #DIFCInnovationHub
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Dubai's Fintech Boom: Why Dubai is the Financial Innovation Hub of the Middle East - - The Economic Times Video
Dubai is fast emerging as the Middle East's fintech nerve centre—powered by a bold regulatory vision, investor confidence, and global founder interest. This video breaks down how initiatives such as the Dubai Fintech Summit, DIFC Innovation Hub, and sandbox licensing are fuelling a fintech revolution, with a spotlight on India-Dubai synergies.
TECHx
27-05-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Emirates NBD Launches Fourth Cohort of NDTI Program
Home » Emerging technologies » Fintech » Emirates NBD Launches Fourth NDTI Cohort Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT), has announced the launch of the fourth cohort of its National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® program. The program is supported by major industry partners. These include the DIFC Innovation Hub, Visa, Microsoft, and Dell Technologies. It follows the success of three previous editions aimed at nurturing UAE National FinTech innovators. According to Emirates NBD, the FinTech sector currently contributes 8.7% to the UAE's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The incubator spans six to eight weeks and is tailored to empower Emirati FinTech leaders. It provides: Resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities Guidance to scale innovative FinTech ventures Emirates NBD reported that this program supports the UAE's digital transformation by promoting talent and entrepreneurship in FinTech. The new cohort features startups targeting key industries: QuickPay: A digital platform for faster real estate invoice payments Carbon2Capital: An AI tool to track and reduce carbon emissions Jadwelny: A smart travel platform using AI for personalized trip planning Watermelon LTD: A digital F&B ecosystem connecting suppliers and outlets The program will include several enhancements. Participants will now have tailored meetings with decision-makers and senior stakeholders from Emirates NBD. Startups will also engage in dedicated Immersion Days and the Emirates NBD Decision Makers Series. FinTech founders will network with industry leaders and SMEs. They will also receive expert guidance on pitching to venture capitalists. In June 2025, participants will travel to London. There, they will connect with the global FinTech ecosystem, learn from the market, and gain confidence to grow internationally. Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, revealed that the program is part of the bank's commitment to a thriving digital economy. He noted the initiative helps startups grow and positively impact the industry and economy. Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub, stated that empowering Emirati FinTech talent is key to building a future-ready digital economy. He added that the collaboration aims to offer the tools and exposure needed for startups to scale from Dubai to the world. The NDTI program reflects Emirates NBD's ongoing support for innovation and digital growth in the UAE. The bank reaffirmed its role as a key enabler of a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
Mid East Info
27-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Emirates NBD announces fourth cohort of National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® program, empowering the next wave of Emirati FinTech leaders
Dubai, UAE,May 2025: Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, announced the launch of the fourth cohort of its bespoke National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® program. A cluster of world-class industry partners, including the DIFC Innovation Hub, Visa, Microsoft and Dell Technologies will support the program, which has already concluded three successful editions in its quest of finding the next generation of UAE National FinTech innovators. In the UAE, the FinTech sector currently contributes 8.7% to the UAE's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The six-to-eight week incubator program is designed to empower promising Emirati FinTech leaders by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities needed to scale their pioneering ventures. The program drives the UAE's digital transformation agenda by boosting the country's talent and the growth of entrepreneurship within the FinTech space. The fourth cohort features a diverse group of startups addressing key sectors. These include QuickPay, a digital platform accelerating invoice payments in real estate; Carbon2Capital, an AI-powered platform enabling businesses to track, reduce, and offset carbon emissions; Jadwelny, an AI-powered travel platform personalising and automating trip planning; and Watermelon LTD, a comprehensive F&B ecosystem connecting manufacturers, farmers and F&B outlets. Building on the success of previous cohorts, the program will undergo several key enhancements. Startups will have the opportunity to have tailored interactions with decision-makers, meet individually with senior Emirates NBD stakeholders relevant to their industry sectors, and engage in more meaningful discussions with mentors during dedicated Immersion Days with partners, and through Emirates NBD's Decision Makers Series, where founders can connect with Senior Leaders from the Group. FinTech founders will also network with industry leaders and renowned SMEs, while receiving guidance on venture capitalist pitching. Lastly, FinTech leaders will enjoy an international trip to London in June 2025, allowing them to tap into a vibrant ecosystem, learn from the FinTech landscape, and build connections and confidence to scale their business globally. Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking, Emirates NBD, said: 'Emirates NBD is proud to welcome the fourth cohort of the National Digital Talent Incubator Program. Solidifying our commitment to supporting the UAE's vision for a thriving digital economy, the program creates opportunities for FinTech startups to flourish and contribute to the investment environment within the UAE. By providing these talented entrepreneurs with access to the mentorship, networking, and investment, we are helping them build innovative solutions that will positively impact the industry and economy.' Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer, the DIFC Innovation Hub, said: 'Empowering the next generation of Emirati FinTech talent is essential to shaping a future-ready digital-driven economy. At DIFC Innovation Hub, we are proud to support initiatives like the National Digital Talent Incubator that align with our mission to nurture high-potential founders and accelerate the growth of homegrown ventures. By collaborating with Emirates NBD and other leading partners, we are creating a thriving ecosystem where Emirati entrepreneurs can access the tools, mentorship, and global exposure they need to lead the next wave of FinTech innovation from Dubai to the world.' The NDTI program reflects Emirates NBD's ongoing commitment to innovation and its role as a key enabler of the UAE's digital future. By supporting the next generation of Emirati FinTech founders, Emirates NBD is contributing to a more diversified, knowledge-based economy. About Emirates NBD: Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As at 31st March 2025, total assets were AED 1 trillion, (equivalent to approx. USD 272 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 839 branches and 4,539 ATMs / SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of USD 4.54 billion. Emirates NBD Group serves its customers (individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions) and helps them realise their financial objectives through a range of banking products and services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. The Group is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97% of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches. The Group also operates Liv, the lifestyle digital bank by Emirates NBD, with close to half a million users, it continues to be the fastest-growing bank in the region. Emirates NBD contributes to the construction of a sustainable future as an active participant and supporter of the UAE's main development and sustainability initiatives, including financial wellness and the inclusion of people of determination. Emirates NBD is committed to supporting the UAE's Year of Sustainability as Principal Banking Partner of COP28 and an early supporter to the Dubai Can sustainability initiative, a city-wide initiative aimed to reduce use of single-use plastic bottled water.
Fintech News ME
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Emirates NBD Launches Fourth Cohort of Fintech Talent Incubator
Emirates NBD has launched the fourth cohort of its National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI) programme. The initiative is supported by several industry partners, including the DIFC Innovation Hub, Visa, Microsoft, and Dell Technologies. The programme has already completed three previous cohorts, aiming to support the development of the next generation of Emirati fintech professionals. The six-to-eight-week incubator is designed to equip Emirati entrepreneurs in the sector with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them grow their ventures. The programme also supports the UAE's broader digital transformation strategy by fostering local talent and entrepreneurship in fintech. The current cohort includes startups focused on a range of sectors. These include QuickPay, a digital platform that speeds up invoice payments in the real estate industry; Carbon2Capital, an AI-driven solution for tracking and managing carbon emissions; Jadwelny, a personalised travel planning platform using artificial intelligence; and Watermelon LTD, a platform connecting manufacturers, farmers, and F&B outlets within the food ecosystem. This edition of the programme will feature several updates. Participants will engage in more targeted meetings with Emirates NBD stakeholders relevant to their industries, as well as extended mentorship through partner-led Immersion Days and the bank's Decision Makers Series. Founders will also receive support on pitching to venture capitalists and will have the chance to network with industry professionals and subject matter experts. An international trip to London is scheduled for June 2025, giving participants the opportunity to engage with the UK's fintech sector and explore global expansion strategies. Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, said: 'By providing these talented entrepreneurs with access to the mentorship, networking, and investment, we are helping them build innovative solutions that will positively impact the industry and economy.' 'By collaborating with Emirates NBD and other leading partners, we are creating a thriving ecosystem where Emirati entrepreneurs can access the tools, mentorship, and global exposure they need to lead the next wave of fintech innovation from Dubai to the world.'
Wamda
22-05-2025
- Business
- Wamda
SC Ventures partners with DIFC Innovation Hub to launch National Venture Studio
SC Ventures, the innovation and venture arm of Standard Chartered, has partnered with DIFC Innovation Hub to launch the National Venture Studio in Dubai. The initiative aims to accelerate innovation and venture creation in the region by leveraging SC Ventures' Venture Building as a Service (VBaaS) model, which provides frameworks, tools, and global expertise to support end-to-end startup development. Through this collaboration, participants will benefit from venture ideation, prototyping, founder matching, and scaling support, along with opportunities for co-hosted events, research, and ecosystem-building programs in DIFC's innovative environment. Press release: SC Ventures, Standard Chartered's innovation, FinTech investment and ventures arm, has signed a strategic partnership with DIFC Innovation Hub to launch the National Venture Studio, a new initiative aimed at accelerating innovation and supporting venture creation across the region. As part of the collaboration, SC Ventures is providing its Venture Building as a Service (VBaaS) model to equip DIFC Innovation Hub with the tools, expertise, and frameworks required to operate and scale the National Venture Studio. This strategic service offering brings SC Ventures' global venture-building experience to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leading innovation ecosystem. VBaaS supports the entire venture creation lifecycle, from identifying market gaps and validating ideas to prototyping, founder recruitment, and scaling. Through this collaboration, SC Ventures and DIFC Innovation Hub aim to enable government entities, corporates, and entrepreneurs to build bold, tech-enabled solutions addressing regional and global challenges. 'DIFC has a 20-year legacy of supporting innovation in the UAE, and this partnership reflects our commitment to shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region,' said Gautam Jain, Operating Member, SC Ventures. 'Through our VBaaS model, we're proud to empower DIFC Innovation Hub in launching the National Venture Studio, bringing our proven frameworks and capabilities to local innovators.' The National Venture Studio will target a broad set of stakeholders, including individuals, corporates, and public sector entities, with the flexibility to source clients either through DIFC Innovation Hub referrals or joint outreach. The partnership also enables opportunities for co-hosted events, research, and capability-building programmes to advance the region's innovation agenda. "This partnership reinforces DIFC Innovation Hub's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE. By launching the National Venture Studio with SC Ventures' proven VBaaS model, we are equipping local innovators with the tools and expertise needed to create impactful, tech-enabled solutions." said Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Innovation Hub. As the UAE continues to position itself as a global centre for innovation and digital transformation, the launch of the National Venture Studio represents a significant step in nurturing homegrown ventures, supporting economic diversification, and attracting world-class talent to the region.
