Emirates NBD, DIFC Launchpad Announce ‘National Digital Talent Incubator’ Program

• Incubator program supported by community of world-class business companions together with Visa, Microsoft and Dell Technologies.
• Part of financial institution’s dedication to attracting and growing UAE’s nationwide expertise pool.
• Collaboration to additional corporations’ shared goal of contributing to Dubai’s innovation and GDP development ambitions.
• Joint Initiative, led by Emirates NBD and DIFC Launchpad, strengthens long-term strategic partnership with DIFC.

Emirates NBD, a number one banking group within the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) area, has launched the ‘National Digital Talent Incubator’ program, as part of its strategic partnership with Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the main international monetary centre within the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA). 

Facilitated by DIFC’s enterprise constructing platform, DIFC Launchpad, the bespoke incubator program goals to spice up UAE expertise and the expansion of entrepreneurship throughout the FinTech and digital innovation house. The program can even be supported by main business companions together with Visa, Microsoft and Dell Technologies. 

The National Digital Talent Incubator program will run two cohorts each year, every consisting of three to 6 FinTech startups with UAE nationwide founders and members. Over the eight-week lengthy program, individuals will achieve wealthy insights from enterprise constructing and innovation consultants from DIFC Launchpad, hands-on expertise from probably the most profitable entrepreneurs within the UAE, mentorship and one-to-one teaching classes with founders of high UAE FinTech scaleups and entry to innovator networks, incumbent firms, Governments and capital within the UAE.

Abdulla Qassem, Group Chief Operating Officer, Emirates NBD mentioned: “We are extremely pleased to launch the National Digital Talent Incubator program in collaboration with our long-time strategic partner, DIFC. The launch of this unique program reinforces Emirates NBD’s commitment to accelerate innovation, boost local talent and entrepreneurial growth in the region. As a leading local bank that has always championed innovation and contributed towards growing the national digital economy, we are confident that our new incubator program will help in catalyzing economic development and innovation in the financial services industry and the UAE economy as a whole.” 

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority, mentioned: “The National Digital Talent Incubator programme in partnership with Emirates NBD, is designed to drive innovation and growth by nurturing local talent and the next generation of industry leaders. DIFC’s growing stature as global hub for talent and thriving eco-system for FinTech and Innovation, will further empower UAE Nationals in their pursuit of transforming ideas into thriving startups, as they join our community of over 39,000 highly skilled individuals, representing over 160 nationalities.” 

Miguel Rio Tinto, Group Chief Digital and Information Officer, Emirates NBD mentioned: “Most incubator programs around the world focus only on driving product innovation.   Emirates NBD’s National Digital Talent Incubator program stands out as it has been designed to enable participants to broaden their skillset, network and influence, to better understand key trends shaping the economy and create businesses that significantly impact the local and global economy. We are providing participants with a toolkit to translate their ideas into impactful innovations and the support to grow them to scale.”

He added, “The collaboration and backing of industry leading partners, further lends weight to the program.”