MoIAT and EDB unveil Make it in the Emirates Accelerator to Power the Next Wave of Industrial Startups
The Emirates Development Bank (EDB), a cornerstone in the UAE’s mission for economic diversification and industrial transformation, has announced the launch of the Make it in the Emirates Accelerator. This pioneering initiative is designed to fast-track high-impact industrial startups and scale-ups, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).
This accelerator represents the UAE’s first platform of its kind. It was unveiled at the Make it in the Emirates 2025 event, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The event witnessed the presence of His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of EDB. The accelerator focuses on industrial entrepreneurship by providing founders with strategic tools, technical expertise, market access, and mentorship aimed at scaling operations and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy.
The initiative aligns with EDB’s broader mission to foster economic transformation as part of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. It aims to support companies in priority sectors, including food security, healthcare, renewables, advanced technology, and manufacturing. EDB’s approach provides patient capital, tailored financial solutions, and access to a vibrant ecosystem, accelerating growth for businesses that deliver world-class products made in the UAE.
His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in boosting the competitiveness of the industrial sector by providing key enablers and incentives. The Make it in the Emirates Accelerator mirrors the shared ambition with EDB to fulfill the goals of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. The initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs, unlocking opportunities for UAE-made products to compete globally and inspire the next generation of industrial leaders.
His Excellency Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, emphasized the necessity of empowering the right entrepreneurs with ambition, resilience, and innovative ideas. Through the accelerator, entrepreneurs are provided with the opportunity to turn ideas into globally impactful projects, offering tools for scaling, networks for growth, and confidence to lead.
Since implementing its strategy in 2021, EDB has financed over AED 18.7 billion and generated more than 32,000 jobs. The Make it in the Emirates Accelerator marks the next step in building an industrial economy ready for the future, where innovation stands as a national export in its own right.
At the Make it in the Emirates 2025 event, EDB showcased the first cohort of startups supported through the accelerator. These include Pure Soil, a leader in organic food production; Yala Kombucha, a health-oriented beverage brand creating award-winning probiotic drinks in the UAE; Sulmi, pioneering sustainable mobility with its homegrown electric motorbikes; and Dein, a luxury leather goods startup blending Emirati craftsmanship with modern design.
In future phases, the accelerator will welcome more entrepreneurs and companies, furthering the goals of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology while solidifying the UAE’s status as a global hub for industrial excellence and innovation.
The Make it in the Emirates Accelerator strengthens EDB’s commitment to building industrial ecosystems. It collaborates with national platforms such as MoIAT’s Make it in the Emirates campaign and EDB’s own Manufacturing Accelerator and AgriX scheme. These initiatives aim to nurture scalable businesses, localize supply chains, and advance UAE industrial self-sufficiency. As the program grows, more entrepreneurs will be integrated into the accelerator, contributing to the UAE’s goals under Operation 300bn and reinforcing the country’s global position in industrial excellence.
Emirates Development Bank stands as a pivotal financial engine for the UAE’s economic and industrial advancement. Offering both financial and non-financial support, EDB aids businesses of all sizes—from startups and SMEs to corporates—enhancing economic competitiveness across five strategic priority sectors: advanced technology, food security, healthcare, renewables, and manufacturing. As the first local bank in the UAE to achieve a Great Place to Work certification, EDB fosters a culture of high trust and performance that supports business growth and social impact.
