DesignX Dubai

No. We are seeking teams from across the MEA region. Teams in the UAE or elsewhere are all welcome to apply.

Citizens of most countries coming to the UAE will receive a VISA on arrival. Should you need a supporting letter we will issue one to you.

Yes, you can have funding for your startup already, however, we usually don’t work with startups who are already beyond a seed stage.

Yes. All applications must have teams with at least 2 co-founders.

We expect your team to have the people necessary to get your venture launched. If you require technical expertise and leadership then this would be someone who is already on your team.

In general, we are open to most ideas that suit the theme of the accelerator. However, we are not ideally suited for fintech, cybersecurity or biotech specific ventures.

There is no official trip to MIT, but we would be happy to welcome you on campus!

No. The workshop does not provide an MIT professional education certificate or any academic certificate. However, we do provide a certificate of participation in the accelerator.

No funding is provided by the program, although some in-kind services and workspace are provided by DIEZ-Dubai Silicon Oasis, also throughout the program you will be matched with venture funds.

No. We find that when startups participate in multiple programs they are unable to fulfill the needs of either. Participation in other mentorship groups is possible, but coordination amongst mentor is recommended.

No. individuals cannot apply with multiple teams. You must be dedicated to only one idea and team.

No equity stake, and no claim to IP is made by the organizers and sponsors of the accelerator. All ideas and ownership remains with the co-founders.

No. We do not take any claims to IP, but do not sign NDA’s with startups.

No.

Yes, non-profits and for-profits are equal in our belief. As long as you can scale and create impact, we want to hear from you.

No prior funding is required. We work with startups from idea to revenue stages.

No. Your business does not need to be incoporated. However a business entity might be needed for establishing pilots, and will be required for any funding you may receive.

Yes. All workshops will be in English. Mentoring will generally be in English, unless you happen to be matched with a speaker of a mutual language

The program does not cover travel, room or board.

Teams are required to be present for each workshop and during the month of January to work with interns.

Yes. We require in-person attendance by the core co-founders of the startup. We can review the possibility of the majority of co-founders attending, as long as key decisions can be made by the team.