The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) has welcomed 17 companies into the 12th cohort of its Innovation Accelerator Program, bringing together founders working across artificial intelligence, healthcare, sustainability, education and advanced technologies.

The new group includes businesses from both the UAE and international markets, each developing solutions designed to address practical challenges and create new opportunities across strategic sectors. Their work ranges from digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing to accessibility, water management and environmental technology.

Innovation across key industries

Members of the new cohort are developing technologies aimed at improving retail operations, expanding access to business financing, strengthening healthcare delivery and automating industrial processes.

Other companies are focused on smarter environmental management, inclusive digital services and tools that could help organisations operate more efficiently.

The 17 selected businesses are Albert Health, ByteEdge, DoDocs AI, Emarabot, Eshara AI, Forg3t, GrowthIQ, Qortex, Reputeo, Rewa, SeekRight, Sghartoon, The AM Lab, TYAR AIN, Valeo, WAT and YU.SH.

Support beyond funding

Through the accelerator, participating companies receive tailored mentorship, strategic advisory services and access to a wider network of investors, partners and industry leaders.

The programme is designed to help founders refine their business models, improve commercial readiness and prepare their companies for sustainable expansion.

Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the UAE Ministry of Finance, said the initiative is focused on supporting businesses whose solutions respond to real market needs while contributing to the country’s ambitions in entrepreneurship, sustainability and knowledge-based economic growth.

Nearly 220 businesses supported

The latest intake builds on 11 previous cohorts of the Innovation Accelerator Program.

Since its launch, the initiative has supported nearly 220 innovative businesses, helping them attract more than Dh3 billion in external funding and create over 1,500 employment opportunities across the UAE.

MBRIF was launched by the UAE Ministry of Finance in 2016 and is operated by Emirates Development Bank. Its accelerator programme began in 2018 as part of the UAE National Innovation Strategy.

For Dubai and the wider UAE, the arrival of Cohort 12 reflects the continued growth of an innovation ecosystem designed to attract ambitious companies, connect them with capital and expertise, and help turn emerging technologies into commercially scalable businesses.