FAQ

[:en]The purpose of the program is for technology companies and government to explore opportunities and collaborate. Since inception, over the last three cohorts, over 70% of companies signed an agreement (an MoU or contract) with a government partner by the end of the program. Many companies also developed a significant network of customers and contacts in the region by participating in the program.[:]

[:en]The IP of any new technologies or processes developed in association with a government entity belong to your company. However, like any commercial agreement, IP and licensing may be a point of negotiation if the entity offers to fund a pilot project.[:]

[:en]Since participants will likely be working away from their regular place of work, companies should look to cover living expenses and any other travel costs incurred while attending the program.

Companies must arrange comprehensive medical insurance for all participants – this is a strict condition of attendance, and participants may be asked for proof of cover before traveling to the program.

Finally, every participating company will be required to demonstrate its core technologies in the early weeks of the program. This means that a hardware company should bring some form of their hardware with so it can be tested. If your product is software, participants should be able to not only demonstrate it, but explain it in technical detail.[:]

[:en]We will not cover the costs of part-time participants, however they are more than welcome to be a part of the program so as long as your company incurs the costs.[:]

[:en]Dubai Future Accelerators (DFA) is a unique opportunity for technology companies to gain unparalleled access to the staff, resources and expertise of Dubai’s government organizations.

This isn’t an accelerator in the traditional sense – we won’t teach you how to write a business plan or build an MVP; what we accelerate is the relationship between companies and government. Instead of taking months to access relevant stakeholders, expect to develop a positive relationship with the government of Dubai in days.

The aim of the program is to provide a dynamic environment where companies and entities can explore new opportunities to deliver transformative technologies and services, culminating in companies receiving a MOU (or other commercial agreement) to deliver a funded pilot project after the program ends.[:]

[:en]We need a commitment from 2 to 3 participants to attend full-time for the duration of the 9-week cohort. Business development, project management and the ability to rapidly prototype ideas are key skills required. Furthermore, we require a senior decision maker to be a part of this team as it is an intense program and key decisions will have to be made instantaneously. This ensures that you are in a position to make the best out of the program.[:]

[:en]Our upcoming cohort starts mid September 2018 and ends on November 2018. The deadline to submit applications for this cohort is on August 3 2018, 11:59pm GMT+4.[:]

[:en]The DFA does not receive or expect any equity in return for your company’s participation. However, equity could be a topic of negotiation between you and government partners or private entities depending on your agreement with them. Again, it is entirely up to you to proceed with the agreement or not[:]