MBRIF Accelerator Cohort 9: Startups from UAE and Beyond Shine at Innovation Demo Day

Aura, Mantas, and Neuroblast recognised as top performers at MBRIF’s latest showcase of UAE-based and global innovators

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), a UAE Ministry of Finance initiative operated by Emirates Development Bank, convened investors, ecosystem leaders, and founders for the Demo Day of its Innovation Accelerator Program’s ninth cohort. The event spotlighted 15 early-stage companies with cutting-edge solutions spanning health, clean energy, water, education, transport, and space sectors.

Held in Dubai, the event marks a significant milestone in MBRIF’s ongoing efforts to position the UAE as a regional innovation hub. The Demo Day served as both a platform for high-potential startups to present their progress and a competitive forum, where three standout ventures were awarded for excellence.

Three Startups Earn Top Honours

The judging panel, which included Ali AlMajthoob (MEVP), Ivo Detelinov (Salica Investments), and Karim Konsowa (Hub71), selected winners across three categories:

• Best Pitch: Aura, a startup delivering a compelling presentation that demonstrated strong market readiness and innovation clarity.
• Best UAE Homegrown Business: Mantas, recognised for its locally rooted business model with scalable impact potential.
• Most Impactful Business: Neuroblast, honoured for its tangible social and economic contributions.

These awards reflect MBRIF’s dual focus on nurturing both homegrown capabilities and globally relevant ventures operating or expanding in the UAE.

Strategic Support for National Innovation Goals

Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry’s representative at MBRIF, emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering innovation as a driver of economic diversification.

“We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Cohort 9. Their contributions align strongly with the aspirations of the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy,” Alnaqbi said. “Through tailored mentorship and strategic networking, MBRIF continues to support startups on a trajectory toward global competitiveness.”

Shaker Zainal, Head of MBRIF and Chief Business Officer at Emirates Development Bank, also delivered welcome remarks, alongside a keynote address from H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank.

A Platform for Growth and Visibility

The Demo Day featured 15 startups: AC3D, Aura, BIRD Collaborative, Mantas, MARSES Robotics Solutions, Metguard, Neuroblast, Nutrition from Water, Peekapak, Procure Hub, Seramic Materials, Smart Bricks, SURGiA, SPACE., and The Waste Lab.

Each presented their venture to a curated audience of investors and industry stakeholders. While only three startups received awards, all participants gained visibility and access to MBRIF’s extensive support services, which include access to strategic partners, international markets, and non-dilutive funding support.

The Innovation Accelerator Program is one of two flagship initiatives under MBRIF. Launched in 2018, it complements the Fund’s Guarantee Scheme by offering acceleration services without taking equity. Both programs are aligned with the UAE’s broader agenda to stimulate entrepreneurship, economic resilience, and technology-driven growth.

Building an Innovation Economy

With Cohort 9 now concluded, MBRIF continues to expand its influence as a leading enabler of entrepreneurship in the Gulf region. As the UAE sharpens its focus on knowledge-based economic development, platforms like MBRIF are positioned to play a pivotal role in connecting early-stage innovators with the capital, mentorship, and market access they need to scale sustainably.

For more information, visit www.mbrif.ae.

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