Krypto Labs partners with Sandooq Al Watan for The Bridge Program
Krypto Labs’ new startup program bridges the gap between incubators and accelerators
Krypto Labs, the Abu Dhabi-based global innovation hub, has announced a strategic partnership with Sandooq Al Watan, a social initiative led by a group of Emirati businessmen, for The Bridge, a unique hybrid program in the UAE that aims to build the capabilities of aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators and maximize their success potential.
Offering a unique experience for entrepreneurs that bridges the gap between incubator and accelerator programs, The Bridge aims to equip UAE-based entrepreneurs across all sectors with the tools they need to start and grow their innovative and disruptive businesses.
In alignment with its vision to support Emirati research projects and cooperate with numerous government and private sector entities to nurture the sustainable development of the UAE, Sandooq Al Watan is collaborating with Krypto Labs as a Strategic Partner in The Bridge where they will be supporting the capacity building activities in the program in addition to helping its deal flow through the fund various initiatives and large national network. Sandooq Al Watan will also invest in the program’s first phase graduates, in efforts to support the program’s goal in fostering the UAE’s active entrepreneurial community and maximizing the growth of Emirati startups by transforming their MVPs into successful businesses.
Dr. Saleh Al Hashemi, Managing Director of Krypto Labs, said: “After the success of our previous innovation programs, we were keen on developing a new program to continue our mission to empower entrepreneurs in developing their capabilities, and this is why we are launching The Bridge. We are honored by the partnership with Sandooq Al Watan, which reflects our shared vision to contributing to the transition of the UAE to a knowledge-based economy. The wise leadership’s vision to position the UAE as a global leader across all sectors by investing in our youth charges our persistence in building programs that can unleash the potential of Emirati talents and assist the youth in building groundbreaking innovations from the UAE’s capital”.
Mr. Mohammed Al Qadhi, Executive Director of Sandooq Al Watan, mentioned: “We are very happy to partner with Krypto Labs on this important initiative that will translate academic discovery and knowledge to successful commercial startups that will diversify our economy. We seek all students and professors with great ideas and inventions to come forth and take advantage of this opportunity. “
He also added “Sandooq al Watan is continually looking for dynamic and capable Emiratis that can fulfill H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s vision for a post oil era “
Applications for The Bridge are open for UAE-based entrepreneurs, private sector employees, government employees, and university students, with products and services at the prototype level across any sector.
The selected teams will enroll in a 4-month program of custom training and mentorship that will support them to fine-tuning their MVPs, growing their entrepreneurial capabilities, and securing funding from angel investors and early-stage VCs, while receiving more than $60,000 worth of development professional services.
Applicants to The Bridge will benefit from full access to Krypto Labs’ local and global network of partners and investors, all whilst advancing their businesses from the startup hub’s fully equipped premises in Masdar City.