EMPOWERING BUSINESS. SUPPORTING GROWTH.

SME Champions Program, promotes SME inclusion in large-scale procurement from both the public and private sectors. Since the inception the program has successfully facilitated more than 672 million dirhams in procurement deals between SMEs and large companies. By connecting small businesses with major buyers, the initiative unlocks commercial opportunities and reinforces the role of SMEs in driving economic diversification and innovation.

SME Export Enablement Program equips small and medium-sized enterprises with the tools and support necessary to enter international markets. Through expert advisory services, capacity building, and access to global trade platforms, the program enhances the global competitiveness of UAE-based businesses and helps them identify and seize export opportunities.

ICV Readiness Program prepares businesses to obtain In-Country Value (ICV) certification. This government-driven initiative supports the strategic localization of supply chains and encourages redirection of high public spending toward the national economy. Khalifa Fund helps SMEs meet the eligibility criteria for ICV and obtain the ICV certificate enabling them to participate in government procurement opportunities and contribute more effectively to the local industrial landscape.

Light Manufacturing Accelerator is designed to provide end-to-end support by connecting entrepreneurs and manufacturers with government entities, industry partners, and specialised clusters. The program facilitates regulatory navigation, access to supply chain opportunities, and integration into sector-specific hubs. By creating a connected and supportive ecosystem, Khalifa Fund enables investors & SME manufacturers to innovate, scale, and compete both locally and globally.

  This programme is designed to bridge the financing gap. The initiative simplifies the process of opening business bank accounts and improves access to credit and funding solutions that meet the working capital and long-term investment needs of SMEs. By building strong partnerships with financial institutions, this program helps enterprises secure the financial resources required for growth and innovation

Build what Abu Dhabi needs

 The Khalifa Entrepreneurship Award is Khalifa Fund’s flagship competition in its second edition for identifying, developing, and rewarding Abu Dhabi’s most promising startups solving real challenges across the emirate’s Falcon Economy sectors.

 

• AED 1M+: In Prizes & In-Kind Support.

• 100+: Startups Selected.

• 3: Tri-Campus Bootcamps.

• 15: Finalists Pitch Live.

• 5: Winners.

   

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Why Apply — What You Get

More than a competition a launchpad for your startup

Selected startups don’t just pitch. Whether you’re based in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra, you’ll attend an intensive bootcamp at your local Khalifa Fund MZN campus gaining mentorship, resources, and direct access to Khalifa Fund’s ecosystem before competing for the final stage.  

• Prizes & Rewards: Over AED 1M in total prizes and in-kind support awarded collectively across sector winners and innovation award recipients.
• 3-Day Intensive Bootcamp: Problem validation, business model refinement, and pitch coaching delivered by sector experts and mentors at your local Khalifa Fund MZN campus in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra.
• Innovation Awards: Special recognition and prizes for outstanding use of AI, Robotics, and Sustainability judged by leading academic partners.
• Mentorship & Network: 1:1 mentorship from sector specialists, exposure to Khalifa Fund’s partner ecosystem, and connections to investors and industry leaders.
• Khalifa Fund MZN Membership: Top 15 finalists receive Khalifa Fund’s MZN Hub membership which includes co-working space access, events, workshops, digital tools, and discounts with service providers for one year.
• Public Pitch Stage: Finalists pitch at the SKEA Awards, one of Abu Dhabi’s premier platforms, in front of investors, sector leaders, media, and government stakeholders.

 

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Sector Focus

Solve real challenges across Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy

The competition is anchored to Abu Dhabi’s priority sectors. Your startup should address a real market gap across Falcon Economy sectors such as:

 

• Tourism & Experiences.

• Social & Health.

• Fintech & Financial Innovation.

• Energy & Sustainability.

• Agriculture & Food Security.

   

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Competition Journey

From application to awards your path

The competition is open to entrepreneurs across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. More than 100 startups will be selected and assigned to their local Khalifa Fund MZN campus for a 3-day bootcamp, from which 15 finalists and ultimately 5 sector winners emerge.

 

	Timeline	Title	Description
	Phase 1 Apr 1 – Jun 5	Applications Open	Submit your application online. We’re looking for MVP-ready startups with Emirati ownership, aligned to one of the Falcon Economy sectors. Applications are scored on execution, solution potential, and creativity.
	Phase 2 Jun 5 – Jun26	Screening & Selection	Multi-stage screening: automated eligibility checks, structured scoring, ranking, and human quality assurance. 100+ startups are selected and assigned to their local Khalifa Fund MZN campus.
	Phase 3 Jul – Sep 2026	Tri-Campus Bootcamps	Each city runs its own 3-day intensive bootcamp at the local Khalifa Fund MZN campus. Day 1: Problem & market validation. Day 2: Solution & business model refinement. Day 3: Pitch coaching, mock pitches, and jury-based finalist selection. The Top 15 emerge from all three campuses.
	Phase 4 Sep – Nov	Finalist Preparation	Top 15 receive MZN membership, in-kind support, dedicated mentorship, and intensive pitch coaching. Monthly sessions refine decks, storytelling, and financials. Mock pitches with external advisors ensure readiness.
	Phase 5 Dec 7 – 10	Final Pitch at the SKEA Awards	15 finalists pitch to sector-specific jury panels. 5 sector winners and 3 innovation award recipients announced at a public awards ceremony in front of investors, media, and Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem leaders.

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 Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply

We’re looking for committed, early-stage founders building real solutions. Before you apply, make sure you meet all of the following criteria:

• Age requirement: Applicant must be aged 18 or above at the time of application.
• Abu Dhabi residency: Must be residing in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra region.
• Emirati ownership: Startup must be Emirati-owned or co-owned with at least one Emirati founder on the team.
• MVP or prototype ready: Your startup must have a working prototype or minimum viable product with a pitchdeck attached.
• Sector alignment: Your solution must address a challenge within one of the competition’s Falcon Economy sectors.
• Scalable business model: Your startup should demonstrate a clear path to scaling and creating value beyond a single market.
• Availability commitment: Must be available for the full 3-day bootcamp at your assigned campus and the final pitching event.

What we look for Beyond eligibility, our selection process rewards founders who show clarity of thought, depth of understanding of their market, and evidence of execution — not pitch polish. We value startups that can clearly articulate what problem they solve, for whom, and why their approach is different. Show us what you’ve built, not just what you plan to build.

 

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  How You’re Evaluated Applications and bootcamp pitches are evaluated against four weighted criteria covering the fundamentals expected of MVP-ready startups.  

• Sectoral Impact: Alignment to sector challenge. Contribution to sector growth. Abu Dhabi relevance.

• Market Potential: Business model clarity. GTM plausibility. Traction. Competitive differentiation.

• Team Assessment: Team composition. Domain expertise. Pitch and communication quality.

• Technical Feasibility: Technical viability. Prototype functionality. Execution clarity. Risk awareness.

 

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