Dubai (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 06 March 2026) Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), a special economic zone for knowledge and innovation and a member of the association Dubai The Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) concluded the third cycle of the programme Massachusetts Institute of Technology DesignX Dubai Accelerator Program (MDXB) with Demo Day held at Dubai Silicon Oasis.
The program is offered in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology technology (MIT) and global growth center (gg).
This achievement represents the completion of the first phase of the programme, celebrating a new generation of design-led projects capable of confronting critical regional and global challenges.
The third group included 11 innovative startups that were selected through a competitive application process. Nearly half of the projects fall outside the scope United Arab Emirateswhich covers sectors including artificial intelligence, healthcare, sustainable materials, autonomous systems and workforce technologies.
During the first phase of the program, the founders participated in intensive workshops and mentoring sessions led by MITdesignX, with support from Massachusetts Institute of Technology student Trainees and global growth center. Participants received structured guidance and access to… DubaiInnovation ecosystem, connections with investors and corporate partners government Owners.
During the Demo Day, a total of AED 100,000 in equity-free funding was awarded to the three best-performing startups, plus one year Dubai Silicon Oasis a job Setup packages.
The winning teams were Katrix, which is developing a real-time AI perception platform for autonomous systems and smart infrastructure; Wellmatix, an AI platform that accelerates sustainable chemicals and materials research; and Nasheed, a workforce verification solution that enhances compliance and safety across industrial and construction projects.
In addition, Apollo Medica, which integrates artificial intelligence and wearables technology To enhance rehabilitation outcomes, The BE Story, which develops bioenzyme-based solutions that transform organic waste into eco-friendly cleaning products, has been awarded a one-year DSO a job Setup Packages in recognition of their scalable, impact-oriented innovations.
Commentary on the conclusion of the third installment of MIT DesignX Dubai Growth Acceleration Program, Badr Buhanad, General Manager Dubai Silicon Oasis said: “The program reflects our strategic commitment to promoting design- and technology-led entrepreneurship in line with… DubaiLong-term economic vision. Through our collaboration with MIT and the integrated ecosystem at Dubai Silicon Oasis, we enable founders to translate research and innovation into scalable projects of regional and global importance, supported by direct access to capital, expertise and expertise. market “Opportunities.”
“We are thrilled to support the next generation of innovative entrepreneurs through this program,” said Gilad Rosenzweig, executive director of MITdesignX. “The third cohort has demonstrated not only incredible talent, but also a strong commitment to developing solutions that deliver meaningful impact across the region and beyond. Initiatives like this demonstrate how mentorship, collaboration, and access to the right resources can create bold transformation.” technology Transforming ideas into projects ready for expansion.
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Omar Hassan, Managing Director, Global Growth centerHe said: “Dubai continues to strengthen its position globally center For technology-driven startups. Our partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis connects entrepreneurs to a thriving ecosystem of talent and capital Marketshelping bring bold and innovative ideas to life.
the first prize It was awarded to Katrix AI, which has developed a cloud-independent, real-time, mission-critical visualization platform for autonomous systems and intelligent infrastructure. By integrating multiple sensor inputs including LiDAR, RADAR, GNSS and vision systems, the platform combines on-device AI processing with deterministic execution to enhance operational safety, accuracy, intent awareness and object recognition in safety-critical environments, supporting safe and reliable autonomous operations across mobility and industrial applications.
The second prize was awarded to Wellmatix, an artificial intelligence platform that accelerates research and development in materials and chemicals. By combining machine learning and scientific verification, a company Significantly reduces traditional development cycles, enabling faster commercialization of sustainable materials solutions, including carbon capture innovations.
The third prize went to Nasheed, a workforce verification and compliance platform serving the industrial and construction sectors. The solution ensures that employees on site are validated and comply with safety standards, enhancing transparency, risk management and operational efficiency.
The MITdesignX Accelerator program reflects a strategic collaboration between… Dubai Silicon Oasis and MIT to embed globally recognized design-led innovation frameworks DubaiEntrepreneurship scene. Rooted in the MIT ecosystem, the program integrates research, design thinking, and commercial validation to support founders in turning advanced ideas into scalable ventures.
Through equity-free financing, structured mentorship and direct access to Dubai Silicon Oasis’ integrated ecosystem, participants benefit from More than nursery. The program connects startups with academia, corporates, investors and regulatory stakeholders, enabling projects to test, improve and scale within a dynamic operating environment.
Since its inception, MITdesignX, the global leader in accelerating transformative startups, has supported more than 200 projects across five continents. The portfolio’s projects have collectively achieved valuations in excess of $1 one billionWhich highlights the program’s impact on the global innovation landscape.
Continuous expansion of the program in Dubai It enhances the emirate’s position globally center For knowledge and advanced industries technology Companies, further consolidation Dubai Silicon Oasis’ role as an integrated ecosystem where international collaboration, applied research and enabling infrastructure converge to drive innovation-led economic growth.