Gurgaon-based seed accelerator programme India Accelerator has launched the iAccel Gulf Business Incubator (iAccel GBI) in Dubai under Dubai SME, an agency of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). 

Located in the Business Village in Deira and spanning 3,200 square feet, iAccel GBI is expected to provide the best opportunities for start-up founders with their exceptional four-month hands-on programme to de-risk and grow the start-up. It will also offer several mentorship, networking, and fundraising opportunities.

With the launch of iAccel, India Accelerator claims to be the only accelerator from India to set its footprint in different geographies across the globe.

Talking about the latest development, Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, said, “Dubai today thrives with innovative capabilities and infrastructure, a testament to the unwavering efforts of our visionary leadership, whose goal is to consolidate Dubai’s position at the forefront of the world’s top economic cities. We are now focused on taking Dubai to the next level following the recent launch of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, offering unparalleled opportunities for both multinational corporations and national SMEs.”

“Featuring 17 business incubators covering various sectors, supporting over 500 projects, we are excited to announce the latest addition to this network, iAccel Gulf Business Incubator. Their entry into the emirate will prove to be an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs and start-ups, especially those from India seeking global opportunities from Dubai, the regional gateway to the world,” he added. 

Ashish Bhatia, the founder of India Accelerator, said, "As our first foray beyond India, we have built a state-of-the-art facility equipping young and entrepreneurial talent with knowledge, tools, and connections necessary to fuel their business growth. Dubai Government’s innovative ways to support and nurture the emirate’s flourishing start-up ecosystem make it a perfect place as we look forward to strengthening the India-UAE trade corridor."

Deepak Ahuja, CEO and co-founder of iAccel Gulf Business Incubator, claimed, “iACCEL GBI will be the hub for incubation and acceleration for budding entrepreneurs in Dubai. We will work closely with all the stakeholders (government and private sector) to further strengthen the start-up ecosystem in the UAE. As a part of this journey, we plan to engage & collaborate with universities & academia to catalyse innovation, and drive entrepreneurship. We also plan to provide market access to start-ups from India keen on going global, and Dubai seems to be an ideal destination.”