Finalists will be awarded a prototyping grant and be considered for investment and mentoring by startAD
Abu Dhabi, March 20, 2018: NYU Abu Dhabi innovation and entrepreneurship platform startAD is inviting innovative startups to apply for the second edition of the hardware Venture Launchpad, an immersive 10-day entrepreneurship program that will help startups develop a scalable, repeatable, and capital efficient venture. The program will take place from April 29 to May 9, 2018. The deadline to apply is April 15. Startups can apply to the program at hvl.startad.ae.
The Venture Launchpad program will culminate in a unique Investor Day program where the top 10 teams will receive private one-on-one facetime with 10 active UAE investors. Finalists will also win a prototyping grant and be considered for investment and ADvance mentoring by startAD, including the opportunity to build their prototype at Al Warsha, the startAD lab. The lab is equipped with the latest in prototyping tools, including 3D printers, laser cutters, PCB Printers and an assortment of hand tools with guidance provided by startAD’s innovation engineer. The initiative is open to UAE and global early-stage hardware startups and is free of charge to accepted teams.
NYU Abu Dhabi Research Professor of Engineering, Vice Provost for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and startAD Managing Director, Ramesh Jagannathan, said, “Ever since the introduction of the first Bluetooth headset in 2004, the wearable technologies market has accelerated steadily and is expected to grow from $20 billion in 2016 to $58 billion by 2022. The time for hardware innovation is now and Abu Dhabi is positioned to be a leader in this area. Startups looking to create global impact should seize this unique opportunity to benefit from startAD’s network of mentors, corporate partners, trainers, investors, prototyping support and the unique innovation ecosystem that Abu Dhabi provides.”
In addition to refining their prototypes, startups accepted into the program will gain a deeper understanding of design thinking methodologies, go-to-market strategies, financial planning including valuation and funding as well as the chance to connect with manufacturing sources and prototyping labs in China.
Promising hardware startups with the vision and drive to build a successful company and who have a tested concept, initial prototype/product and an initial team can apply through the startAD website - hvl.startad.ae
