Standard Chartered & DIFC Collaborate to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in UAE's Technology Sector

Standard Chartered and DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) have joined forces to launch the fifth cohort of their successful 'Women in Tech' accelerator program in the UAE. This program aims to promote innovation, encourage sustainable growth, and support female entrepreneurs in the technology industry.

The 'Women in Tech' accelerator program, part of a global Women in Tech initiative, has been making waves in nine countries, creating a powerful network of empowered women in the tech space. The program, which is run in conjunction with DIFC Innovation Hub, provides unmatched assistance, mentoring, and access to seed money to help women-led start-ups succeed.

Until the end of July, the accelerator is welcoming applications from aspiring women entrepreneurs to participate in the program. Among the numerous applicants, Standard Chartered UAE will select ten start-ups to benefit from a comprehensive curriculum tailored to address their specific needs. The chosen entrepreneurs will receive extensive training, immersive workshops, and invaluable mentorship opportunities, enabling them to unleash their potential and accelerate their business ventures.

The program culminates in a demo day scheduled for October. During this event, ten female-led entrepreneurial teams will showcase their innovative business models to a distinguished panel of potential investors, industry experts, and thought leaders. Apart from gaining exposure and recognition, the top three winners will be awarded a total of $100,000 in equity-free seed capital, providing a substantial boost to their ventures.

Rola Abu Manneh, CEO of Standard Chartered UAE, expressed her enthusiasm about the latest Women in Tech accelerator, highlighting its commitment to championing women's empowerment and supporting technological innovation. The partnership with DIFC Innovation Hub makes important advancements in creating a more diverse and dynamic innovation ecosystem that welcomes women-led start-ups and makes use of their unique abilities and views in order to create a better future for everyone.

DIFC Innovation Hub, dedicated to supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs in the UAE, is excited to partner with Standard Chartered in driving the future of finance together. The Women in Tech program empowers female entrepreneurs to overcome challenges, make a lasting impact, and contribute to the growth of the tech industry.

Standard Chartered UAE has already successfully accelerated four cohorts in the past, comprising over 20 start-ups. These start-ups collectively raised more than $5 million from various venture capitalists, enabling them to expand their businesses within and outside the UAE.

The 'Women in Tech' accelerator continues to make a significant impact in empowering women in the technology sector, fostering innovation, diversity, and economic development in the UAE. With the launch of the fifth cohort, the program aims to create more success stories and drive positive change in the tech ecosystem.