KHALIFA FUND ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETITION - KHALIFA FUND

Khalifa Fund Entrepreneurship Competition Apply Now Home » Programmes » Khalifa Fund Entrepreneurship Competition Build what Abu Dhabi needs The Entrepreneurship Competition 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. Apply Now 3 Cities 1 Intense Bootcamp 15 Finalists Pitch Live 5 Winners AED 1M+ In Prizes & In-Kind Support Why Apply — What You Get More than a competition — a launchpad for your startup Selected startups do not simply pitch. Whether based in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra, participants will go through an intensive bootcamp, gaining access to mentorship, resources, and Khalifa Fund’s wider ecosystem ahead of the final stage of the competition. 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. Sector Focus Solve real challenges across Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy The Entrepreneurship Competition 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. Competition Journey From application to awards The competition is open to entrepreneurs across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. Startups will be selected and assigned to their local Khalifa Fund MZN campus for an intense physical bootcamp, from which 15 finalists and ultimately 5 sector winners emerge. Applications Open April- May 2026 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 Screening & Selection May- June 2026 Multi-stage screening: automated eligibility checks, structured scoring, ranking, and human quality assurance. Startups are selected and assigned to their local Khalifa Fund MZN campus. Bootcamp June 2026 An intensive bootcamp will be delivered in each city, covering key topics such as problem and market validation, solution and business model refinement, alongside pitch coaching, mock pitches, and jury-based finalist selection. The top 15 participants will be selected from across all three cities. Finalist Preparation June – July 2026 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. Final Pitch at the SKEA Awards July 2026 15 finalists pitch to sector-specific jury panels. 5 sector winners and 3 innovation award recipients announced at SKEA in front of investors, media, and Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem leaders. 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. M