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AI Innovation Program

AI Innovation Program — Industry Challenge Matching

Connects United Arab Emirates manufacturers and developers through challenge matching and support from a shared innovation financing pool.

OpenUAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced TechnologyUnited Arab Emirates
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About

The AI Innovation Program (version 2) is a challenge-matching initiative operated by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), announced at the MIITE Forum in June 2024. The programme connects UAE industry partners that have published specific AI problems with technology developers and AI startups capable of solving them. Participation in the challenge-matching network is free …

What this grant funds

Free challenge-matching network connecting AI and technology developers with UAE industry partners publishing specific AI problems, backed by a USD 100 million EDB financing facility.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.Rolling
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Loan
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.AED 100M
Funding analytics

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Industries

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Eligibility criteria

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Timeline

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Where founders trip up

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Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: moiat.gov.ae