WHX Tech logo
WHX Tech

Xcelerate Champion of Innovation

Pays an equity-free cash prize to the top healthcare startup pitching live at WHX Tech's Xcelerate competition in Dubai.

OpenWHX TechGlobal

Startups apply online and, if shortlisted, must hold a confirmed WHX Tech Startup Pod to compete. Up to 40 startups pitch live on the Xcelerate Stage in judged groups, and the top 12 advance to a Grand Finale where the Champion of Innovation, Best Early-Stage and Best Scale-Up winners are chosen from a combined USD 30,000 prize pool.

Xcelerate is open to healthcare and health-adjacent startups across verticals such as medical devices, digital health, biotech, telehealth, women's health and healthcare cybersecurity. It targets companies with a working product or technology, grouped into Early Stage and Scale-Up pitch tracks.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.4 Nov 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.12 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Prize
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$30K

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