MITdesignX Dubai (MDXB) Accelerator Program

MITdesignX is a program for entrepreneurship and innovation in the Morningside Academy for Design at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The MITdesignX Dubai (MDXB) accelerator begins October 2023. The program is led by faculty from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, together with local partners Dubai Silicon Oasis (DTEC), Global Growth Hub (GGH), and MISTI – MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives.

In addition, together with global partners, MITdesignX has created a network of accelerator programs in key cities around the world.  Each accelerator focuses on an industry, theme or mission pertinent to the location it is in.

MITdesignX Global Impact

• +150
  • New startups launched in five continents
• >100m
  • People impacted by MITdesignX ventures
• 600+
  • Jobs created by MITdesignX startups emerging from MIT alone
• +$1b
  • Valuation of new startups since 2017.

Exclusive Support

• Curriculum
  • MITdesignX created a powerful four-phase curriculum that strengthens startups and founders from their earliest ideas, through solution development, go-to-market strategies and deployment.
  • Participants receive access to the MITdesignX Playbook – a startup manual built on the experience of ventures.
• Mentorship
  • Each startup will be matched with 1-3 mentors with expertise and passion for their projects. Mentors come from various industries, and include venture founders, subject matter experts, and leaders from government and industry.  Many are MIT alumni or connected to their MIT tech and business eco-system.
• MIT Interns
  • Startups in the MDXB accelerator will have the incredible support of interns from MIT during the month of January, 2024.  These students, from across various disciplines at MIT will provide their knowledge in computer science, engineering, design and business to help advance startups as they emerge from the MDXB accelerator. Opportunities to continue work with MIT students over the summer may also be possible.
• Market Access
  • In partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis and GGH, they will work to create relationships and partnerships with UAE-based entities that lead to market penetration, as well as opportunities for pilots and prototype testing.

Eligibility Criteria

All early-stage startups in the MENA region developing ideas and technology related to sustainable growth and development of the human and built environment. This includes startups addressing construction, supply chain logistics, food and water, health, housing, mobility and other elements that require the efficient use of resources and future-resilient design.

For more information, visit Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Deadline: 27 September 2023