Dubai’s DSO launches ‘SANDBOX’ programme to support early-stage startups

Dubai’s DSO launches ‘SANDBOX’ programme to support early-stage startups

DUBAI - Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, announced the commencement of SANDBOX, the region’s first-of-its-kind startup programme to support early-stage technology startups scale and raise funds.

Launched at GITEX Future Stars in October 2021, the Programme has received more than 600 applications from startups and entrepreneurs within four months of its launch.

Twelve applicants, all operating in tech-focused fields, have been accepted to join the 12-month Programme, run by the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), DSO’s tech hub and coworking space, and the largest of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Director-General of Dubai silicon Oasis, said, "Nearly 95 percent of the companies operating in Dubai are SMEs, and they employ 42 percent of the workforce in the private sector. Nonetheless, there is a gap in funding for early-stage startups and entrepreneurs. This Programme addresses precisely that requirement and supports startups, especially those developing promising tech-driven innovations, to have a fighting chance."

Dr. Al Matrooshi added, "When we first envisioned SANDBOX, we were confident it will grab the attention of the entrepreneurial world and we are proud to see so many come forward to apply. It was a tough process