Edinburgh Business School Global Incubator

Edinburgh Business School Dubai campus is committed to providing world class education and business support to its students and to the wider community, and never has this been more important than during these current challenging times.

EBS Global Incubator was founded on the premise that dedicated individuals with transformative ideas can solve 21st-century challenges. In an effort to empower change, EBS Global Incubator supports fearless early stage entrepreneurs through a unique programme designed to transform audacious ideas into scalable and investable ventures. By providing free workspace, strategic, educational, and business resources, along with access to professional and investor networks, EBS Global Incubator gives fellows the tools needed to achieve meaningful outcomes. Located in Edinburgh and Dubai, the diverse political, philanthropic, academic, business and international community engenders a truly unrivalled enterprise ecosystem to incubate innovation.

EBS Global Incubator is a one-stop haven for entrepreneurs to scale their business ideas.

The EBS Incubator Fellowship

A 4-month fellowship equipping your team with free workspace, expert support from business consultants and academics, mentorship, leadership coaching, along with continuous business development to help make your entrepreneurial vision a reality.

Your profile

We are encouraging applications at TRL 1 with a focus on AI/Robotics, Net Zero, Smart Construction & Clean Technology. Your venture needs to be incorporated and eager to grow its leadership team by working with the EBS Practice Excellence Network and its talent pool.

Why should you apply?

• Virtual & in-person program elements allow for maximum agility and facilitate global participation.
• Capitalize on the interconnectedness of the global tech industry whilst using Dubai as the proof-of-concept platform for your start-up.
• Leverage a digital alumni network of past participants for additional support, collaboration, and potential business opportunities.
• Gain curated access to HWU Industry Panels and events to grow your start-up in Dubai.
• Prime exhibition space and pitch opportunities at conferences & events in Dubai.

Who should apply

• You have an innovative tech solution in AI/Robotics, Net Zero, Smart Construction & Clean Technology.
• Your start-up can be based in any geographic location but see a strategic fit in implementing your solution in Dubai. And at least one team member is able to attend the incubator in person (mandatory). Please note that you will be required to acquire a UAE business license in the start.
• Your business has at least 1 full-time team member.
• Your startup matches one of our three themes outlined.
• Heriot Watt University students, female founders and Emirati nationals are encouraged to apply

What’s included?

• Become investment/funding ready with expert support in transforming an innovative technology idea into a TRL 3 Prototype/PoC.
• Grow your business capabilities by working with student consultants through the EBS Practice Excellence Network.
• Achieve your goals and grow your business through our business development support, global enterprise and research networks, as well as through access to exclusive funding competitions and investor networks.
• Up-skill your team through a broad range of business workshops and trainings
• Ensure uninterrupted business operations by utilizing the Incubator's co-working offices, breakout spaces, meeting rooms, high-speed fiber broadband, and excellent IT Infrastructure.
• Extend your reach and increase your impact by joining and connecting with the global EBS alumni network of inspiring entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and policy makers.
• The chance to pitch your venture to HWU Principal Partners.
• The opportunity to present your startup to industry leaders, angel investors and venture capitalists for potential collaboration and/or investment.
• Incubated companies can access all the support and enterprise development activities in Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus, throughout the network and the broader support community.
• They also receive access to resources, training, and workshops, and have the opportunity to work with a mentor.

Please note: Applicants to Edinburgh Business School Dubai campus Incubator must have their own UAE visa.