Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), a hub for innovation under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has announced the launch of the second edition of the MIT DesignX Dubai Accelerator (MDXB). The program, which began in September 2023, is run in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Global Growth Hub (GGH).

This year, 10 startups were chosen from over 400 global applicants to participate in the accelerator. These startups represent regions including Europe, the US, and the GCC, focusing on solutions tied to sustainability, environmental initiatives, and cutting-edge technologies.

The accelerator’s curriculum, developed by MIT, combines workshops and business design classes, supported by mentorship from MIT alumni, local industry leaders, and MIT student interns. The program, held at the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec)—the MENA region’s largest tech hub—runs until May 2025.

Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Director-General of DSO, highlighted the success of the first MDXB cohort and noted this initiative supports Dubai’s commitment to fostering a dynamic ecosystem for technology and sustainability entrepreneurs. As reported by WAM, he commented, “The accelerator continues to attract global and local interest. We are thrilled to welcome these promising startups to help them achieve their ambitions.”

The program will conclude on January 30 with a Demo Day, where startups will present their innovations to investors and industry leaders. A winner will also be announced at the event.

The startups in this cohort are working on diverse projects, including hydrogen technology, waste management, carbon emissions reduction, and energy storage. Among them are Protium Technologies, specializing in hydrogen solutions; Kanz, an AI-powered financing aggregator; and Circa Biotech, which transforms organic waste into resources like bio-diesel and insect protein.

Gilad Rosenzweig, Executive Director of MIT DesignX, expressed excitement about the potential of the second cohort, emphasizing the program’s role in scaling innovations. Omar Hassan, Managing Director at GGH, stated that the diversity and sustainability focus of this year’s startups align with the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future.

By fostering collaboration and innovation, the MDXB continues to position Dubai as a global leader in technology and sustainability entrepreneurship.