Today's Edition
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
Emirates NBD has launched the fifth cohort of its National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI) programme, marking two years since the initiative was first introduced to develop Emirati talent and strengthen the UAE’s FinTech ecosystem.
The programme has supported 17 start-ups since its inception, with the new cohort bringing the total to over 21. The NDTI aims to nurture Emirati entrepreneurs and drive innovation in financial technology, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a digital economy.
Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, said the programme had become a cornerstone of innovation in the country’s financial sector.
“We are not just incubating start-ups; we are building a robust ecosystem that empowers Emirati entrepreneurs to drive product innovation and create solutions that resonate globally.”
The fifth cohort includes four start-ups — FevaFit, Smooth Pay, HAAY, and Transcend Tech — each focused on technology-driven solutions ranging from fitness and payments to AI and climate innovation.
Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of the DIFC Innovation Hub, said the programme had created a supportive environment for local entrepreneurs to access mentorship and global exposure, describing it as vital for shaping a “future-ready, digital-driven economy.”
Participants will engage in workshops, mentorship sessions and international exposure trips, including a visit to the Singapore FinTech Festival, as part of a structured programme designed to maximise growth and innovation opportunities.
