in5 has announced the launch of an open call competition offering free membership to the entrepreneur or startup with the best product to boost the UAE’s fight against COVID-19. The winning entry will receive one year’s free membership at in5. This will include access to its innovation centres, creative co-working spaces, prototyping labs, 3D printers, and other facilities designed to support homegrown talent and nurture Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The winning entry must be an innovative solution or idea designed to tackle a social, medical, educational, environmental, or logistical challenge associated with COVID-19. It will provide a platform for one entrepreneur to scale up and roll out their product at pace.

Majed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of Dubai Media City and an in5 leader, said: “Some of the world’s greatest innovations were created during exceptional times and today we have launched an open call competition to find a solution that can support the UAE as it nears a positive breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19.

He added: “Our visionary leadership has built a nation with limitless ambition and during this global challenging we remain focused on enabling entrepreneurs, professionals and freelancers to scaleup their ideas in a nurturing environment to support Dubai’s knowledge-based economy.”

in5 helps startups and entrepreneurs grow with two services. The first is an incubation programme that provides a simplified business setup, creative co-working spaces, mentorship, networking, access to investors, and more. The second is an annual membership offering access to its three innovation centres and other benefits at competitive rates.

How to Apply
Entrants must be a UAE resident with an original idea designed to solve a challenge created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline is Saturday, 06 June 2020. Applications should submit their name, email, contact number, and a short personal bio with a presentation that answers the following questions about the solution: What problem does it solve? Who is the target audience? What does the product look like? What technology, equipment or skills do you need to get it off the ground?

The idea should be emailed to showcase@ddfc.ae.