Tech startups vie for chance to work with Dubai’s space centre
Drones that can fly on Mars, artificial-intelligence-powered satellite systems, and new satellite launch pads are but some of the projects startup firms are presenting at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s (MBRSC) Innovation Hub at the Gitex Technology Week.
A total of 15 technology startups from different countries were chosen as part of MBRSC’s ‘Innovation Challenge’ — a competition that will award the top three winners with a cash prize and an opportunity to work with the space centre on some of their projects.
The startups have been invited to the Gitex Future Stars exhibition to present their ideas.
Adnan Al Rais, Mars 2117 programme manager at the MBRSC, said: “The idea of the MBRSC innovation hub is to support the startups and entrepreneurs and also establish industries with an ecosystem of our various space programmes. We are launching this initiative in order to establish collaboration with startups and entrepreneurs, providing them with opportunities to work with us on different projects and programmes.”
“We did the announcement a couple of months ago and then we selected 15 different startups coming from different parts of the world. We have some from the UAE, Singapore, UK, Saudi Arabia, and US. Each one of them is coming up with different ideas, products, and technologies,” Al Rais said.
A few of the firms’ ideas include the use of the Internet of Things via satellite systems; unique concepts of satellite launch pads; and implementing artificial intelligence into satellite imagery to produce useful applications and value-added services.
The MBRSC will pick seven finalists from the 15 after their presentations at the Gitex Future Stars. Then, only three will win the cash prize and earn the chance to work with the centre.
Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, director-general of the MBRSC, said: “The MBRSC has a clear strategy to support and promote innovation. The Innovation Challenge, launched and opened for participation before the launch of Gitex Future Stars, supports the approach we are pursuing to encourage local and global startups to grow, give entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their projects, and meet a network of global technology companies. This works to enhance partnerships and continuously develop the space sector by adopting innovative technologies and solutions, for these companies, in the projects and programmes of this vital sector.”
More than 400 startups are showcasing their ideas, products, and services at the Gitex Future Stars, giving them an opportunity to attract investors and network with other tech companies.
This works to enhance partnerships and continuously develop the space sector by adopting innovative technologies and solutions.”
Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani,
director-general, MBRSC