The third edition of the UAE’s AIM Startup, organised along with the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai, named Winnon, Zero Prime Technology, Dhonor Healthcare, Grintafy, and Aviotron as the winners of the startup competition for 2019 after a series of pitching competitions.
While Winnon won the award in the growth category, Zero Prime Technology won the social impact category. Dhonor Health Care was declared a winner in the early pre-launch category, while Grintafy and Aviotron were winners in the early post-launch category. Each of the winners won $10000, according to a press release.
The third edition of AIM Startup was hosted in partnership with the UAE’s National Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Dr. Adeeb Al-Afifi, Director of the National Program for SMEs and Projects, said, “AIM Startup highlighted the best of this year’s emerging companies in Dubai and MENA in a forum that links investment opportunities and investors from across the world.” According to Dr. Al-Afifi, the number of registered SMEs in the UAE has now reached 98% of the total registered companies, with 89% of the companies in the trade and service sector. SMEs now contribute to 49% of UAE’s non-oil GDP. The total number of SMEs in the UAE as a whole, and Dubai in particular, is increasing.
The event judged startups on the uniqueness of their idea and traditional criteria such as the potential to scale, the existence of product-market fit, as well as the skill sets and preparedness of their teams.
A large number of startups from across the world participated in AIM Startup this year. Prominent among them were interesting startups such as Invoiz, Jeyun, Urban Oasis, Winnow, More Dream, Bright Sandz, Jandi, Tely Pay, Lemonade Fashion, Carclilty, Men Wall, Liha, Bab Makkah and several others. Organisations such as National Program for SMEs and Projects, Dubai South, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Khalifa Fund, Koica, Kotra, Rakez, Rak SME, ASA Venture, and Levari also participated in the event.
Globally, AIM Startup is supported by BIAC, Wadi Makkah, Monshaat, and Mohammed bin Salman College. International organisations such as the Korean Trade Association, Indian SME Chamber, Switzerland’s Solar Impulse Foundation, and Brazil’s Mango Venture, are partners of the event.