Region’s first early stage startup program

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) has launched SANDBOX, the region’s first startup program to support early-stage technology startups to scale and raise funds. The 12-month program aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which positions Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) as a science, technology, and knowledge hub that drives innovation, digital economy development, and talent generation.

The launch of SANDBOX coincides with the newly announced 'Projects of the 50', which will lay the foundations for a new development cycle in the UAE across all economic and investment sectors over the next 50 years.

The program - operated by the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), DSOA’s wholly-owned tech hub and coworking space and the largest of its kind in the MENA region - is open to early-stage startups from MVP to seed stage, with a rolling application process. Enrolled entrepreneurs will follow a structured curriculum inclusive of theoretical and practical workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities that will help them grow their startups.

Dtec has dedicated a funding purse to be invested in promising startups of the program. SANDBOX will focus on wellbeing, work-life balance, and human performance.

Recognizing the significance of supporting startups in their early stages, Dtec is offering SANDBOX participants exclusive company setup rates, equivalent to AED 9,500. Designed and structured around delivering timely, relevant, and tangible value to founders, based on their needs and requirements, the program will provide each participant access to leading venture capital funds and broad services provided by DSOA’s partners worth more than AED 550,000.

Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dtec have extensive experience as a tech hub and an incubator for entrepreneurs and startups, supporting them in transforming their innovative ideas into reality and empowering them in securing financing. Dtec houses more than 1,000 startups from 75 countries.