Page 180 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 2)

9/25/24, 2:40 PM EGA Ramp-Up season two concludes start-ups graduation

The finalists included Amp, AR Engineering, BaseTracK, Falcon Robotics, Seramic Materials, StrategyConnect, Takalam,
Tenderd, The Surpluss, and TranspRight.

The judging panel selected The Surpluss in first place, Amp, and AR Engineering in second and third place respectively at the
investor pitch day.

Private sector's key role
Al Mazrouei said: The UAE has always recognised the key role of the private sector and entrepreneurship in driving economic
growth, employment creation and sustainable innovation. Today, SMEs account for 95% of the total private sector companies
operating in the country, accounting for 86% of private sector employment. As we strive to accelerate the transition to a
knowledge economy built on an advanced innovation ecosystem fuelled by collective collaboration, we see this partnership with
EGA as a perfect match. The Ministry of Economy remains committed to fostering such collaborations in order to establish the
UAE’s position as a true entrepreneurial nation by 2031.”

She continued: “The first and second editions of the Ramp-Up programme witnessed strong participation from Emirati
entrepreneurs exceeding the total of 124, which reflects the importance of the programme in supporting national entrepreneurship
and creating new opportunities for Emirati entrepreneurs. The second edition of the programme contributed particularly to
encouraging Emirati women entrepreneurs to establish businesses and launch pioneering projects as they constituted 43% of total
number of participants. It provided them an ideal platform to exchange latest experiences and practices in the sector and learn
from each other.”

Kalban said: “We are proud to support the UAE's ambition to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, which is vital
for our nation’s economic diversification and sustainable development. EGA Ramp-Up is a platform that empowers local
entrepreneurs to scale-up impactful solutions that can create value for the society and the environment. I congratulate the
graduates of season two and look forward to seeing their businesses grow and thrive in the UAE and beyond.”

Kevin Holliday, Managing Director of C3 – Companies Creating Change, said: “The success of our inaugural season laid a solid
foundation, and this year, we have built on that momentum to continue fostering the growth of innovative UAE-based startups.
The achievements of the second EGA Ramp-Up reflects the powerful synergy and unwavering commitment between EGA and the
UAE entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are thrilled to support these startups and are confident in their ability to make significant
contributions to the UAE's economic and social progress.”

EGA worked with Autodesk, a leading design and make software provider, to provide training services from technology experts
and software grants for eligible startups participating in season two of the programme.

Local procurement
EGA considers EGA Ramp-Up participants’ potential as suppliers to further increase local procurement and support the growth of
promising local businesses.

EGA is launching pilot projects with some of the programme finalists to further increase local procurement and support the
growth of promising local businesses.

In January 2024, EGA partnered with EGA Ramp-Up 2023 finalist Nadeera to launch an innovative recycling solution in
communities near the company’s Jebel Ali plant.

EGA Ramp-Up season three will launch in Q1 2025.--TradeArabia News Service

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