Page 73 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT MAY 2025

5/19/25, 11:04 AM Khalifa Fund to Unveil Over 15 SME-Supporting Ventures at 'Make It in the Emirates' Forum 2025 | Entrepreneur
innovators, investors and policymakers to transform the future of the UAE's industrial

sector- which will take place this year from May 19-22 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition

Centre (ADNEC).

The forum will facilitate the signing of Khalifa Fund's three key strategic agreements,

including one with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT), to support

the UAE's entrepreneurs and innovators in the industrial sector. In addition, an agreement
will be signed with the 'Make' platform to jointly develop prototype acceleration programs

for light manufacturing. The launch of the Light Manufacturing Accelerator program is a

part of KFED's broader efforts to enhance local manufacturing capabilities, by nurturing a

comprehensive ecosystem that connects entrepreneurs, manufacturers, government

entities and industry partners. The initiative also aims to streamline regulatory processes
and facilitate access to supply chain opportunities.

More than fifteen key ventures supported by the KFED will participate in the event. These

ventures belong to various sectors, including technology, food industries, manufacturing,

trade and hospitality, all of which play an integral role in bolstering the local economy, as
well as increasing the presence of national products and services in local markets.

KFED will also present various strategic initiatives that have been designed to support

SMEs, and have thus paved the way for their sustainable growth and market expansion.

These include the Abu Dhabi SME Champions Program, which connects startups with key

buyers; the SME Export Enablement Program aiming to enhance SMEs' global
competitiveness; the SME Finance Facilitator Program, which addresses funding gaps

through cutting-edge banking solutions; as well as the ICV Readiness Program, which

empowers SMEs to meet in-country value (ICV) standards and actively participate in

government tenders, and the aforementioned Light Manufacturing Accelerator.

https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/growth-strategies/khalifa-fund-set-to-unveil-15-sme-supporting-ventures-at/491809 2/4