Page 333 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2024

10/29/24, 8:32 AM UAE launches TradeTech Accelerator
globally renowned innovation platform with extensive experience in nurturing startups, will be the
Accelerator's official partner, providing mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and guidance to the
participating companies.

During his remarks, he also called for applications to the Accelerator, which is now open to
submissions from companies developing solutions that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) - which is

the focus of the second year of the TradeTech Initiative. It is hoped the first cohort will graduate
from the Accelerator in March 2025.

He said: "The TradeTech Initiative underlines the UAE's leadership on global trade issues. By
driving innovation and promoting the integration of advanced technologies, including AI, into
supply chains, we can envision a more efficient, more robust and more accessible global trading

system. The TradeTech Accelerator is an essential part of these efforts, supporting the development
of the ideas and enterprises that will enhance processes right the way along the value chain, from
securing trade finance to customs clearance documentation. The Accelerator will not only provide
the support and guidance to develop the best TradeTech solutions but connect them with key players
in the logistics and trade sectors to ensure they are viable and scalable. This step will begin to turn

promising projects into real-world solutions."

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, said "The launch of TradeTech Accelerator Program
is fully aligned with strategic objectives of the UAE and Abu Dhabi, which is an epitome of
incentivizing innovation, championing startups, and developing advanced technologies to enhance

efficiencies in the trade ecosystem. Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, and the Advanced
Trade & Logistics Platform (ATLP), the single window platform for trade, emerge as testament to
our commitment and efforts to support convergence of trade and technology, support of startups and
technological innovations".

"We are continuously evolving trade facilitation solutions, including AI-powered systems, to
simplify procedures, reduce time and cost, and increase trade volumes as we cement Abu Dhabi'

position as preferred hub for talents, businesses, investments, and a key node on international supply
chains. By enabling startups to unlock the potential of advanced and emerging technologies, the
TradeTech Accelerator Program is paving the way to develop innovative solutions that will shape
the future of trade and enhance its role in sustainable development".

Tim Stekkinger, Head, TradeTech Global Initiative, World Economic Forum: "Startups are leading a

new era of trade innovation, using technology to break down barriers across logistics, finance, and
more. By working alongside corporates and regulators, they are crucial in addressing today's most
pressing trade challenges."

On partnering with the TradeTech Accelerator, Saeed Amidi, Founder & CEO at Plug and Play, said:
"We are excited to launch the TradeTech Accelerator Program in partnership with the Ministry of
Economy of the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, and the World

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