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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
incentivising 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
Economic Forum. This program will play a vital role in supporting the growth of innovative startups
shaping the future of trade and creating more efficient, secure, and sustainable trade globally.”

Since the launch of the Global TradeTech Initiative in Davos in 2023, the UAE has continued to lead
efforts to create a modern, digitally enabled trading system. The launch of the Accelerator follows
the publication of the first TradeTech Report and the gathering of the first TradeTech Forum, which
was held alongside the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Tarde Organization in Abu Dhabi in
February 2024.

https://en.aletihad.ae/news/business/4522855/uae-launches-tradetech-accelerator