Dubai: Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the special economic zone for knowledge and innovation, and a member of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has announced that registration is now open for the third cohort of the MIT DesignX Dubai Accelerator Programme (MDXB). Held in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Global Growth Hub, the programme will run from 20th October 2025 through 28th January 2026 at Dubai Silicon Oasis.
According to Emirates News Agency, the third cohort of the MIT DesignX Dubai Accelerator Programme will bring together 12 teams focused on developing sustainable solutions to urban challenges. The programme will focus on five key sectors of strategic importance: real estate, design and architecture, transportation and logistics, sustainability, and health, each aligned with Dubai's long-term vision for smart, resilient, and future-ready cities.
This edition builds on the success of previous cohorts. In the first cohort, Othalo secured a USD 200,000 investment for their solution that transforms plastic waste into housing for underserved communities. In the second cohort, Theion was awarded AED 100,000 for their work in crystalline lithium-sulfur battery technology, a significant advancement in energy innovation.
Additionally, they received a year-long business setup at the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), the largest tech-focused coworking space of its kind in the MENA region and a key initiative of Dubai Silicon Oasis, providing them with a launchpad to scale their innovation within the UAE's growing digital economy.
Badr Buhannad, Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis, stated that the third edition of the MIT DesignX Dubai Accelerator Programme is a key step in Dubai's efforts to position itself as a global hub for sustainable innovation and high-impact entrepreneurship. The initiative reflects a commitment to attracting top talent from around the world and empowering them to develop solutions that address complex urban challenges in line with the UAE Centennial 2071 plan and the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040.
Gilad Rosenzweig, Executive Director of DesignX at MIT, emphasized the partnership with DIEZ through the DesignX Accelerator Programme at Dubai Silicon Oasis as part of MIT's broader commitment to advancing innovation with global relevance. Hosting this Programme in Dubai reinforces the city's position as a regional leader in technology, sustainability, and urban development.
Participants will receive mentorship from MIT faculty and alumni, the support of student interns from the Institute, and benefit from intensive workshops and the MIT DesignX interactive guide. A monetary prize will be awarded at the pitch day to one team in recognition of the strength and scalability of their solution. Five additional teams will be granted free business setup within Dubai Silicon Oasis and gain entry to the UAE market through the comprehensive institutional framework offered by DIEZ's three economic zones: Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity.
All selected teams will receive complimentary 24/7 access to advanced workspaces at the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), along with reduced licensing fees and ongoing institutional support. Applications for the third cohort of the MIT DesignX Dubai Accelerator Programme are open through 15th August 2025. Interested candidates may apply via the official website: www.mdxb.mit.edu.