Abu Dhabi:The 'Future 100' initiative, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Government Development and the Future Office, has recognized its third group of 100 companies for their contributions to the new economy sectors. The companies were honored for their innovative solutions and business models during the Investopia Bridge 2026 event, attended by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative has opened registration and nominations for its new edition this October. Startups and entrepreneurial projects operating within the new economy sectors are encouraged to apply. This opportunity allows them to join the initiative and benefit from its ecosystem of partners and programs aimed at supporting growth, expansion, and investment.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri emphasized the UAE's commitment to supporting startups and new economy sector companies through a comprehensive ecosystem of enablers, legislation, and incentives. He highlighted that the 'Future 100' initiative showcases promising companies annually and supports their growth and expansion. Since its inception, the initiative has attracted investments totaling $100 million, benefiting over 53 companies and aligning with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision to establish the UAE as a global hub for the new economy.
The initiative also released a report detailing the journeys of the participating companies, their sectors, business models, and achievements. It provides data on company distribution by sector and growth stage, illustrating the development and expansion of these companies within the new economy sectors. The report underscores the role of supporting partners in offering growth and expansion opportunities and highlights the progress made by companies using innovative business models and technologies.
On the sidelines of the event, the 'Future 100' initiative signed three memoranda of understanding to further support listed companies. The first was with Nuwa Capital Ltd to aid in growth and expansion, promote the list, and explore business development opportunities. The second agreement with Global Ventures aims to enhance business development and partnership opportunities, with a commitment to invest at least $1 million in participating companies. The third memorandum with Carta focuses on providing services to attract funding, support valuation, and offer training programs.
The 'Future 100' initiative has expanded its network of 42 partners, including government entities, innovation funds, tech companies, and venture capital funds. Key partners feature the Majra - National CSR Fund, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Emirates NBD, Microsoft, and others. These partnerships have facilitated opportunities for listed companies through investor engagement, venture funds, and access to expertise and new markets.
Over its three editions, the initiative has recognized 300 companies from 3,395 applications, including 1,282 in the third cycle. The selection process evaluates applications based on creative capability, market potential, business model sustainability, and ESG impact. This process identifies companies with innovative business models and strong growth potential across 17 sectors, such as biotechnology, sustainability, health technology, and more. The initiative also incorporates modern technologies and business models, including e-commerce, 3D printing, AI, and blockchain technology.