Photo Credit : WAM
Dubai Founders HQ has joined forces with Antler to launch a new Entrepreneur Academy, a six-week programme aimed at helping aspiring founders turn business ideas into reality.
The initiative is designed for individuals with strong entrepreneurial ambitions but limited experience in launching a company. Through a mix of online and in-person sessions, the Academy will equip participants with practical skills in opportunity identification, idea validation, product development, and venture growth.
The programme will also connect participants directly with Dubai’s fast-growing startup ecosystem, bringing together founders, investors, operators, and mentors from major technology firms such as Amazon Web Services and Nvidia. A strong focus will also be placed on AI-powered tools and workflows that are increasingly shaping how startups are built and scaled.
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, said the Academy reflects Dubai’s commitment to making entrepreneurship more accessible and practical for emerging founders. He noted that the programme aligns with the emirate’s wider strategy to strengthen its pipeline of startups, scale-ups, and high-growth businesses under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Saeed Al Gergawi said the Academy will help young talent gain hands-on exposure to the tools, technologies, and commercial thinking needed to build successful digital ventures, further expanding Dubai’s digital economy ecosystem.
Magnus Grimeland said the initiative aims to remove the common barriers many aspiring founders face when starting out, particularly the lack of knowledge and access to the right support systems.
Graduates of the Academy who continue developing their businesses will also receive fast-tracked access to the Dubai Founders HQ and Antler Residency programme, creating a structured journey from idea-stage exploration to venture creation, pre-seed funding, and long-term growth.
The Academy builds on the ongoing collaboration between Dubai Founders HQ and Antler, following the launch of Antler’s latest Dubai Residency, which attracted founders from across the globe.
The move supports Dubai’s D33 agenda, which includes a target of creating 30 unicorns and reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global centre for innovation and entrepreneurship.
