Dubai Silicon Oasis Unveils MIT DesignX Dubai Accelerator Programme's Third Cohort Enrollment
The Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) has announced the opening of applications for the third cohort of the MIT DesignX Dubai Accelerator Programme (MDXB), a programme aimed at nurturing innovative teams developing sustainable solutions to urban challenges. The programme, set to run from October 20, 2025, to January 28, 2026, will focus on five key sectors strategic to Dubai's long-term urban development goals: real estate, design and architecture, transportation and logistics, sustainability, and health.
The MDXB offers a unique platform for startups and innovative teams to develop, scale, and showcase their solutions in a supportive ecosystem within Dubai. Participants will receive a host of benefits, including business setup opportunities at the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), reduced licensing fees, and complimentary 24/7 access to advanced workspaces at Dtec.
One team at the pitch day will also receive a monetary prize in recognition of their solution's strength and scalability. Moreover, participants will gain access to potential investors and mentors, including MIT faculty and alumni, and student interns from the Institute. The programme is held in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Global Growth Hub.
The MDXB also provides entry to the UAE market through DIEZ's economic zones. In addition, five additional teams will be granted free business setup within Dubai Silicon Oasis. Previous cohorts have seen successes such as Othalo securing a USD 200,000 investment and Theion being awarded AED 100,000 and a year-long business setup at Dtec.
Gilad Rosenzweig, Executive Director of DesignX at MIT, has commented on the MDXB, but no additional information about his comments was provided. Badr Buhannad, Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis, has also commented on the programme.
Applications for the third cohort are open now through 15 August 2025. Interested candidates may apply via the official website: www.mdxb.mit.edu. The MDXB will run from 20 October 2025 through 28 January 2026 at Dubai Silicon Oasis, making it a key launchpad for innovations within the UAE's growing digital economy.
- The third cohort of the MIT DesignX Dubai Accelerator Programme (MDXB) is accepting applications, offering a chance for startups to pursue investment and development in Dubai's strategic sectors.
- The focus sectors for the MDXB include real estate, design and architecture, transportation and logistics, sustainability, and health, aligning with Dubai's long-term urban development goals.
- Successful startups in the MDXB can expect benefits such as business setup opportunities, reduced licensing fees, and access to advanced workspaces at the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec).
- One team at the pitch day will receive a monetary prize in recognition of their solution's strength and scalability, while five additional teams will be granted free business setup within Dubai Silicon Oasis.
- Through participation in the MDXB, teams can access potential investors, mentors, and students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as entry to the UAE market.
- Past cohorts have seen notable successes, including Othalo securing a USD 200,000 investment and Theion receiving AED 100,000, a year-long business setup at Dtec, and recognition for their innovative solutions.
- The MDXB is a collaboration between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Global Growth Hub, and Dubai Silicon Oasis, providing a platform for entrepreneurship and technology in a supportive ecosystem.
- Education and self-development are also key elements of the programme, with participants gaining valuable insights through their interactions with MIT faculty, alumni, and students.
- The digital economy in the UAE stands to benefit significantly from the innovations that emerge from the MDXB, as it serves as a key launchpad for startups and entrepreneurs.
