Deadline: 21-Jul-21
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) announces the launch of applications for Cohort 02 of their Anjal Z program, in partnership with MassChallenge.
The Anjal Z program refers to ‘Generation Z’ in Arabic and to the generations inspired by the late founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Anjal Z program instills innovation in early childhood development, by empowering growth-stage global startups to localize solutions that address critical ECD challenges across Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The parameters of the program focus on key areas important to the ECA, including any innovations and companies that that seek to improve early childhood development from prenatal stage to the age of eight, across the sectors of Health & Nutrition, Early Care & Education, Child Protection and Family Support.
The Program empowers growth-stage startups from all over the world to localize their solutions (interventions) across Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Through the program, startups receive an equity-free grant, intensive growth training, mentorship from leading subject matter experts, access to local partnerships with government and non-government entities, in-kind services, and follow-on investment opportunities.
Selected startups for the Anjal Z program will engage in and complete an online program throughout September and October, followed up by a physical in-person program in Abu Dhabi over the course of November and December. Participating global startups will receive access to one of the Middle East’s largest economic hubs and a launch pad into operations within the region.
Growth-stage startups should demonstrate product/market fit, have a skilled and experienced team, aspire to penetrate the UAE market and possibly the GCC and be able to relocate to Abu Dhabi for the duration of the program.
The 4-month long program will provide a unique and bespoke journey to each of the selected startups, facilitating mentorships from leading industry-specific expertsmand up to $190,000 of equity-free grants to support localization efforts.
What to Expect
- The Program: In-depth trainings and meetings with top mentors.
- Local & International Mentors: Support from subject matter experts in Early Childhood Development.
- Localization Support: Connections with both public and private partners.
- Equity-Free Grant: Eligible for an equity-free grant (both cash and in-kind support).
- Equity-Free Grant: Opportunities for Follow-On Investment: Direct connections with regional and global investors during ‘Demo Day’.
- Relocation to Abu Dhabi: Complimentary flights, accommodation and office space will be provided for the duration that the program requires the startups to be physically present in Abu Dhabi.
Eligibility Criteria
- Improve child wellbeing and development from prenatal stage to the age of eight across the sectors of Health & Nutrition, Early Care & Education, Child Protection and Family Support.
- Have at least $10,000 in recurring monthly revenue.
- Demonstrate product/market fit.
- Have a skilled team including two or more founders.
- Aspire to penetrate the UAE market and possibly the GCC.
- Be able to relocate to Abu Dhabi for the duration of the program.
For more information, visit https://masschallenge.org/announcement/abu-dhabi-early-childhood-authority-eca-applications-anjal-z-masschallenge
