UAE Cybersecurity initiatives received a major boost as the UAE Cybersecurity Council (CSC), in cooperation with Amazon Web Services (AWS), CrowdStrike, and e&, celebrated the successful completion of the first cohort of the AWS/CTIB Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator Programme. The closing ceremony was held at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi.

The event marked the first time the initiative’s leading commercial supporters gathered in person since the programme launched at GITEX Global in October 2025.

The multi-year government-backed initiative is a key component of the UAE Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Bureau (UAE CTIB) and the UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy. It aims to accelerate more than 500 cybersecurity startups. The programme provides selected founders with equity-free access to global technology expertise, regional capital networks, one-on-one mentorship, and market pathways. As a result, startups can develop “Made in UAE” cybersecurity innovations that address emerging global cyber threats.

The inaugural six-week cohort ran from March 25 to May 4, 2026. It received 157 applications from more than five countries. Subsequently, 23 startups were selected across Cloud Security, Application Security, Identity and Access Management, Generative AI for Cybersecurity, and Data Security.

The programme delivered 23 curated sessions totaling more than 30 hours of content. These included 15 business strategy sessions, six technical deep-dives, and two keynote sessions. In addition, more than 25 distinguished speakers and mentors participated, representing global cybersecurity leadership.

Participating startups received access to e& for venture investment opportunities. They also gained AWS Marketplace listing and co-sell support, discounts on CrowdStrike Falcon Pro, investor pitch coaching, and go-to-market strategy advisory services.

Meanwhile, the initiative supported CyberE71’s mission to build the next generation of cybersecurity and AI ventures. It connected startups with potential partners, investors, enterprise opportunities, and government-backed enablement platforms.

At the closing ceremony, organisers announced the Top 5 winning startups. A senior CISO Evaluation Panel, comprising representatives from supporting organisations and initiative partners, selected the winners.

The panel evaluated all 23 startups during a Shark Tank-style virtual pitch session. Judges assessed participants based on customer value, competitive differentiation, innovation, and growth traction. The winning startups will now gain increased visibility among enterprise customers, investors, and government stakeholders across the region.

Notably, Cohort 1 was delivered entirely virtually and completed on schedule. Organisers said this reflects the commitment and professionalism of all participating organisations while reinforcing the UAE’s position as a resilient and innovation-driven hub.

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, said the successful completion of Cohort 1 validates the UAE’s vision of building a robust and innovation-driven cybersecurity ecosystem.

“These 23 startups represent the next generation of ‘Made in UAE’ cybersecurity champions. Their success demonstrates that the UAE is not only committed to defending its digital future but to exporting cybersecurity excellence to the world. We look forward to welcoming future cohorts as we advance towards our goal of accelerating 500 cybersecurity startups under our National Cybersecurity Strategy,” he said.

Chris Erasmus, General Manager, UAE, Rest of Middle East and North Africa at AWS, said the programme exceeded expectations.

“From 157 applications to 23 exceptional startups building solutions across cloud security, AI-powered threat detection, and identity management, this programme has proven that the UAE has the talent, the ambition, and the ecosystem to become a world-leading cybersecurity innovation hub. AWS is committed to providing the cloud infrastructure, technical mentorship, and go-to-market support that startups need to scale globally,” he said.

Daniel Bernard, Chief Business Officer at CrowdStrike, said the first cohort highlights how collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and founders can accelerate cybersecurity innovation.

“This first cohort shows the UAE is building more than a startup ecosystem. It is building a long-term foundation for cyber resilience and innovation at scale. Alongside AWS, the UAE Cybersecurity Council and e&, CrowdStrike is proud to help the next generation of cybersecurity companies scale faster, solve urgent security challenges, and advance the vision of technology that is both Made in UAE and Protected by UAE,” he said.

Abdulla Al Ahmed, Chief Government and VVIP Relations Officer at e& UAE, said cyber resilience has become a key pillar of national resilience and digital economic growth.

He added that the success of the programme demonstrates the impact of combining regional infrastructure, venture ecosystems, and enterprise capabilities to help startups innovate responsibly, strengthen security, and expand globally. The achievement further supports the growth of the UAE Cybersecurity ecosystem and the country’s broader digital transformation goals.

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