Dubai-based start-up incubator in5 has launched a new science-focused vertical called in5 Science in collaboration with Dubai Science Park. This initiative marks the ten-year anniversary of in5 and aims to facilitate entrepreneurship and investment for science-based start-ups in Dubai. The launch of in5 Science aligns with the UAE’s emphasis on sustainability and supports government strategies such as the Road to Net Zero by 2050, COP28, We the UAE 2031, and National Food Security Strategy agendas. The incubator will provide sector-specific support and access to investment for founders in areas such as health, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and energy.
in5 already operates three centers in Dubai, specializing in technology, media, and design. The addition of the science vertical will expand its offerings and cater to the needs of emerging economic opportunities in the science sector. To ensure the success of in5 Science, an expert-led advisory board has been curated, featuring industry-leading figures from Nexus Resilience Group, Dii Desert Energy, and GMEX Group.
Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Media City, expressed pride in the impact of in5 on promoting Dubai’s start-up ecosystem and economic diversification efforts. The launch of the science vertical will further enrich the support and opportunities available to entrepreneurs, helping secure Dubai’s reputation as a global business hub.
Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Science Park, highlighted the importance of science in Dubai’s growing economy, particularly in areas like sustainability, healthcare, and research and development. in5 Science will empower entrepreneurs by connecting them with a world-class community of researchers and industry leaders, injecting innovation and competitiveness into the UAE’s science ambitions.
Furthermore, in5 Science will organize networking events, panel discussions, and educational forums led by thought leaders in the science industry. The collaboration with Dubai Science Park will provide in5 with access to a global ecosystem of multinational enterprises (MNEs) and regional small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, environment, and research and development, fostering partnership opportunities and specialized facilities.
The UAE has been investing in the development of its science and technology sectors, driven by a multifaceted economic diversification plan and the growing demand for specialized healthcare and sustainable practices in the region. Dubai has become a leading medical tourism destination and is also focusing on advanced manufacturing, economic growth, and food security. in5 has observed significant growth in science-focused tech start-ups over the past decade, and the establishment of the science vertical aims to provide tailored support and infrastructure to new businesses.
Notable start-ups already supported by in5 include We4Recycle, a waste segregation mobile app; Greener Crop, an enterprise enabling vertical farming; Air to MC2, a deep-tech start-up revolutionizing cooling and heating systems; Sentient Labs, utilizing advanced technologies for sea clean-up; and RelphaCare Technologies, a social healthcare tracking platform.
Since its establishment in 2013, in5 has provided a platform for technology, media, and design start-ups to scale up, offering advisory services, mentorship, and investment opportunities. With over 750 start-ups and entrepreneurs supported and founders from more than 50 nationalities, in5 has played a crucial role in Dubai’s entrepreneurial growth. The initiative is part of TECOM Group’s portfolio, which includes various value-added platforms and business districts across Dubai.
