Startups participating in the Dubai Smart City Accelerator program were recently treated with an insightful mentoring session at the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Center (Dtec). Dubbed FastTrack, the session was hosted by a collaboration of Visa and Startupbootcamp.
The participants of the mentoring session are all focused on the common goal of developing smart solutions using cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain. The ultimate objective is to fine tune the use of these technologies in the development of smart city projects
Speaking of the significance of programs like FastTrack in the grand scheme of things, Otto Williams, Head Strategic Partnerships, Fintech and Ventures, Visa, said, “Visa is proud to support Dubai Smart City Accelerator as we work collectively on the mission to provide startups with the right support, and mentorship to thrive and shape the course of smart cities in the future.”
He added: “Hosting this mentoring session at Visa’s Innovation Center in Dubai provided a creative environment to help stimulate the advancement of smart commerce and digital payment infrastructure, which is an integral component of smart cities and startup communities.”
This year’s applicants for the FastTrack sessions were invited to pitch their ideas and innovations to a panel of senior industry mentors. Upon the completion of their presentation, each startup was provided with insightful feedback and mentoring by the panel.
The teams shortlisted during the sessions will be granted the opportunity to attend a special event in Dubai next month. Based on their performance, ten of these shortlisted startups will win the chance to join the three-month accelerator program scheduled to start in Sep 2018.
