Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, announced the launch of the fourth cohort of its bespoke National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® program. A cluster of world-class industry partners, including the DIFC Innovation Hub, Visa, Microsoft and Dell Technologies will support the program, which has already concluded three successful editions in its quest of finding the next generation of UAE National FinTech innovators.
In the UAE, the FinTech sector currently contributes 8.7% to the UAE’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The six-to-eight week incubator program is designed to empower promising Emirati FinTech leaders by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities needed to scale their pioneering ventures. The program drives the UAE’s digital transformation agenda by boosting the country’s talent and the growth of entrepreneurship within the FinTech space.
The fourth cohort features a diverse group of startups addressing key sectors. These include QuickPay, a digital platform accelerating invoice payments in real estate; Carbon2Capital, an AI-powered platform enabling businesses to track, reduce, and offset carbon emissions; Jadwelny, an AI-powered travel platform personalising and automating trip planning; and Watermelon LTD, a comprehensive F&B ecosystem connecting manufacturers, farmers and F&B outlets.
Building on the success of previous cohorts, the program will undergo several key enhancements. Startups will have the opportunity to have tailored interactions with decision-makers, meet individually with senior Emirates NBD stakeholders relevant to their industry sectors, and engage in more meaningful discussions with mentors during dedicated Immersion Days with partners, and through Emirates NBD’s Decision Makers Series, where founders can connect with Senior Leaders from the Group. FinTech founders will also network with industry leaders and renowned SMEs, while receiving guidance on venture capitalist pitching.
Lastly, FinTech leaders will enjoy an international trip to London in June 2025, allowing them to tap into a vibrant ecosystem, learn from the FinTech landscape, and build connections and confidence to scale their business globally.
“Emirates NBD is proud to welcome the fourth cohort of the National Digital Talent Incubator Program. Solidifying our commitment to supporting the UAE's vision for a thriving digital economy, the program creates opportunities for FinTech startups to flourish and contribute to the investment environment within the UAE. By providing these talented entrepreneurs with access to the mentorship, networking, and investment, we are helping them build innovative solutions that will positively impact the industry and economy.”
“Empowering the next generation of Emirati FinTech talent is essential to shaping a future-ready digital-driven economy. At DIFC Innovation Hub, we are proud to support initiatives like the National Digital Talent Incubator that align with our mission to nurture high-potential founders and accelerate the growth of homegrown ventures. By collaborating with Emirates NBD and other leading partners, we are creating a thriving ecosystem where Emirati entrepreneurs can access the tools, mentorship, and global exposure they need to lead the next wave of FinTech innovation from Dubai to the world.”
The NDTI program reflects Emirates NBD's ongoing commitment to innovation and its role as a key enabler of the UAE's digital future. By supporting the next generation of Emirati FinTech founders, Emirates NBD is contributing to a more diversified, knowledge-based economy.
Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As at 31st March 2025, total assets were AED 1 trillion, (equivalent to approx. USD 272 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 839 branches and 4,539 ATMs / SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of USD 4.54 billion.
Emirates NBD Group serves its customers (individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions) and helps them realise their financial objectives through a range of banking products and services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. The Group is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97% of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches. The Group also operates Liv, the lifestyle digital bank by Emirates NBD, with close to half a million users, it continues to be the fastest-growing bank in the region.
Emirates NBD contributes to the construction of a sustainable future as an active participant and supporter of the UAE’s main development and sustainability initiatives, including financial wellness and the inclusion of people of determination. Emirates NBD is committed to supporting the UAE’s Year of Sustainability as Principal Banking Partner of COP28 and an early supporter to the Dubai Can sustainability initiative, a city-wide initiative aimed to reduce use of single-use plastic bottled water.
