Arabnet Arabnet

The In5 innovation hub, an environment that supports entrepreneurship and cultivates the development of the ICT and and digital media start-up ecosystem in Dubai, was launched by Dubai Internet City (DIC), the Middle East and North's Africa's largest ICT community.

The in5 Innovation Hub's mission is to support entrepreneurs from the early stage idea creation, through implementation, right up to the commercial launch of the product or service. The hub operates in five key areas:

• Setting up: in5 offers assistance in establishing businesses within the TECOM Freezone, including trade operating license, visa applications and office space.
  
• Mentorship: Access to a pool of mentors with expertise in a range of topics, such as HR, marketing, sales, project management, strategy and leadership.
  
• Training: seminars and workshops organised with industry experts and specialists.
  
• Networking: Access to a range of SME networking events, as well as the opportunity to exchange ideas and share knowledge with other entrepreneurs in the in5 program.
  
• Access to funding: in5 entrepreneurs are exposed to angel investors and venture capitalists.
  

There are no restrictions on nationalities. Entrepreneurs can apply on an individual or company basis.

The program is open for entrepreneurs and start-ups in the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) sectors, e.g. social media, web development, smartphone/tablet applications, and digital media. Innovative ideas at any stage of development from an initial concept to an established start-up stage are eligible.

"The volume of entrepreneurs setting up businesses in the region continues to grow year on year. According to our latest industry report (…) startups in the MENA region have grown in number by more than eight times since 2005," commented Malek Al Malek, Managing Director of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource Zone.

Last month, Rihla Prime, the Middle East's first online luxury travel club, became in5's first success story having secured an investment of $1m.