Abu Dhabi: 34 startups vie for best innovative defence company award

Abu Dhabhi: In line with the UAE Innovates 2023, ADNEC Group, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, announced that 34 out of 83 startups participating in the IDEX Next Gen event at IDEX & NAVDEX 2023 have been selected to take part in the ‘Best Innovative Company in Defence Sector Award’ competition. The Award competition will be held for the first time as part of IDEX & NAVDEX exhibitions, which will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, until 24 February 2023 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The Award was launched to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation among startups in the defence and military industries sector, and provide them with the opportunity to showcase their advanced solutions, systems, and technologies which play a vital role in the development of defence industries on a global level.

The Award competition involves four main stages. During the first stage, the 35 out of 83 startups from 25 countries were selected to showcase their innovations to a panel of judges. In the second stage, 10 startups will be shortlisted, then the top three startups will compete to only have one of them selected as the ‘Best Innovative Company in Defence Sector’.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “Innovation is the cornerstone of all the programs and activities undertaken by the Group’s six business sectors. These activities come as part of our efforts to achieve sustainable growth in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in all economic and social sectors.”

“The launch of this award during UAE Innovates 2023 contributes to consolidating the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s position as global centres for innovation. The Award will serve as a special addition to increase the competitiveness of IDEX & NAVDEX exhibitions and establish the event’s position as a global platform for shaping the future of the sector. It will also provide an opportunity to benefit from the best startup’s expertise to provide the sector with innovative defence solutions, technologies, and equipment,” he added.

A panel of judges consisting of some of the most prominent international experts will evaluate the startups’ innovations, with the first-place winner being honoured and receiving a commemorative plaque. The winner will also have the opportunity to participate in the next edition of IDEX.

IDEX Next Gen provides a platform for companies to present ideas, products, and work strategies, as well as showcase the latest defence innovations, solutions, and technologies to some of the most important leaders, decision-makers, official delegations, and major international companies in the defence sector.