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Applications Now Open for EGA Ramp-Up Season 4!

 

Following the success of three transformative seasons, we are excited to announce the launch of EGA Ramp Up - powered by C3 – Companies Creating Change! This initiative is designed to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, supporting innovative businesses that will drive economic growth and create new job opportunities in the UAE.

Over the past three seasons, the accelerator track delivered impactful training and mentorship, helping startups develop, refine, and showcase their solutions. In Season 4, the programme evolves with the introduction of Innovation Pods, a challenge-led model where startups work on pilot solutions directly with EGA teams on real operational problems, such as Industrial Process Monitoring, ESG Measurement Platform and Health and Safety Platform.

Through focused training, Innovation Pods, and opportunities to engage with investors and corporate leaders, this key programme has facilitated direct collaboration with EGA, unlocked financial support through the final pitch day, and enabled select startups to pilot their solutions within EGA - strengthening local procurement and contributing to the UAE’s innovation ecosystem. 

 
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EGA Ramp-Up is powered by C3 – Companies Creating Change, a UAE-based, impact-driven, global enterprise, providing change-makers with the knowledge and skills to drive their social and environmental impact – unlocking unique opportunities to achieve incredible growth through innovative impact solutions.

Stay tuned for exciting updates on Phase 2 of EGA Ramp-Up. This accelerator is designed specifically for early-stage founders, offering comprehensive training, valuable networking opportunities, expert mentorship, and much more to help you elevate your startup journey!

Have questions or want to learn more? Join us at our upcoming online information session, where you’ll get an in-depth look at the programme and discover how to apply. Don’t miss this chance to connect and take the next step toward growing your venture!




 

Accelerating Startup Growth


Season 4 is designed to accelerate startup growth through the guidance of international experts and trainers in a dynamic mix of live online courses, interactive group workshops, and Innovation Pods.

Startups will also go on to present their solutions at an Investor Pitch Day, where they will present their solutions with the opportunity to win equity-free financial awards.


If you're an entrepreneur ready to elevate your business and create lasting impact, this is the opportunity for you!

 

Register Interest
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Why Apply?

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Receive training and practical support

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Access a network of experts and mentors

Group3

Access market opportunities

Potential to receive funding

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Receive training and practical support in impact entrepreneurship


Register your interest today to receive the full application form via email!

Register Interest

How to Apply?

1

Complete the Short Form

Provide some basic information about yourself in the 'register your interest' form for Track 1 - our live online courses introducing impact entrepreneurship. Once you submit the short form, you'll receive a confirmation email with details on how to access the courses

2

 Submit the Full Application

Tell us more about your founding team, your startup, and your commitment to EGA Ramp-Up by completing the long form. Make sure to submit it by the application deadline on 5th May

 

 

3

Get Selected and Onboarded

Our team will review all applications and select 20 UAE-based startups based on clear, well-defined criteria. Attendance at the startup workshops is mandatory for all applicants wishing to progress to the Innovation Pods phase

4

Advance to the Final Stage

Selected startups will be asked to submit an updated pitch deck and pitch video. These will be reviewed by our panel of experts, who will choose 10 startups to advance to the Innovation Pods phase, where they will collaborate directly with EGA teams on EGA-defined problem statements and progress toward pilot-ready solutions

How to Apply?

Step 1

Complete the Short Form

Start by providing some basic information about yourself to register your interest in Phase 1—our live online courses introducing impact entrepreneurship. Once you submit the short form, you'll receive a confirmation email with details on how to access the courses

Step 2

Submit the Full Application

Tell us more about your founding team, your startup, and your commitment to EGA Ramp-Up by completing the long form. Make sure to submit it by the application deadline on 11th May


Step 3

Get Selected and Onboarded

Our team will review all applications and select 20 UAE-based startups based on clear, well-defined criteria. Attendance at the startup workshops is mandatory for all applicants wishing to progress to the mentorship phase

Step 4

Advance to the Final Stage

Selected startups will be asked to submit an updated pitch deck and pitch video. These will be reviewed by our panel of experts, who will choose 10 startups to advance to the mentorship stage of the programme

Step 1

Complete the Short Form

Start by providing some basic information about yourself to register your interest in Phase 1—our live online courses introducing impact entrepreneurship. Once you submit the short form, you'll receive a confirmation email with details on how to access the courses

Step 2

Submit the Full Application

Tell us more about your founding team, your startup, and your commitment to EGA Ramp-Up by completing the long form. Make sure to submit it by the application deadline on 11th May


Step 3

Get Selected and Onboarded

Our team will review all applications and select 20 UAE-based startups based on clear, well-defined criteria. Attendance at the startup workshops is mandatory for all applicants wishing to progress to the mentorship phase

Step 4

Advance to the Final Stage

Selected startups will be asked to submit an updated pitch deck and pitch video. These will be reviewed by our panel of experts, who will choose 10 startups to advance to the mentorship stage of the programme

Apply now and join a programme designed to drive innovation and create meaningful impact!

 

Register Interest

Are You Eligible to Apply?

To be one of the 20 startups selected, your startup must meet the following eligibility criteria:

 

 

Startup Eligibility Criteria:

Steps G
Stage

Early-stage startup operational for at least one year with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) (Seed - Pre-Series A startups)



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Location

Must be registered in the UAE



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Impact

Contribute to at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and EGA defined Problem Statements



linguistics G
Language

Founders must be fluent in written and spoken English



 

 

Problem Statements:

Industrial Process Monitoring

ESG Measurement Platform

Health and Safety platform

 

 

Selection Criteria for the 20-Startup Cohort:

Startups will be shortlisted based on their alignment with the above sector and eligibility criteria

Submitted applications will be evaluated across five key areas:

○ Solution Innovation: Originality and relevant of the product or service to at least 1 problem statement listed above
○ Business Scalability: Potential for growth and market expansion
○ Social Impact Scalability: Ability to create widespread, sustainable social impact
○ Team Strength: Expertise, experience, and commitment of the founding team
○ Application Quality: Clarity, thoroughness, and professionalism in the application and pitch

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Selection Criteria for the Innovation Challenge Phase:

Following the initial selection, 10 startups will advance for the Innovation Pods

Selection will be based on:

○ Engagement and Progress: Active participation and progress during the online courses and workshops. Attendance during the Innovation Challenge meetings will be mandatory
○ Startup Needs & Strategy: Alignment between the startup's solution and strategy, and potential for collaboration with EGA
○ Potential Impact: Demonstrated readiness to scale impact and integrate with EGA's operations



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If you meet these criteria, we encourage you to apply and join this programme designed to drive innovation, impact, and growth!

Ready to take the next step in transforming your business?

What EGA Ramp-Up Alumni Have to Say

Rana Hajirasouli_Founder

"Thank you so much for such a high standard programme. Every detail was so considerate and truly focused on impact. It has been absolutely brilliant to balance everything and get the most out of the programme whilst also benefitting my team!"

Rana Hajirasouli
Founder
The Surpluss
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"A big thank you to all the mentors, C3 team, and EGA, for being an enabler for early-stage startups like us. The quality of our pitch improved multifold after the programme!"

 

Alnawazkhan Ayubkhan
Founder
Third Body Dynamics
Dr. Khalid Al Ali-1

"Well done! The programme was exceptionally well-designed and met my expectations in terms of content and structure. The sequence of the material was logical and flowed beautifully"

 

Dr. Khalid Al Ali
Director of Operations
Seramic Materials

About C3 – Companies Creating Change

EGA Ramp-Up is powered by C3 – Companies Creating Change, a UAE-based, impact-driven, global enterprise providing changemakers with the knowledge and skills to drive their social and environmental impact – unlocking unique opportunities to achieve incredible growth through innovative impact solutions. Leveraging a robust network of trainers, experts, investors, and alumni, C3 equips impact-driven entrepreneurs to become catalysts for meaningful change

This programme is supported by the UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism to support EGA in fostering a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE
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Strategic Partners

Microsoft Sandooq Al Watan

Investment Partners

GV VentureSouq

University Partners

42 Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi University Khalifa University Heriot-Watt University HCT

FAQs

What benefits will I gain from participating in EGA Ramp-Up?

As a participant, you’ll gain exclusive access to an enriching online learning experience led by C3 trainers, who bring extensive expertise in impact entrepreneurship. These sessions will enhance your understanding of impact-driven business fundamentals, helping you scale your venture and maximise your positive influence.
You’ll also receive personalised mentorship from industry experts, offering tailored guidance and valuable insights. This curated support will foster meaningful connections with like-minded entrepreneurs, expanding your network within the impact and sustainability space.

Finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their solutions at a high-profile final event in front of expert panels and investors from the C3 and EGA networks. Selected startups may receive financial rewards from EGA and could have the chance to pilot their solutions within EGA, driving innovation and local business growth.

Which sectors and subsectors are eligible for the programme?

Your startup should align with one or more of the following sectors and their respective subsectors:

[Problem Statements]

Note: These are general categories. Specific eligibility may vary based on the alignment with EGA’s strategic priorities

Are NGOs or NPOs eligible to apply?

No, EGA Ramp-Up is exclusively designed for for-profit startups that are creating positive environmental or social impact through their business models. While we recognise the critical role of NGOs and NPOs, this programme focuses on supporting impact-driven businesses.

How are startups selected for the programme?

Startups undergo a rigorous selection process. Applications are reviewed and evaluated by the EGA Heads of Departments and the he C3 Programmes Team. Selection criteria include:

-Innovation and Impact Potential
-Scalability of Business and Social Impact
-Strength and Capabilities of the Founding Team
-Alignment with EGA’s Goals and Programme Themes

How much time will I need to commit to the programme?

-Training Phase: The online training runs for 2 weeks, requiring approximately 8 hours per week for pre-reading, interactive workshops, and key deliverables.
-Innovation Challenge: If selected for Innovation Challenge, this phase runs over 5 months where startups will work directly with EGA departments to plan a pilot.

Is there any cost or equity requirement to participate in the programme?

 No, the programme is completely free of charge for selected startups. There are no financial fees or equity requirements. Our mission is to support impact-driven founders without imposing additional financial burdens. However, we expect full commitment and active participation throughout the programme.

What are the requirements if I’m selected for EGA Ramp-Up?

If selected, you will be required to:

-Register as a supplier on EGA’s portal

-Sign an agreement outlining the terms of participation