The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) has launched Scale360, a dynamic startup accelerator in partnership with global innovation platform Plug and Play, aimed at fostering collaboration between globally-scaling startups and leading corporates in the UAE.
Based in Dubai, Scale360 is designed to bridge the innovation gap between international startups and established enterprises by creating a platform that enables agile, tech-driven startups to bring disruptive solutions to corporate partners across key sectors such as sustainability, AI, robotics, mobility, and smart cities.
Julia Timms Chief Commercial Officer- IFZA
“Our mission at IFZA is to empower businesses to grow from Dubai and beyond. We believe business has a superpower to build bridges that enable innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth supporting social transformation through economic innovation. Scale360 is more than just an innovation program connecting companies with high-growth startups to drive business transformation, it also helps to foster collaboration, unlock business opportunities, and drive economic growth.”
Plug and Play, a globally recognized innovation accelerator, emphasized the regional significance of the program. They stated that the program showcases the UAE as a key player and a central hub for fostering and deploying these innovative and disruptive technologies.
Benjamin Kloss, Vice President Corporate Partnerships & UAE Director at Plug and Play Tech Center, noted that, “Scale360 is a testament to the region’s forward-thinking vision. From Plug and Play’s vantage point, we see immense potential in creating a truly interconnected ecosystem where global startups and established corporates can collaborate seamlessly in crucial sectors including sustainability, AI, robotics, smart mobility, and future-forward enterprise solutions.”
As Dubai strengthens its position as a leading global innovation hub, Scale360 capitalizes on the UAE’s strategic location, pro-business environment, and advanced infrastructure to help startups scale and thrive in regional and international markets. The initiative provides targeted support for startups entering the UAE, including free office space, legal and banking setup assistance, compliance training, networking events, and access to major corporate partners across the Middle East.
Participating startups also benefit from educational programs tailored to the regional business culture, one-on-one mentorship from UAE-based founders and business leaders, and peer-to-peer support systems designed to support entrepreneurs throughout their growth journey.
While Scale360 is open to a broad spectrum of industries, the program prioritizes technology-enabled startups that align with future-forward sectors. The accelerator provides a structured path for growth, ensuring startups are equipped with the partnerships, tools, and strategies necessary for successful market entry and expansion.
With Scale360, IFZA reinforces its commitment to supporting innovation, enabling international entrepreneurs to scale smart city solutions and emerging technologies from Dubai to global markets.
