The Cybersecurity Accelerator Program
Build the next generation of security technology companies.
The Cybersecurity Accelerator Program, backed by Khalifa Fund and the Cyber Security Council and delivered under the supervision of CyberE71, is a fully funded, equity-free, 12-week accelerator designed exclusively for Emirati founders building security technology startups.
Hosted at MZN Hub Al Ain, the program combines venture building, expert mentoring and technical guidance with direct access to the national cybersecurity ecosystem, helping founders transform innovative ideas into investment- and market-ready companies.
Program at a Glance
Fully funded
Equity free
12-week in-person program
Backed by Khalifa Fund and the Cyber Security Council
Supervised by CyberE71
Hosted at MZN Hub Al Ain
Designed for Emirati founders
Concludes with a final pitch day
Built for founders developing the future of security technology.
The program is purpose-built for Emirati founders developing security technology solutions. Unlike general accelerators that support companies across multiple sectors, it is dedicated exclusively to security technology, combining expert technical guidance with access to the UAE’s national cybersecurity ecosystem and direct connections to government entities, industry, investors and strategic partners.
Over twelve weeks, founders work alongside experienced mentors and specialists to validate their ideas, develop market-ready products, strengthen their commercial strategy, and prepare their companies for sustainable growth.
More than an accelerator, the program helps founders become part of the UAE’s growing security technology ecosystem, providing connections and opportunities that extend well beyond the twelve weeks.
Key Program Benefits
- Purpose-built exclusively for security technology startups
- Designed specifically for Emirati founders
- Backed by Khalifa Fund and the Cyber Security Council, supervised by CyberE71, and hosted at MZN Hub Al Ain
- Connects founders with government, industry, investors and strategic partners
- Provides continued ecosystem support beyond the accelerator
Everything you need to build a stronger company.
Throughout the program, founders receive practical support designed to accelerate every stage of company building — from validating an idea to preparing for commercial growth.
Government-backed ecosystem
Build your company with the backing of Khalifa Fund and the Cyber Security Council while engaging with government entities, industry stakeholders, investors and the wider innovation ecosystem.
Specialist supervision and venture-building support
Work closely with experienced entrepreneurs, venture-building specialists, technical experts and sector mentors under the supervision of CyberE71, gaining practical guidance throughout your entrepreneurial journey.
Product and market validation
Validate customer needs, refine your solution, test your product with users, and develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) through structured feedback and practical workshops.
Investment and commercial readiness
Develop your go-to-market strategy, strengthen your investment proposition, define your intellectual property strategy, and prepare for the program’s final pitch day, held in the presence of executives from the government, semi-government and private sectors.
Collaborative environment
Spend twelve weeks working alongside fellow founders in an immersive innovation environment designed to encourage collaboration, mentoring and continuous learning.
Long-term ecosystem support
Graduation is only the beginning. Continue benefiting from the Khalifa Fund and Cyber Security Council ecosystem through alumni support, mentoring, future acceleration opportunities and ongoing business development programs.
Supporting the next generation of security technology innovators.
The program supports startups developing innovative technologies that strengthen security, resilience and trust across the digital economy. Whether you are building solutions for governments, businesses or critical industries, we are looking for technologies that solve real-world security challenges with the potential to scale.
The program focuses on six priority domains:
01 | Cybersecurity
Protecting systems, networks, applications and digital assets against evolving cyber threats.
02 | AI Security
Developing technologies that improve the security, resilience, governance and safe deployment of artificial intelligence.
03 | Quantum and Post-Quantum Cryptography
Preparing organizations for the next generation of secure communications and quantum-resilient cryptographic technologies.
04 | Autonomous Systems and Robotics
Building secure autonomous platforms, robotics and intelligent systems for commercial and critical applications.
05 | Critical Infrastructure (OT / ICS)
Protecting operational technology, industrial control systems and the critical infrastructure that underpins essential services.
06 | Open Innovation
Creating innovative security technologies that address emerging challenges and unlock new opportunities across the ecosystem.
Don’t see your technology listed?
If your startup addresses an important security challenge through innovation, we encourage you to apply.
From application to growth.
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Stage 01 | Applications and Selection
Apply online to join the program.
Applications are evaluated through a structured selection process that includes application screening, a scored assessment, a 30-minute interview, and review by a selection committee. Founders are assessed on the strength of their team, the credibility of the problem they are solving, and the potential of their solution.
Applications: Open now
Selected startups announced: [DATE — TO BE CONFIRMED]
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Stage 02 | Prep School (Optional Foundations)
4 weeks | Open enrollment | [DATE — TO BE CONFIRMED]
Designed for idea-stage and first-time founders, Prep School is a four-week optional program that helps transform promising ideas into stronger startup opportunities.
Through practical workshops and guided learning, participants develop the foundations needed to build a successful company, focusing on problem validation, customer discovery, solution design and pitch foundations.
Prep School is a separate track and is not a prerequisite for joining the accelerator.
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Stage 03 | The Cybersecurity Accelerator Program
12 weeks | [DATES — TO BE CONFIRMED]
Selected startups join an intensive, in-person program hosted at MZN Hub Al Ain, delivered under the supervision of CyberE71 with the backing of Khalifa Fund and the Cyber Security Council.
Over twelve weeks, founders participate in expert-led workshops, one-to-one mentoring, venture-building sessions, technical advisory and ecosystem engagement, developing their companies from validated ideas into investment- and market-ready businesses.
Build | Weeks 1–6
Focus on validating your opportunity, strengthening your product, and developing a validated Minimum Viable Product (MVP) through customer discovery, product architecture, user testing and business refinement.
Scale | Weeks 7–12
Prepare your company for commercial growth by developing your go-to-market strategy, strengthening investment readiness, refining your intellectual property strategy, and preparing for customer pilots and future fundraising.
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Stage 04 | Final Pitch Day
[DATE — TO BE CONFIRMED]
The program concludes with a final pitch day, where founders present their companies in the presence of executives from the government, semi-government and private sectors, alongside investors and strategic partners. Founders showcase the progress achieved throughout the accelerator and explore future collaboration and growth opportunities.
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Stage 05 | Alumni Support
Graduating startups join the Khalifa Fund and Cyber Security Council ecosystem and benefit from 12 months of structured alumni support, including continued mentoring, networking opportunities, ecosystem engagement, and access to future programs and initiatives.
What we’re looking for.
Founder Capability
We look for committed founders with the ambition, resilience and capability to build and grow a successful company.
Problem and Market Opportunity
Your startup should address a clearly defined security challenge with a compelling customer need and commercial potential.
Innovation and Technical Strength
We welcome startups developing innovative technologies with the potential to create meaningful impact across the security sector.
Growth Potential
We look for companies that demonstrate the potential to scale, attract customers and contribute to the UAE’s innovation ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can apply?
The program is open to Emirati founders developing innovative security technology startups that meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
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Who runs the program?
The program is backed by Khalifa Fund and the Cyber Security Council and delivered under the supervision of CyberE71, at MZN Hub Al Ain.
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Does the program take equity?
No. The program is fully funded and does not require participating startups to give up equity.
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Is there a participation fee?
No. There are no program fees for selected startups.
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Where is the program delivered?
The program is delivered in person at MZN Hub Al Ain.
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How long is the program?
The Cybersecurity Accelerator Program runs for 12 weeks, preceded by an optional four-week Prep School for eligible early-stage founders.
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Can I apply if my product is still in development?
Yes. Startups at different stages of development are encouraged to apply, provided they are building an innovative security technology solution and meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
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What happens after the program?
Graduating startups continue to benefit from opportunities within the Khalifa Fund and Cyber Security Council ecosystem, including networking, mentoring and future growth initiatives.
Ready to build the future of security technology?
If you are an Emirati founder developing an innovative security technology startup, we invite you to apply to the Cybersecurity Accelerator Program.
Whether you are validating an early-stage idea or preparing to scale an emerging venture, the program provides the expertise, network and support to help you build a commercially successful company and become part of the UAE’s growing security technology ecosystem.
Applications are now open. Submit your application before the closing date to be considered for the upcoming cohort.
