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A flagship programme by the Khalifa Fund designed to support Emirati entrepreneurs and empower the growth of Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, that are licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.

It facilitates the transition from prototype to operational production by providing access to laboratories, obtaining the necessary certifications, and offering marketing and export opportunities. 

About the Programme

• The Light Manufacturing Accelerator is one of the flagship programmes of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development. It aims to transform promising projects from entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into market-ready, sustainable light manufacturing ventures. 

• The accelerator provides direct access to machinery, financing, IP protection, certification, supply chains, procurement contracts, and export pathways, enabling innovators to transition seamlessly into full-scale production. 

• The programme aims to transform promising prototypes into real light manufacturing mSMEs by addressing barriers and enabling batch production, IP commercialisation, certification, market, procurement, and export readiness. 

• The programme contributes to Khalifa Fund’s objective to foster innovation, mSME development, and industrial diversification in accordance with the UAE’s Falcon Economy and the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ agenda. 

• Several incentives will be offered, including financial awards based on outstanding achievements in each category, official certificates of completion for participants, and post-graduation funding solutions provided by the Khalifa Fund.

Who Should Apply?

This programme is intended for:

  • Entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs developing physical products 

  • Companies that are based in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra

  • Holding a valid license issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development or having applied to obtain one

  • Teams with a prototype, MVP, or early product ready to move toward production 

  • Founders seeking to test small-batch manufacturing and prepare for market entry 

This programme is designed for manufacturing physical products and does not include idea-only concepts or software-only products. 

Apply Now

What Participants Will Gain?

Selected participants will benefit from: 

• Support to move from prototype or MVP to pilot and small-batch production.

• Guidance on manufacturing readiness, including production planning and quality considerations.

• Advisory support on certification and compliance pathways.

• Exposure to buyers, procurement opportunities, and commercial partners.

• A structured program designed to help founders take practical steps toward sustainable manufacturing.

Programme Focus Areas

The Light Manufacturing Accelerator supports ventures operating across priority light manufacturing sectors, including but not limited to: 


Petrochemicals


Electronics and Plastics



Iron and Metal Products


Wood and Modular Components


Textiles and Packaging


3D Printing

Eligibility Requirements

The programme is open to companies that meet at least one of the following conditions: 

  • Are physically based in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra, or

  • Hold or commit to holding a valid commercial or industrial license issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (Abu Dhabi DED).

Companies physically based outside Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra are eligible only if they hold, or will hold, an Abu Dhabi DED–issued license.

Additional eligibility requirements:

  • Ownership: Emirati-owned company or a joint venture with at least one Emirati co-founder

Apply before February 26 2026

Apply Now

The Khalifa Fund Light Manufacturing Accelerator is managed in collaboration with a distinguished group of academic partners, innovation experts, and industrial sector stakeholders. 

FAQ

  • The programme is open to industrial founders and SMEs developing tangible products that are based in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra and holding a valid commercial or industrial license issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (Abu Dhabi DED) or committed to obtaining one. 


    The programme is intended for companies with prototype, MVP, or early-stage product, and is not suitable for idea-only businesses or purely software-based products. 

  • No. Companies may be physically based outside of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra as long as they hold a valid Abu Dhabi DED–issued license that remains active for the duration of the programme. 
    However, applicants must be available and committed to attend in-person working sessions and conduct manufacturing activities, including pilot or small-batch production, in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra when required as part of the programme.

  • The online application takes approximately 15–25 minutes to complete. Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and prepare brief descriptions of their product and manufacturing plans before starting. 

  • Applicants should have a physical product at the prototype, MVP, or early product stage and be ready to move toward pilot or small-batch production. 
    Idea-only concepts without a developed product are not the primary focus of this programme. 

  • All applications will be reviewed by the programme team. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for additional information or invited to participate in further assessment steps as part of the selection process. Due to limited capacity, only a select number of companies will be invited to join the next phase of the programme.