<aside> 🚀 Prepare to embark on an extraordinary entrepreneurial voyage! 🚀

The Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst Program, powered by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, seeks trailblazing innovators poised to redefine industry landscapes through groundbreaking tech solutions. But hold onto your seats, because this program is far from ordinary. Over the course of 10 dynamic weeks, we're primed to elevate innovation to unprecedented heights, empowering global startups on a transformative journey. Envision yourself alongside industry luminaries and visionary mentors, charting a course toward unparalleled success. Find out all the details below and also what makes this program so unbelievably unique.

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👉 APPLY NOW!

👉 Watch the recording of our virtual AMA Session!

Join our exciting pre-accelerator program

<aside> 💡 Applications for Cohort 5 have opened!

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Watch our virtual AMA sessions from the last cohort and get an answer to some of the most frequently asked questions!

Passcode: 4jtY#&e4

About The Program

The Anjal Z Program is tailored for startups focused on early childhood development, centering on families and children aged 0-8. With a keen eye on addressing critical issues, the program aligns with ECA's pillars of Health & Nutrition, Early Care & Education, Child Protection, and Family Support. This groundbreaking initiative has to be one of the most unique and innovative startup programs there is.

Firstly it invites founders from all stages to apply. That is why it has two tracks for startups! One track is for early-stage startups (the Ignite Track) and the other is for more established startups (the Launch Track).

Secondly for those startups that meet the criteria for the Launch Track, if chosen you will receive up to $270,000 funding (equity-free) & an all-expenses paid trip to Abu Dhabi to complete the in-person program. This trip enables you to meet and collaborate with local entities to deliver your innovative solution to the children, families, and communities of Abu Dhabi with a proof of concept project to be delivered across a timeline you decide. But that's not all!

For this Cohort, in addition to the four pillars of the ECA, we are seeking pioneering startups developing groundbreaking tech solutions within three thematic areas:

1. Intentional Parenting: Empowering parents in nurturing the holistic development of their young ones, spanning from birth to 8 years old. We delve into cultivating positive parenting behaviors while safeguarding children's well-being in both digital and physical realms.
2. Culture & Identity: Fostering a deep appreciation and celebration of the UAE's rich cultural tapestry among children. This theme prioritizes social cohesion and a profound sense of belonging, advocating for cultural diversity and global recognition of the Emirati identity.
3. Sustainable & Family-Friendly Cities: Revolutionizing urban planning by placing children at the heart of design, promoting healthy development and social harmony. From connecting children with nature to integrating technology responsibly, we aim to build resilient, environmentally conscious communities.

Before moving on to decide which Track your startup would fit, please make sure that your startup fits on these three themes and be sure to tell us which one in your application and why!

The criteria and benefits for both tracks are discussed below.

🔥 Ignite Track

<aside> 🚀 The Ignite Track is for startups that are pre-launch or that have launched and have an MRR of less than $20k (or similar traction), have not raised more than $250k, and have a team of less than 5 people.

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Please Note: The Ignite Track sets you up to have access to all the Techstars resources, masterclasses, and world-class mentorship for free and gives you a higher chance of joining the Launch Track of the next AnjalZ Cohort!

Ignite Benefits!

For founders in the Ignite Track, we would provide you with the resources necessary to help you move to the next stage in your startup journey. Whether that is raising your first round of investment, applying to the next Techstars AnjalZ Launch Track, or applying for an equity-funded Techstars Accelerator. In the program, you will:

💡  Receive Virtual world-class Masterclasses

👥 Have Access to 1:1 sessions with a global network of experienced mentors

🗣️ Get Techstars 1-2-1s and Feedback sessions & priority application for the next Launch Track cohort

🚀 Launch Track

<aside> 🚀 The Launch Track is for startups who have launched & have a good customer base and traction. An MRR of more than $20k, have not raised more than $1m, and have a team of more than 3 people.

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Please Note: founders with a bit less traction than our stated criteria or other forms of concrete traction are still welcome to apply for the Launch Track. We will require you to complete and submit some Due Diligence documentation so apply early.

Launch Benefits!

For the more established startups with good traction and an ambition to expand into the economic hub that is the Middle East in addition to our first-class resources, masterclasses, and mentorship you will also have the opportunity to access several other benefits from our partners which include:

🇦🇪 An invite to join the in-person program in AbuDhabi with a one-month all-expenses-paid trip

🧳 Launch a POC project in Abu Dhabi and collaborate with a local partner

💰 Receive Up to $270,000 in equity-free funding which is linked to KPIs you decide on as part of your POC project

Selection Process & Criteria

👥 Who can apply?