UAE Ministry of Economy and Schneider Electric Partner to Boost Climate-Tech Startups
The Ministry of Economy has officially announced a strategic partnership with Schneider Electric as part of its NextGen FDI initiative, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability. The collaboration aims to attract, mentor, and scale high-potential start-ups within the sustainability and climate-tech sectors while positioning the UAE as a global hub for pioneering technological advancements.
Through this partnership, Schneider Electric will leverage its extensive expertise in energy management and digital transformation to bring its portfolio companies to the UAE. These companies will gain networking and expansion opportunities, enabling them to contribute to the nation’s broader vision of sustainable growth and economic diversification.
Schneider Electric’s Commitment to Climate-Tech Innovation
Schneider Electric has long been at the forefront of empowering start-ups through strategic capital allocation and resource facilitation. The company has played a pivotal role in scaling businesses that redefine industries, particularly in climate technology, industrial artificial intelligence (AI), mobility, prop-tech, and cybersecurity. By providing start-ups with the necessary tools, networks, and mentorship, Schneider Electric has positioned itself as a global leader in supporting innovation.
Under this new agreement, Schneider Electric will play a dual role in advancing the NextGen FDI programme. Firstly, it will offer go-to-market strategies and incubation support to the start-ups onboarded through the initiative. This will include opportunities for collaboration with Schneider Electric’s own projects, providing companies with real-world applications to test and scale their technologies. Secondly, the partnership will introduce established start-ups from Schneider Electric’s global network to the UAE market, further integrating them into the region’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
Aligning Sustainability and Economic Growth
According to Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, this partnership underscores the essential role of start-ups in advancing the UAE’s innovation agenda while simultaneously aligning with the country’s sustainability and net-zero goals.
“The collaboration with Schneider Electric marks a strategic milestone in our efforts to empower climate-tech start-ups with the expertise and infrastructure necessary for rapid growth. By facilitating the deployment of cutting-edge technologies that reduce emissions, minimize material waste, and enhance efficiency, we are strengthening the UAE’s leadership in sustainable innovation. From smart grids to energy-efficient infrastructure, this initiative will have long-lasting impacts on our sustainability objectives,” stated Al Zeyoudi.
The UAE has positioned itself as a key player in the global transition towards sustainable development. This partnership reinforces the country’s proactive approach in integrating climate-tech solutions across multiple sectors, ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits. By providing climate-tech entrepreneurs with access to funding, infrastructure, and strategic mentorship, the NextGen FDI initiative is accelerating the UAE’s journey toward a more resilient and technologically advanced economy.
Schneider Electric’s Role in the UAE’s Sustainable Vision
Schneider Electric has cultivated long-term commercial partnerships with over 35 active companies in areas including energy management, sustainability, and industrial automation. Recognizing the UAE as a crucial market for sustainable growth, the company is keen on aligning its expertise with the nation’s ambitious environmental and economic goals.
Olivier Blum, Chief Executive Officer of Schneider Electric, highlighted the transformative impact of digitalization and electrification on economies worldwide, emphasizing their growing importance in achieving energy efficiency and sustainability.
“As a strategic partner of the NextGen FDI initiative, Schneider Electric is committed to supporting the UAE’s vision for energy resilience and sustainable development. By empowering the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and accelerating the country’s energy transition, we are fostering growth that aligns with the UAE’s broader economic diversification strategy,” said Blum.
Blum further elaborated on how Schneider Electric’s joint efforts with the UAE government reinforce the nation’s commitment to technological innovation and digital transformation. “Our collaboration builds upon the UAE’s dedication to becoming a global leader in technology-driven advancements. By strengthening support for climate-tech start-ups, we are not only driving economic growth but also reinforcing the UAE’s position as an innovation hub,” he added.
NextGen FDI: A Catalyst for Innovation and Economic Diversification
Launched in 2022, the NextGen FDI initiative is a cornerstone of the UAE’s strategy to diversify its economy and position itself as a global hub for technological innovation. The program has already attracted over 20 companies operating in future-focused sectors, including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. These companies have contributed to accelerating the UAE’s transformation into a knowledge-driven, sustainable economy.
By collaborating with Schneider Electric, the Ministry of Economy is further enhancing the initiative’s ability to attract and support high-growth start-ups in the climate-tech space. The goal is to provide these businesses with an ecosystem where they can develop, test, and deploy their solutions, ultimately contributing to global sustainability efforts.
A Promising Future for Climate-Tech Entrepreneurs in the UAE
As the global demand for sustainable technologies continues to grow, the UAE is positioning itself as a leading destination for climate-tech innovators. The partnership between the Ministry of Economy and Schneider Electric is expected to unlock new opportunities for start-ups while reinforcing the UAE’s status as a global leader in green innovation.
Through sustained investment in climate-focused solutions and strategic collaborations with industry leaders, the UAE is creating an environment where businesses can thrive, technologies can scale, and sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into the fabric of economic development. With initiatives like NextGen FDI driving forward-thinking policies, the UAE is well on its way to becoming a dominant force in the global sustainability landscape.
