VISTA And Dubai Airshow To Support Start-Ups

VISTA will return in 2023 for its second year, aiming to provide support and investment to start-up companies within the aerospace, space, defense and technology sectors.

Co-located at Dubai Airshow at Dubai World Central from 13-17 November, VISTA will bring together innovative businesses operating in fields such as robotics, sustainability, artificial intelligence, drones, eVTOLs, UAVs and space.

The event will feature a series of new competitions across three themes: Space in partnership with UAE Space Agency, Bayanat, Planet and Amazon Web Services; Drones and Logistics in partnership with LODD; and Passenger Experience in partnership with Dubai Airports.

Shortlisted start-ups will pitch their ideas to technology leaders, investors and corporates for various prizes, with one winner named ‘Most Innovative Startup at VISTA 2023’ and receiving $10,000.

Furthermore workshops, mentorship opportunities, matchmaking sessions and an investor programme will connect start-ups with investors. Four days of content on the Startup Stage will feature keynotes and panel discussions on opportunities and developments in the industry.

Maryam Ketait, Global Accelerators and Innovation Lead at Boeing in The Middle East, Turkey and Africa, said: "Aerospace Xelerated has a proven track record of accelerating innovation in aerospace, having empowered 40 ambitious early stage startups with knowledge sharing, development support and funding. The Dubai Airshow is a great opportunity for these budding companies to expand and seize new opportunities."

VISTA 2023 exhibitor Just4Jets said taking part in the event is “essential for attracting potential investors in the aviation industry. It presents a unique opportunity for these investors to participate in a growing sector that has long been limited by complex systems and a lack of brand diversity and quality.”

Fellow exhibitor PERCEETECH said the show “promises to be another world-class event for industry trailblazers and innovators, offering opportunities to identify future trends and opportunities.”