Dubai Airshow aims high with new startup event

Dubai Airshow 2021 has announced a new dedicated startup event, VISTA, as a platform for innovators, creators and market disruptors to display the latest technologies in the aerospace and defence industries.

The co-located event will connect startups with venture capitalists who are looking for disruptive new entrants to out-hustle the big players. The event will be attended by national leaders, CEOs, investors, developers, technology disruptors, operators and other key experts. 

During the five-day programme, VISTA will feature a number of sub-events in partnership with Gothams, a leading accelerator helping to build the next generation of aerospace and defence startups.

Entrepreneurs can take part in pitch competitions where they will be able to present their technologies to industry leaders and investors with the chance of winning prizes.

They will also have the opportunity to get involved in mentorship programmes, workshops, and high-level networking, learn about market trends and receive the best guidance from experts, key decision makers, and global investors. 

VISTA will include startups from 12 different sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Future Mobility, Software, Space, Aerospace, Material Science, Cyber Security, Defence, Tourism, Robotics, Drones, and Sustainability.

Commenting on hisarticipation in VISTA, Co-founder of SARsat Arabia, Ahmed Alzurabi, said: "We are delighted to be taking part in Dubai Airshow 2021 and have the opportunity to display our technologies to the wider industry. We look forward to receiving high-level guidance from significant mentors in the field, to support us in achieving our goal of using cutting-edge Earth Observation satellite technologies to help improve life on Earth."

Maximillian Buerger, Founder and Managing Director of Aviationfly startup, added: "Exhibiting at the Dubai Airshow was an easy decision for us – the event will most likely be the largest aviation industry event of 2021 and the meeting point of aviation leaders from around the globe. Aviationfly is a United Arab Emirates headquartered startup, which similar to the Dubai Airshow connects different stakeholders in the aviation industry – our focus being the global pilot training ecosystem.

"The pandemic has significantly affected our industry but we used it as an opportunity to diversify our activities and are excited to be launching a new platform in time for the event in November."