Social innovators pitch for Expo Live funding

DUBAI

Expo Live hosted the second cycle of its innovation awards grants in Dubai this week, with 18 social entrepreneurs and start-ups from 16 countries pitching for a share of $100 million funding.

The second cycle attracted 500 applicants from 86 countries. The 18 finalists spent three days in Dubai fine-tuning their pitches to gain grants of up to $100,000 each.

Expo 2020 Dubai’s Vice-President of Expo Live, Yousuf Caires, said: “These past three days have been about connecting minds for the common good, and ensuring innovative local solutions are recognised and given the opportunity to develop and grow on a global scale.

The first round of awards, announced last month, saw 29 projects from 22 countries win grants.