DSOA to launch technology entrepreneurship center
Before January comes to an
end the Dubai
Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) will be launching the
Dubai Technology
Entrepreneurship Centre (DTEC), adding to the roster of
initiatives the DSOA has been launching and supporting in one of
UAE’s free zones.
“It’s a technology and
entrepreneurship centre […] a co-working space within a larger
space,” says Hans-Henrik Christensen, Director of DSOA and Managing
Director of DTEC.
Services for all entrepreneurs
Covering a space of 3,600sqm, the
area will house startups in all technological fields. Christensen
told Wamda that with more than 350 work stations the center is one
of the largest coworking space for tech entrepreneurs in the
region.
“We wanted to provide various spaces
for entrepreneurs,” he said, “Such as coffee houses, conference
rooms, game rooms, and event halls; in short, all the facilities
that help in the exchange of experiences and knowledge and in
meeting new people.”
When it comes to what is available
to the entrepreneur there are various services available at DTEC. A
‘flexi desk’ can be rented for
a year at 6,000 AED ($1,600 USD); a “dedicated (fixed) desk” for
12,000 AED ($3,200) with a secure locker; an enclosed office starts
at 3,000 AED ($800 per sqm).
In renting of these spaces entrepreneurs will
benefit from a range of services such as two residence visas, free
hi-speed wi-fi, and access to DTEC’s facilities and meeting
rooms.
In building the center Christensen
wants to encourage entrepreneurship by establishing a space
following Google’s working spaces’ model. He says “this center
falls under the creation of an ecosystem where entrepreneurs can
work on their businesses,” adding that this space is located in a
free zone, which allows for the establishment of businesses,
obtaining of commercial licenses, and renting of spaces without the
need for an Emirati partner or sponsor.
So far the DTEC has signed up 60
registered companies, including some with a commercial license, and
others still in the early stages. With more still applying to join
Christensen says that they have more than they can handle for the
time being.
When it comes to joining the market,
the MD doesn’t believe the DTEC to be a competitor with other
coworking spaces in the UAE, rather they are simply a new player in
the ecosystem, offering more options. “It’s like different types of
restaurants, you can choose to eat at a different one every day.
Moreover, we must not forget that ours is a technology
entrepreneurship incubator that not everyone wants to be a part of;
many don’t want help or partnership with the
government.”
One space, multiple
initiatives
Falling under the umbrella of the
DSOA, the DTEC is now part of an institution that hosts many
initiatives. Pursuant to law no.16, the Government of Dubai’s DSOA has the
power to establish a free zone, and to attract startups and giant
corporations alike. “Our aim is to gather entrepreneurs and
companies that follow the same route,” says Christensen.
Listing the initiatives that the
DSOA has worked on Christensen says that those such as the
development of the ‘Technology Investments’ division, which
includes the incubator
Silicon Oasis Founder (SOF), will join its efforts with
those of DTEC.
As well as being funded by the
government the SOF also enjoys funding from corporate sponsors such
as Sap and the educational institution Gems Education. Alongside SOF there is the
Venture Capital Funding and Tech Forum,
which organize events as a way of establishing an ecosystem,
attract renowned speaks, and allow entrepreneurs to
connect.
In addition, DSOA launched a smart
city initiative, Smart
DSO, funded with 6.1 billion AED ($438 million) built
next to DTEC, it also expanded its activities to include Islamic
economics through its
Dubai Islamic Economy Development
Center.
“We need to feed this incubator with
lots of activities: events on one hand and startup success stories
on another, in addition to closing partnerships with key actors,”
added Christensen.
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