DUBAI Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the regulatory body for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park and Microsoft Gulf, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will effectively enable DSOA's tech start-ups to benefit from free software and services available through the Microsoft BizSpark Program. Under the MoU, Microsoft will enroll DSOA's wholly owned technology incubation center, Dubai Technology Entrepreneurship Center (DTEC), the largest of its kind in the Middle East, as a Microsoft BizSpark Network partner, providing all tech start-ups and innovators under its network with free and express access to its software and services. Shahla Ahmed Abdul Razak, Deputy CEO of DSOA, said: “We fully understand the importance of innovation in relation to entrepreneurs and their contribution to the economy of the country. We at DSO have clear objectives and directions in developing an ecosystem that supports the growth of start-ups. We have a 3,600 square meters facility to accommodate young entrepreneurs that have smart innovative ideas. Today we host more than 187 start-ups and emerging high-tech entrepreneurs that are benefiting from guidance and support to help them grow their innovative ideas into a successful business”. “Becoming a BizSpark Network Partner will certainly consolidate our existing efforts in helping start-ups to grow. We are very excited about this opportunity because Microsoft BizSpark is a valuable and proven technology solution that can considerably benefit entrepreneurs and start-ups based at DTEC in scaling up their businesses, generating financial returns faster and offsetting operating costs. This can help them focus their efforts on other business challenges such as research, development, investment and promotion,” Shahla added. Samer Abu-Ltaif, Regional General Manager at Microsoft Gulf, said: “Microsoft aims to provide young entrepreneurs in the UAE with the necessary tools to enable them take their business ideas from concept to completion. The collaboration with DSOA is a strategic and crucial one in enabling us to harness the vast potential that lies within start-ups in the UAE. Our partnership with DSO reiterates our commitment to help accelerate innovation through Microsoft BizSpark, and we hope these efforts will help us reach more people who are looking to turn their great ideas into reality. This will, in turn, empower their communities and the country at large.” Microsoft and DSO will work towards promoting entrepreneurship opportunities for tech start-ups in the UAE through collaborative efforts, and develop a joint implementation plan to make this scheme more effective at the country level. The BizSpark program is available for tech start-ups that are less than five years old, privately held, and earning less than $1 million annually. The program also provides global visibility to an audience of potential investors, clients and partners which tech start-ups can tap into as Microsoft BizSpark members. Microsoft will support start-ups by providing them with free software and services through the BizSpark program and as well as with technical BizSpark products guidance. DSOA will on the other hand promote the BizSpark program to its start-up ecosystem through marketing activities and events that showcase the benefits of Microsoft technologies for start-ups. BizSpark Network Partners from around the world include university incubators, hosting companies, government agencies, investors, consultants and financial institutions among others, that are chosen because their service offering is particularly appropriate for start-up companies that are supported under the Microsoft BizSpark program. With SMEs constituting 94 percent of all companies in the UAE, Microsoft is determined to support their growth through its wide network of technologies since they are an essential engine for the economy. Microsoft BizSpark currently has over 2,000 active members in the MEA region. More than 50,000 companies have benefited from BizSpark in over 100 countries around the world since its inception in 2008. — SG
