AWS/CTIB Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator Programme wraps up successfully - The24X7News

The UAE Cybersecurity Council (CSC), in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and CrowdStrike, marked the successful completion of the inaugural cohort of the AWS/CTIB Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator Programme at a closing ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi. The six-week programme, which ran from 25 March to 4 May 2026, screened 157 applications from more than five countries and selected 23 startups across cloud security, application security, identity and access management, generative AI for cybersecurity, and data security. The multi-year initiative, a core element of the UAE Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Bureau (UAE CTIB) and the UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy, aims to accelerate more than 500 cybersecurity startups through equity-free support, technical mentorship and regional market pathways.

"The successful completion of Cohort 1 of the AWS/CTIB Startup Accelerator Programme validates the UAE's vision of building a robust, innovation-driven cybersecurity ecosystem. These 23 startups represent the next generation of 'Made in UAE' cybersecurity champions," said Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government. "Their success demonstrates that the UAE is not only committed to defending its digital future but to exporting cybersecurity excellence to the world."

Context and programme details

• Programme delivery and partners: Cohort 1 was delivered virtually and on schedule, with AWS, CrowdStrike and the UAE Cybersecurity Council among the principal delivery partners. CyberE71 was highlighted as a parallel initiative connecting startups with partners, investors and government-backed enablement platforms.
• Curriculum and participation: The accelerator comprised 23 curated sessions totaling more than 30 hours of content — 15 business strategy sessions, six technical deep-dives and two keynote sessions — featuring contributions from over 25 distinguished speakers and mentors representing senior cybersecurity leadership globally.
• Selection and evaluation: From 157 applications, 23 startups were chosen. A senior CISO Evaluation Panel drawn from initiative supporters assessed all participants through a Shark Tank-style virtual pitch, selecting the Top 5 winning startups based on customer value, competitive differentiation, innovation and growth traction. The winners will receive heightened visibility with enterprise customers, investors and government stakeholders across the region.
• Value delivered to startups: Participating founders received equity-free access to global technology expertise, 1:1 mentorship, access to regional capital networks, investor pitch coaching, go-to-market advisory, AWS Marketplace listing and co-sell support, and discounts on CrowdStrike Falcon® Pro.
• Leadership statements: "The results of Cohort 1 exceed our expectations. From 157 applications to 23 exceptional startups building solutions across cloud security, AI-powered threat detection, and identity management, this programme has proven that the UAE has the talent, the ambition, and the ecosystem to become a world-leading cybersecurity innovation hub," said Chris Erasmus, General Manager, UAE, Rest of Middle East and North Africa at AWS. Daniel Bernard, Chief Business Officer at CrowdStrike, added that CrowdStrike is "proud to help the next generation of cybersecurity companies scale faster, solve urgent security challenges, and advance the vision of technology that is both Made in UAE and Protected by UAE."

Outlook

Organisers said the accelerator is a cornerstone of efforts to build a sustained cybersecurity innovation pipeline in the UAE, targeting more than 500 startups over the programme's life. Abdulla Al Ahmed, Chief Government and VVIP Relations Officer, framed cyber resilience as both a pillar of national resilience and an economic enabler, noting the cohort's success as evidence of the benefits of aligning regional infrastructure, the venture ecosystem and enterprise capabilities. With the first cohort complete and the Top 5 winners now positioned for greater market exposure, stakeholders signalled continued investment in subsequent cohorts and deeper commercial engagement across the region.