Afkar.me selects three regional start-ups for incubation

Following a six week selection process from entries across the globe, Afkar.me, a digital oriented start-up incubator, run by Intigral, has selected three GCC start-ups for incubation. The three teams, MedsConnect, mrUsta and Kanari were chosen from a group of nine shortlisted entrants following an intensive two-day boot camp in Dubai.

In line with Intigral’s core business strategy, each start-up has high scalability potential, specifically when plugged into the Telco ecosystem, within which the company operates. The start-ups aim to solve viable problems in the region across three very different sectors; e-health, customer experience and service provider listings. Each has a digital element at the core and will benefit not only from the cash injection but also from the expertise Intigral will offer within this space, and ultimately the access to market via customers such as STC.

Juan Jose Del La Torre (J.J.), VP of Digital at Intigral and lead judge commented: “From over 150 entries across the globe we have found some extremely promising start-ups. Each brings a unique value proposition to solve very scalable problems across healthcare, customer loyalty, and trusted listings. I am confident that each idea will not only positively benefit from both the cash injection and incubation at our offices, but bring a true market led innovation to the region benefiting the wider digital ecosystem.”

He continued, “It is the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rasheed Al Maktoum to support the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. The interest and exponential rise in applications we have seen for Afkar.me, along with international start-up initiatives being attracted to Dubai, is testament to that vision, and the long term prosperity for the sector.”

Sitting on the judging panel with J.J. were Intigral colleagues: Christopher Ellison, GM of Strategy, and Andy Oldknow, GM of Sports.