The programme, which aims to support cutting-edge startups in the construction technology sector, is the first-ever construction-focused accelerator programme in the Middle East.
In collaboration with SIAC and Dar Al-Handasah, Flat6Labs, the top seed and early-stage venture capital firm in the area, has launched the “Makers” ConTech Accelerator Program.
The programme, which aims to support cutting-edge startups in the construction technology sector, is the first-ever construction-focused accelerator programme in the Middle East.
Select startups will receive up to $100,000 in funding from the “Makers” ConTech Accelerator Program in addition to access to pilot projects, industry experts, mentorship, business training, one-on-one consultations, coaching sessions, networking opportunities, and crucial resources to grow and scale their businesses.
Startups will be selected for the 12-week programme based on their innovative new technology, tenacious founders, and extraordinarily promising products, which must be presented at a minimum viable product (MVP) level or higher.
The new programme was launched in response to Makers’ first pre-accelerator programme, which ran in early 2023 and sought to promote innovation in the construction industry by connecting and engaging with numerous industry stakeholders with in-depth knowledge and thereby creating sustainable innovation ecosystems for resolving construction-related challenges within SIAC, Dar, and the industry at large.
Nine of Egypt’s most cutting-edge ConTech startups, including Reblox, Tawredaat, AION Innovation, Masafa, HomeLab, A.D Innovations, Makinahub, and JEEZAR, graduated from the pre-accelerator programme.
These startups received strategic mentoring, business training with an entrepreneurship focus, one-on-one consultations with subject matter experts, and other advantages during the pre-accelerator to help them create and present their creative ideas and solutions.
With the launch of the new accelerator programme, Flat6Labs hopes to continue supporting emerging companies in the field of construction technology. Prior to expanding to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and then the larger MENA region, the program will initially concentrate on Egyptian entrepreneurs.
Faysal Shair, Head of Digital Solutions at Dar, commented on the new Makers Accelerator Program by saying, “We are thrilled to continue our exceptional collaboration with SIAC and Flat6Labs to accelerate the transformation of the construction industry.”
“We think that the programme will encourage innovation in the construction sector and cultivate tech talent, giving participants the chance to present their creative solutions and collaborate with leading figures in the sector to commercialise them. We are eager to see the contributions that the chosen startups will make.”
Seif Ragab, SIAC’s deputy CEO, said, “We are proud to be a part of the journey towards digitising the construction industry and opening up more opportunities and potential for ConTech startups in Egypt.”
“The construction industry’s digital revolution is more important than ever, and we are eager to take advantage of this momentum and make significant strides. We are certain that expanding this programme would significantly contribute to the expansion and development of the region’s construction sector.”
According to Yehia Houry, Chief Programs Officer at Flat6Labs, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of an accelerator programme in collaboration with SIAC and Dar Al-Handasah, with the hope that it will serve as a conduit for the development of cutting-edge innovation while driving growth and opportunities for promising startups.”
“We are happy with the pre-accelerator program’s accomplishments and think Makers will have a big impact on the Middle Eastern construction market, first in Egypt and then elsewhere.”
The construction industry typically adopts innovation or digitalization more slowly than other industries, such as the fintech sector. The Makers programme aims to provide construction entrepreneurs with the necessary resources so they can offer fresh ideas and cutting-edge technologies that automate and optimise industry processes, making them more effective and sustainable while advancing the industry.