Abu dhabi: ADGM Academy (ADGMA), in partnership with leading innovation and training partners and in collaboration with Mawaheb Talent Hub, part of the Department of Government Enablement - Abu Dhabi (DGE), Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), and Sindan, has successfully concluded the inaugural edition of the Future Entrepreneurs Programme 3D Printing.
According to Emirates News Agency, the flagship initiative is designed to equip UAE job seekers with entrepreneurial capabilities and advanced manufacturing skills aligned with the nation's future economy. The three-week programme concluded in a dedicated 'Demo Day' held in Al Ain on 22nd May, where the first cohort of 50 Emirati job seekers showcased locally designed innovations and manufactured prototypes developed throughout the programme through a product exhibition. Additionally, the event featured keynote presentations as well as certificate ceremonies for participating individuals. It brought together senior leadership, industry experts, specialists, partners, and guests to celebrate the achievements of participants and the growing role of homegrown innovation in supporting the UAE's economic diversification ambitions.
The Demo Day Graduates demonstrated fully developed prototypes, validated business concepts, and functioning market-ready ideas, underscoring the programme's role in fostering entrepreneurship and creating future employment pathways. The programme is part of the UAE's national development priorities. It integrates entrepreneurship training with hands-on experience in 3D printing and digital fabrication. The goal is to enable participants to transform innovative ideas into real prototypes and market-ready business concepts.
With a strong emphasis on empowering youth and job seekers in the Al Ain region, the initiative reinforces the city's growing position as a hub for innovation, industrial capability, and SME development. Throughout the programme, participants received comprehensive training in entrepreneurial mindset development, business strategy, pitch building, and advanced manufacturing fundamentals, alongside practical exposure to materials selection, modelling, prototyping, and real-world applications of 3D printing technologies to turn bold ideas into commercial realities.
As part of its pivotal role in building a competitive and sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem and empowering Emirati entrepreneurs, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) supported the programme by delivering specialised entrepreneurship training workshops for the first cohort. Additionally, the Fund hosted the workshops at 'MZN Hub Al Ain', its entrepreneurship centre, which plays a key role in incubating startups and supporting early-stage Emirati founders by providing a comprehensive support environment that combines workspaces, training, mentoring, and partnership networks.
Dr. Abdulla Al Shimmari, Executive Director, National Workforce Enablement Sector and Mawaheb Talent Hub, highlighted the significance of the programme, emphasizing the empowerment of job seekers by transforming ambitious ideas into viable business ventures. His sentiments were echoed by Ali Al Mehairi, Senior Executive Director of Business Enablement at ADGM Academy, who reaffirmed the commitment to equipping UAE talent with future-ready skills that bolster innovation and economic growth.