Vista
Your gateway to one of the biggest and growing aerospace startup markets in the region - Co-located with Dubai Airshow
About VISTA
Join the region’s only dedicated platform for startups in the industry
VISTA continues its triumphant journey as the premier startup platform for brilliant and creative aerospace entrepreneurs worldwide.
Co-located with the Dubai Airshow, VISTA brings together an exclusive investor committee from the aerospace ecosystem pushing the limits of innovation and defining the future of aviation.
Plunge into the latest trends and discover the newest breakthrough tech innovations.
BRINGING TOGETHER THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PLAYERS FROM THE AEROSPACE ECOSYSTEM
Featuring 4 days of inspiring discussion panels, 3 exciting new challenges, 15+ hours of mentorship clinics, over 300 investor meetings, valuable networking, industry face time with highly ranked VC's and investors.

STARTUP STAGE
Receive timely advise through an exciting panel of industry leaders that will help accelerate the positive transformation of early-stage founders.

MENTORSHIP CLINIC
Benefit from mentorship clinics hosted by leading international companies and accelerators and take part in high-level networking.

INVESTORS PROGRAMME
Get an opportunity to meet globally ranked investors, industry leaders, c levels and key decision makers that will help take your startup to the next level.

COMPETITIONS
Pitch your innovative solution to tech leaders, investors, and corporate entities from the aerospace ecosystem with a chance to win exclusive prizes

MEETINGS PROGRAMME
Connect and pre-arrange meetings with prospects through an exclusive AI platform to help support your growth plans

INVESTOR COMMITTEE
Explore the trends, opportunities, and markets as we bring together influential members from the aerospace ecosystem that will help maximize the potential and ignite a positive transformation within your business.
INVESTOR COMMITTEE – NEW TO THIS EDITION
VISTA 2023 brings together the most influential members from the aerospace ecosystem that will help ignite a positive transformation by ensuring high-quality meetings, support with mentorship, and content sessions.
Having a great idea is only the first stage in being a successful startup. Join our top investors from around the world and discover the newest breakthrough solutions & ideas. Don’t miss out!
SECTORS REPRESENTED BY INSPIRATIONAL STARTUPS
PITCH COMPETITION
The most anticipated startup hub of in the region is excited to launch the live challenges taking place at Vista 2023.
Join the 2023 Startup Challenges
VISTA is calling on the world's top startups, developers, and entrepreneurs to join and pitch their latest innovations and breakthrough solutions live to some of the most influential members of the aerospace ecosystem. Startups get a chance to win not only cash, but also gain global recognition, unparalleled partnership opportunities, access to potential funding, mentorship and more.
Are you looking to scale your startup into a thriving business? Do not miss this unique opportunity.
Challenge 1 – Drone Delivery FlyForward
UAE is a major logistics hub, with increasing delivery & logistics requirements expected to generate billions by 2025, however the industry faces major challenges such as city congestion, road accidents, increasing emissions and cost inefficiencies.
In conjunction with LODD - The objective of this challenge is to identify delivery innovators, startups, and educational institutions, to showcase their cutting-edge solutions that will revolutionize the drone delivery game, making it faster, cheaper, and more efficient.
Challenge 2 - Passenger Experience
Unlock the future of travel with Dubai airports: Are you a trailblazing start-up with ground-breaking solutions revolutionizing the passenger journey? Dubai Airports invites you to be a part of the next era of travel!
Whether it's streamlining the check-in process, enhancing security measures, providing personalized customer services, or harnessing the power of emerging technologies, we're looking for start-ups like you to pitch your innovative solutions and ideas.
Challenge 3: Space
Join us in an exciting journey to shape the future of space exploration and colonization with our "Sustainable Space Solutions" pitch challenge. Whether you're a scientist, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about space, this competition welcomes your creative ideas that focus on sustainability in space.
Let's work together to pioneer a greener and more sustainable cosmic frontier. Your ideas have the potential to influence the future of space exploration!
More details to follow soon
VISTA INNOVATION CUP
Get ready for a line-up of exciting new challenges in this edition. The winners of each of these challenges automatically qualify to pitch their innovative solution live at the Vista Innovation Cup on Thursday, November 16th.
This year, exhibiting startups will have the opportunity to participate in a draw and be selected as one of three wild card participants who will compete for the main prize alongside these winners.
Challenge Prizes
Challenge 1
The winner will get support in their Go-to-Market through a potential partnership or investment and will gain global recognition through the exposure at the Dubai Airshow and with the partner communication /announcement. Prize money for the top 3 pitches include:
- Winner: $5,000
- 2nd place: $3,000
- 3rd place: $2,000
Challenge 2
The winner of the passenger experience challenge will get support from Dubai Airports to enable a Proof of Concept of their solution on their premises. This will include helping to secure the necessary access to the physical airport, guidance and feedback through the PoC implementation phase and an opportunity to refine the Business Model and Business Case to pitch to Dubai Airports’ internal Investment Committee.
VISTA INNOVATION CUP
This year, one startup will receive a cash prize of $10,000 and will be named “Most Innovative Startup of Vista 2023”
HOW TO ENTER?
All you need to do is complete the online entry form and submit your video pitch to be in with a chance of being 1 of 5 startups per category to pitch live onsite during Vista 2023. All pitches will take place in front of an audience of investors, key industry stakeholders and global accelerator program managers.
APPLICATION GUIDELINE
Video must be a maximum of 3 minutes
Deadline for applications is Tuesday 17th of October
The Format
- Competition entries are open to all Vista participants
- All competition categories close for entry on the 17th of October 2023
- Judges will review entries and select 5 finalists for each category who will pitch live onsite at Vista 2023 on day 1 (Monday, 13th November)
- The winning startup of each category will be chosen and will win the category prize of that challenge
- Startups receive mentorship, workshops and training onsite throughout the week
- The winning startups from each category plus an additional 3 wild card winners will pitch their winning solution in The Vista Innovation Cup (Thursday, 16th of November) where startups will compete for the grand cash prize
Evaluation Criteria
- The problem and solution - does the product or solution solve the problem? What value does it add?
- Market Validation – is there a need for your product or service?
- Business Model - realisation, longevity and profitability
- Creativity - level of innovation and originality of your product or solution
- Team - your team credentials and how they will make your company a success
- Impact - what is the impact of your product on social, cultural or environmental issues
Investors & Speakers
-
FounderSpeaker
-
Head of Growth and StrategySpeaker/Investor
-
Presenter, Storytelling and Speaker CoachSpeaker
-
Programme Director at Aerospace Xelerated and Principal, Global Accelerators & Innovation Programs, at BoeingSpeaker
-
Head of VentureOne (Interim)Speaker/Investor
-
European Deal; Flow ManagerSpeaker
-
Co CEOSpeaker
-
Founder & President of Invicta Angel; Board MemberInvestor
-
Director GeneralInvestor
-
PartnerSpeaker/Investor
-
Managing Director, IsraelSpeaker
-
PartnerInvestor
-
Founder & CEOInvestor
-
AdvsiorInvestor
-
Chief Innovation OfficerSpeaker
-
Managing PartnerSpeaker
-
FounderSpeaker
-
CEOSpeaker
-
General ManagerInvestor
-
Chief Information OfficerSpeaker
-
Senior Manager, Portfolio DevelopmentSpeaker
-
Head of Commercialisation DepartmentSpeaker
-
Head of Portfolio ManagementSpeaker
-
Vice President & UAE DirectorSpeaker/Investor
-
Space Policy and Legislation SpecialistSpeaker
-
Deep-Tech / Space InvestorSpeaker/Investor
-
Director Plug and Play Austria, Travel & Aviation EMEASpeaker/Investor
-
Founder & PrincipalInvestor
-
Partner, HeadSpeaker
-
Director, Applied InnovationSpeaker
-
Independent Advisor, Business Angel,Limited partnerInvestor
-
Managing DirectorInvestor
-
PartnerInvestor
-
Public Sector VC and Startups (Space + National Security)Speaker/Investor
-
PartnerSpeaker
-
CTOSpeaker
-
Vice President- Guarantee SchemeInvestor
-
Regional Lead (META)Speaker
-
FounderInvestor
-
CEOSpeaker
Vista
Vista
MON 13 NOVEMBER
VISTA - 13th November
11:00 - 11:05Chairperson’s Opening Remarks
Speaker:
Peter Hopwood | Presenter, Storytelling and Speaker Coach | Hopwood Story & Speaker Coaching
11:05 - 11:45Opening Panel: Facilitating innovation through collaboration between investors, corporates and startups
Panellist:
Brian Cobb | Chief Innovation Officer | CVG airport
11:45 - 12:10Panel: Aerospace Xelerated: Startup Success Stories in the UAE
12:10 - 12:30Driving Technology Transitions Through Strategic Partnerships
Speakers:
Ayal Somech | Director, Applied Innovation | Boeing
Brian Schettler | Partner, Head | AEI HorizonX
12:30 - 13:15Session reserved for Aviation X
13:15 - 16:30Vista Startup Pitch Competition
Get ready to pitch your startup to the aerospace ecosystem, tech leaders and investors. 3 challenges, the winners of which will compete for the VISTA innovation cup.
Challenge 1: FlyForward by LODD
Last-mile drone delivery innovators present innovations for faster, cheaper, and efficient deliveries to win awards and global recognition.
Challenge 2: Redefining the passenger experience of tomorrow by Dubai Airports
Dubai Airports invites startups to pitch their innovative solutions that contribute to transforming the passenger journey and experience for the future.
Challenge 3: To be announced soon
Speakers:
Reda Nidhakou | Head of VentureOne (Interim) | VentureOne
Rashid Almanai | CEO | LODD
16:30Closing remarks & End of Day 1
Speaker:
Peter Hopwood | Presenter, Storytelling and Speaker Coach | Hopwood Story & Speaker Coaching
TUE 14 NOVEMBER
VISTA - 14th November
10:30 - 10:35Chairperson’s Opening Remarks
Speaker:
Peter Hopwood | Presenter, Storytelling and Speaker Coach | Hopwood Story & Speaker Coaching
10:35 - 10:50Session reserved for Boeing Applied Innovation - Keynote
10:50 - 11:05Presentation: Shifting Trends in Corporate Innovation: How Aerospace Xelerated is Shaping the Future of Aerospace
The Boeing Global Accelerators & Innovation team will reflect on 4 years spent working with startups to shape the future of aerospace, as well as discussing shifting attitudes and approaches to the role of corporate innovation. Join us to be the first to hear an announcement on the exciting new direction that the programme is taking and the opportunities this creates for partners and participants!
Speakers:
Jacqueline Davidson | Programme Director at Aerospace Xelerated and Principal, Global Accelerators & Innovation Programs, at Boeing | Aerospace Xelerated
Nichola Bates | Managing Partner | Aerospace Xelerated
11:05 - 11:45Airline startups take to the skies
Discover the different startup airline models. What edge to they have over existing airlines? What innovations are in-store for passengers to experience? How will these upcoming airlines ensure profitability and success? Get answers to these questions and more.
Speakers:
Sourav Sinha | Chief Information Officer | BEOND
James Asquith | CEO | Global Airlines
11:45 - 12:30Mentorship Clinics: The art of persuasion: Delivering the perfect pitch deck
This mentorship clinic offers a unique opportunity for startups to receive expert feedback on their pitch decks, equipping them with the skills to craft a compelling narrative and persuasive ask that captivates the interest of potential investors, partners, and clients on stage. Don't miss this chance to refine your pitch and take your startup to new heights of success.
Speaker:
Mia Jafari | Founder | Fluid Labs
12:35 - 13:00Starburst Selection Committee Pitch Event - Panel Discussion: Beyond the Stars: How Space Technologies Shape Industries on Earth
This session will bring together visionary experts who specialize in space technology and its transformative impact on various earthly industries. Drawing from the perspective of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry executives, the session will explore the future of space tech applications in the Aerospace and Defense industry, with a particular focus on how these innovations can be harnessed for on earth use.
Moderator:
Noemie Alliel | Managing Director, Israel | Starburst
Panellists:
Kohei Yoshioka | Co CEO | Biotech & Space - IDDK
Aaron Ishikawa | Partner | Aero X Ventures
13:00 - 15:00Starburst Pitch Event
Six seed aerospace and space-related startups will be pitching their innovative tech to compete for a spot in Starburst late stage accelerator program. Startup will be given 5 min presentation followed by a 5min Q&A round with the
audience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network with esteemed guests, hear startup pitches from Starburst curated deal flow pipeline, and meet Starburst global team.
Moderator:
Íñigo Estébanez de la Mata | European Deal; Flow Manager | Starburst Aerospace
15:00Closing remarks & End of Day 2
Speaker:
Peter Hopwood | Presenter, Storytelling and Speaker Coach | Hopwood Story & Speaker Coaching
18:30Startup x Investor Social
WED 15 NOVEMBER
VISTA - 15th November
10:30 - 10:35Chairperson’s Opening Remarks
Speaker:
Peter Hopwood | Presenter, Storytelling and Speaker Coach | Hopwood Story & Speaker Coaching
10:35 - 11:05Panel: Capturing New Businss via Corporate Business Development Initiatives
Moderator:
Hayden Shea | Senior Manager, Portfolio Development | Boeing
11:05 - 11:35Panel Discussion : Supporting the establishment and accelerating the growth of space startups in the UAE
Discover how you can partner with the space economic zone and join their startup acceleration program.
Panellist:
Ahmed Al Darei | Space Policy and Legislation Specialist | UAE Space Agency
11:35 - 12:05Investing in the future of space
Discussing regional and international investment trends in the space industry. What funding options are available for space startups? What are investors looking for in upcoming startups. What opportunities lie ahead for space startups? Our panel of space industry investors will answer all your questions.
Moderator:
Michael Moreno | Public Sector VC and Startups (Space + National Security) | Amazon Web Services
Panellists:
Wojtek Walniczek | Partner | OTB Ventures
Estelle Godard | Deep-Tech / Space Investor | Promus Ventures
Luca del Monte | Head of Commercialisation Department | European Space Agency (ESA)
12:05 - 13:05Industry to Startups Reverse Pitch Day
Speaker:
Michael Moreno | Public Sector VC and Startups (Space + National Security) | Amazon Web Services
13:05 - 13:50Session reserved for Intelak
13:50 - 14:30Mentorship Clinic: Startup-Corporate Collaboration: How startups can build and execute a successful Proof-of-Concept (PoC) project in industry
Join Veena Rao, Head of Portfolio Development at Aerospace Xelerated, for a workshop aimed at startups looking to approach a Proof-of-Concept opportunity with a corporate customer. The workshop will cover best practices on navigating a PoC from idea through to completion.
Speaker:
Veena Rao | Head of Portfolio Management | Aerospace Xelerated
14:30 - 15:00Mentorship Clinic
Speakers:
Nik Munaretto | Director Plug and Play Austria, Travel & Aviation EMEA | Plug and Play Tech Center
Jordan Bray | Vice President & UAE Director | Plug and Play Tech Centre
15:00Closing remarks & End of Day 3
Speaker:
Peter Hopwood | Presenter, Storytelling and Speaker Coach | Hopwood Story & Speaker Coaching
THU 16 NOVEMBER
VISTA - 16th November
11:00 - 11:05Chairperson’s Opening Remarks
Speaker:
Peter Hopwood | Presenter, Storytelling and Speaker Coach | Hopwood Story & Speaker Coaching
11:05 - 11:45Panel: Fueling Innovation: Uniting Investors, Startups, and Ecosystems in the Fundraising Journey
Delving into the complex world of fundraising within the industry, featuring diverse perspectives from key stakeholders in the ecosystem. Our panelists, will share their perspectives and insights on how they can collaborate to drive innovation and facilitate successful fundraising.
Panellists:
Elodie Robin-Guillerm | Head of Growth and Strategy | Hub 71
Hani Abu-Ghazaleh | Founder | Mental
11:45 - 12:30Panel Discussion: Startups & Corporates: Bridging Digital Solutions
12:30 - 13:15Panel: Building Collaborative Cultures: The Role of Intrapreneurs in Startups and Corporations
This panel delves into the dynamic world of corporate innovation and the vital role of innovative individuals within established organizations. Throughout the discussion, experienced entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs will share their collaboration stories, challenges, and strategies for building collaborations, driving change, and navigating corporate landscapes to bring ground-breaking startup ideas to fruition through partnerships. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how startups, intrapreneurs and investors can work together to challenge the status quo, initiate positive disruptions, and champion transformative innovations. Moreover, we will discuss how startups can identify these champions and why cross-sector collaborations are key to driving innovation from within organizations.
Moderator:
Mia Jafari | Founder | Fluid Labs
13:00 - 13:30VISTA Innovation Cup - Panel with Pitch Competition Sponsors
13:30 - 15:00VISTA Innovation Cup
Winners from the Live Pitch Competitions will compete in the Vista Innovation Cup, with one startup taking home the title for the most Innovative startup at Vista 2023
15:00 - 15:30Interview with the VISTA Innovation Cup Winner
Speaker:
Peter Hopwood | Presenter, Storytelling and Speaker Coach | Hopwood Story & Speaker Coaching