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.

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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 SOCIAL

An exclusive networking event for exhibiting startups and investors. This event will allow both startups and investors to build lasting connections whilst enjoying what the city has to offer.

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

  • Robotics
  • Sustainability
  • Blockchain
  • Cargo
  • Logistics
  • Augmented Reality
  • Virtual Reality
  • E-commerce
  • Hospitality
  • AI
  • AAM
  • Drones & UAVs
  • Software
  • Space
  • Aerospace
  • Cyber Security
  • Defence
  • Travel & Tourism

Strategic Partner

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Association Partner

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PITCH COMPETITION

The most anticipated startup hub in the region is excited to launch the live challenges 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 face major challenges. 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.

Judging Panel:

Challenge 2 - Passenger Experience

Unlock the future of travel with Dubai airports: Whether it's streamlining the check-in process, enhancing security measures, providing personalized customer services, or harnessing the power of emerging technologies. The objective of this challenge is to identify innovative solutions that contribute to transforming the passenger journey and experience for the future. 

Judging Panel:

Challenge 3: Sustainability for and from Space

Space is an increasingly critical infrastructure, and global efforts are needed to focus on sustainability for and from space. This challenge in partnership with UAE Space Agency and in collaboration with Amazon Web Services, Bayanat, and Planet focuses on combining elements of climate, sustainability, mobility, space situational awareness, and earth observation.

Judging Panel:

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. 

Judging Panel:

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.

 

Challenge 3

The winner of the space challenge will benefit from:

  • AWS business and technical mentorship from space and startup industry experts with AWS Promotional Credits
  • UAE Space Agency & Bayanat: Access to the market through Geospatial Analytics Platform/Space Data Centre and the promotion of the innovative solution during COP28
  • Planet data, training materials and initial enablement on use of satellite imagery at scale and for applied use cases

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”

Entries are now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied. We hope you will join us watch the finalists' pitch live at VISTA 2023!

 

 

CHALLENGE PARTNERS

Investors & Speakers

Vista

Vista

MON 13 NOVEMBER

VISTA - 13th November

10:30 - 10:40Chairperson’s Opening Remarks

10:40 - 11:10Opening Panel: Facilitating innovation through collaboration between investors, corporates and startups

11:10 - 11:30Panel: Aerospace Xelerated: Startup Success Stories in aerospace

Regional Lead for Aerospace Xelerated, Dr. Mariam Ketait will be joined by two portfolio companies, AR Engineering and Basetwo, to share their first-hand experiences and strategic insights into working in the aerospace industry, shining a light on the opportunities in the UAE as well as the rewards and challenges that present themselves to a startup expanding into a new region.
 

    Moderator :
  • Dr. Mariam Ketait | Regional Lead (META), AerospaceXelerated;Regional Lead (META) Global Accelerators & Innovation Programmes, Boeing | Boeing

11:30 - 11:45Boeing Applied Innovation & AEI HorizonX: Driving Technology Transitions Through Strategic Partnerships

Join the leaders from Boeing Applied Innovation and AEI HorizonX for an engaging discussion as they explore the history, evolution, and accomplishments of the Boeing and AEI HorizonX partnership over the past two years. Discover how this unique venturing model operates to drive innovation in the aerospace industry and gain insights into the valuable lessons learned, offering a roadmap for strategic partnerships and innovation in the aerospace industry.
 

11:45 - 12:30Panel : Aviation X Lab: Cycle 3 Moonshot

An overview of Aviation X Lab's mission and initiatives in fostering innovation in the aviation sector. Discover the AXL Cycle 3 Vision and understand the registration process

 

Innovate to Elevate – Aviation X Lab at Dubai Airshow 2023

How will Aviation X Lab support the vision of partners? Looking ahead, how does Aviation X Lab envision its role in shaping the future of aviation and continuing to support partners' visions in the years to come? What types of resources and support can Aviation X Lab offer to start-ups to help them realize their vision in the aviation sector? What are Aviation X Lab's mission and goals when it comes to supporting innovation in the aviation industry? Get answers to these questions and more through this interactive session

 

12:30 - 15:00Vista 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.
 

12:30 Challenge 1: Drone Delivery FlyForward by LODD

Judges: 

 

13:10 Challenge 2: Redefining the passenger experience of tomorrow by Dubai Airports​

Judges: 

 

13:50 Challenge 3: Sustainability for space and from space by UAE Space Agency in Collaboration with Amazon Web Services, Bayanat, and Planet Labs

Judges: 

 

14:30 Winner announcement


 

15:00 - 15:05Closing remarks & End of Day One

TUE 14 NOVEMBER

VISTA - 14th November

11:00 - 11:05Chairperson’s Opening Remarks

11:05 - 11:20Boeing & Red 6 Teaming to Advance Fighter Pilot Training with Augmented Reality

This keynote session featuring Boeing and Red 6, a revolutionary air combat training systems company, will delve into the advantages of startup-OEM partnerships, highlighting the theme of speed and the value of working with startups. Learn from partnership experiences, addressing complex industry challenges in fighter pilot training and advanced tactical aircraft capabilities, showcasing how collaboration not only accelerates progress but also enriches the understanding of the aerospace landscape and customer needs.
 

11:20 - 11:35Joint Presentation: 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!
 

11:35 - 12:05Joint Presentation : Airline 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.

12:05 - 12:45Mentorship Clinic : The Power of Storytelling

Understand what investors prioritize. Dive deep into creating compelling hooks, articulating problems and   solutions, assessing market opportunities, and spotlighting your team's strengths. Narrate your startup's story in an impactful manner. Explore effective slide design and the art of creating a visually memorable pitch.
 

12:45 - 13:00Starburst Selection Committee Pitch Event - Panel : 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.

 

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.
 

15:00 - 15:05Closing remarks & End of Day Two

WED 15 NOVEMBER

VISTA - 15th November

11:00 - 11:10Chairperson’s Opening Remarks

11:10 - 11:50Panel: Solving Customer Technology Gaps with Small Business Partnerships

11:50 - 12:30Panel : Supporting the establishment and accelerating the growth of space startups in the UAE

12:30 - 13:10Panel : Investing 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.
 

13:10 - 13:50Intelak hub partner and Accelerator Program Cohort 7 Challenge announcement

13:50 - 14:25Mentorship Clinic: Startup-Corporate Collaboration: How to establish and deliver a successful Proof-of-Concept (PoC) project

Join Veena Rao, Head of Portfolio Management, AerospaceXelerated;Senior Investment Associate, Boeing, 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.
 

14:25 - 15:00Mentorship Clinic : 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.

 

15:00 - 15:05Closing remarks & End of Day Three

THU 16 NOVEMBER

VISTA - 16th November

10:55 - 11:00Chairperson’s Opening Remarks

11:00 - 11:30Panel: 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.​

11:30 - 12:00Panel : Bridging Digital Solutions Through Small Business Partnerships

This panel will delve into the synergy of OEM partnerships with startups in the digital solutions space, uniting OEM resources with startup agility. Attendees will hear from leaders of various digitally focused companies on the vital role of digital solutions for competitiveness. The discussion will emphasize how these solutions reshape business through customer-driven innovation and emerging technologies.
 

12:00 - 12:30Panel: Building Collaborative Cultures: The Role of Intrapreneurs in Corporate Innovation

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.
 

12:30 - 14:00VISTA Innovation Cup

Winners from the Live Pitch Competitions and 3 wild cards from the exhibiting startups will compete in the Vista Innovation Cup, with one startup taking home the cash prize of $10,000 and the title for the most Innovative startup at Vista 2023.

 

Judges: 

•Michelle Lee, Vice President – Brand and Communications, Dubai Airports
•Sultan Al Zeidi, Senior Engineer – Space Projects Development, UAE Space Agency
•Nichola Bates, Managing Partner, Aerospace Xelerated & Head of Global Accelerators and Innovation Programs, Boeing
•Dan Bowyer, Partner, SuperSeed VC
•Michael Moreno, Public Sector VC and Startups (Space + National Security), Amazon Web Services​

 

14:00 - 14:05Closing remarks & End of VISTA conference

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USEFUL LINKS

OPENING TIMES

  • Mon 13 Nov 23 - 10:00 - 17:30
  • Tue 14 Nov 23 - 10:00 - 17:30
  • Wed 15 Nov 23 - 10:00 - 17:30
  • Thu 16 Nov 23 - 10:00 - 17:30
  • Fri 17 Nov 23 - 10:00 - 17:30