Co-located with Dubai Airshow, Vista will give startups access to a full programme of events to help them launch, grow and scale.
5 days of mentorship clinics, workshops, competitions, networking and face time with investors to provide real opportunities to launch, scale and grow their businesses.
The region’s only dedicated aerospace startup event showcasing startups from all over to come together to display and discuss the latest technologies and innovations.
Showcasing startups get an opportunity to pitch to the aerospace ecosystem, tech leaders and investors – sponsored by corporate identities.
Guaranteed facetime with attending investors. Meet globally ranked investors, industry leaders, c levels and key decision makers to take your startup to the next level.
Have a great startup idea and not sure what is your next step? Attend our mentorship clinics and one on one sessions with some of the leading players in the startup ecosystem.
Learn through our keynotes and panel discussions by industry leaders to discover how you can boost growth and ignite your business.
Connect with a top-class panel of investors, corporate and government buyers & international media for high level networking.
Having a great idea is only the first stage in being a successful startup. To make it big you need guidance, connections and investment. VISTA can help with all of the above!
Meet investors in a one-to-one setting by scheduling meetings on our app or take a seat on our hosted investor roundtable sessions. Our startup investor program guarantees you facetime with attending investors.
Attend our mentorship clinics and one on one mentorship opportunities with some of the leading companies in the aerospace industry.
Hosted By:
This year VISTA will welcome startups from 12 key sectors including: Artificial Intelligence, Future Mobility, Software, Space, Aerospace, Material Science, Cyber Security, Defence, Tourism, Robotics, Drones, Sustainability.
PITCH COMPETITION
The most anticipated startup hub of the year is excited to launch the live challenges taking place at Vista 2021.
Join the VISTA 2021 Pitch Competitions!
Vista is calling the world’s top startups, developers, and entrepreneurs to join us and pitch your product or solution across 2 days of live competitions in a bid to work with the industry’s thought leaders and compete for money can’t buy prizes.
In partnership with government and industry stakeholders including Etihad, MBRSC and Boeing all exhibitors participating at Vista will be offered a chance to pitch their solutions that support our host partner’s initiatives. If you are an aerospace startup, do not miss this unique opportunity to showcase your company to a live audience that can take your startup to the next level.
Challenge 1 – Sustainability
In conjunction with Etihad: How can we reduce Etihad's Scope 3 emissions?
Seeking solutions that can drive towards reduction of indirect emissions that occur throughout the entire supply chain of ground and air operations (including cargo).
Judging Panel:
Challenge 2 - Space
In conjunction with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC): Palm trees are considered a symbolic agricultural heritage in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim of this challenge is to develop an end-to-end deep learning or machine learning model to automatically detect all the palm trees from RGB aerial imagery, with efficient computational time.
Judging Panel:
Challenge 3 - The Vista Innovation Cup
Vista is calling the world’s top startups, to join us and pitch their product or solution in a bid to win the title of most Innovative Startup at Vista 2021. Think you have what it takes? Apply today to be in with a chance of pitching live onsite during Dubai Airshow and walking away with the grand prize to support your startup dream!
Judging Panel:
The winner of the Etihad Sustainability Challenge will have the exclusive opportunity to pilot their solution with Etihad. In addition to:
6 finalists will receive Amazon Web Services Credits to the values shown whilst also having the exclusive opportunity to be mentored by representatives from MBRSC and Amazon Web Services. Both MBRSC and AWS will dedicate time in the run-up to the live event to support the 6 finalists to ensure each startup has the best resources available to build the ultimate solution.
The winner of The Vista Innovation Cup will have the exclusive opportunity to pitch live onsite during Dubai Airshow and walk away with:
The competitions have now closed for entries, we hope you will join us to see the finalists pitch live onsite during Vista 2021!
SUN 14 NOVEMBER
Doing business in the GCC
Develop the right business development and partnership strategy for an aerospace startup in the Middle East.
Elodie Robin-Guillerm | Partner | GothamsThis session offers personalized guidance by our partners. Mentors will provide advice on specific topics including: launch, funding, marketing, gaining investments and more.
Startups will get the opportunity to interact with the mentors and make lasting networks.
MON 15 NOVEMBER
Bigg Hass | HostAn increasing number of companies are setting up investment arms and accelerators to support innovation in the aerospace industry. This session will highlight increasing investments in aerospace startups, sectors they are focusing on and the new opportunities
Simon Masters | Deputy Challenge Director. | UK Research and InnovationElodie Robin-Guillerm | Partner | Gothams
Roberto Croci | Managing Director | Microsoft for Startups
Ayal Somech | Director | Applied Innovation, Boeing
Brian Schettler | Managing Director | Boeing HorizonX
Shaker Zainal | Head | Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund; Business Finance Director, Emirates Development BankGet ready to pitch your startup to the aerospace ecosystem, tech leaders and investors. 24 startups across 4 categories will compete to be named the most innovative startup of 2021.
Opportunity for startups to meet corporate VC’s and investors
TUE 16 NOVEMBER
Abu Dhabi has recently invigorated their support for developing the start-up ecosystem in the Emirate with support initiatives across a wide range of government entities. ADGM offers an enabling environment for start-ups to cost-effectively establish their business in a leading jurisdiction and join an active ecosystem of startups, investors and advisors. This session will cover how start-ups can setup their business in ADGM; the options they have; the benefits of doing so, and the process involved.
Abdulla Al Mheiri | Director | Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)Inspiring story of a startup making it big in the industry
Hayden D. Shea | Senior Manager, Portfolio Development | Boeing Applied Innovation
Amir Husain | Founder & CEO | SparkCognition, Author, The Sentient Machine
Sanjiv Singh | CEO | Near Earth AutonomyThe world's leading global aerospace & defense startup accelerator and strategic advisory practice, Starburst, will showcase the industry's most promising international startups at Vista. Participating companies will compete for a spot in the Starburst Accelerator program.
Starburst Panel:
A conversation exploring the state-of-the-art in quantum sensing & computing capabilities and its future impact on the aerospace industry.
Noemie Alliel | Director of Tel Aviv Office | Starburst Sanjiv Singh | CEO | Near Earth Autonomy
Diana Deca | Founder | NeurobotxHear about opportunities for new and existing space startups. What do investors who are active in this sector think about what’s changed and what’s coming?
Michael Moreno | Public Sector VC and Startups (Space + National Security) | Amazon Web Services
Adnan Al Rais | Senior Director - Remote Sensing Department | Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) 
Alex Fielding | CEO and Chairman | Privateer Space 
Anas Zeineddine | Founder & CEO | innovaMENA
Chad Anderson | Founder and Managing Partner | Space CapitalOpportunity for startups to meet corporate VC’s and investors
WED 17 NOVEMBER
Even great ideas need investments – get tips from VC’s, corporate and angel investors on how to scale your start-up to the next level. Led by Intelak Hub, the region's leading aviation, travel and tourism hub, the panel will explore what investors look for in start-ups they invest in and what are the trends in investments.
Mia Jafari | Intelak Hub and Programmes Manager | Intelak
Frederico Fernandes | Head of Operations | PLM Middle East 
Frederik Cyrus Roeder | Managing Director | Consumer Choice Center 
Edward Batrouni | CEO | Zenitech 
Steve Allen | Executive Vice President | DnataHosted by Boeing Applied Innovation
Dr. Teresa Segura | Space & Connectivity Principal | Boeing HorizonXTheme: Connecting Innovators with Commercial Opportunities to Advance Aviation and Aerospace
Mohamed Al Binali | Senior Associate Products and Business Development | Hub71
Reem Al Junaibi | Head of Technology and Data | Hub71
Kai Ling Ting | Head of Innovation | Etihad Aviation Group
Yadhushan Mahendran | Co-Founder & CEO | The Concept
Julien Fabreguette | SVP of Operations | StrataHighlighting the latest accelerators and innovation programs by stakeholders in the industry, their offerings and how they are supporting the startup eco-system.
Simon Masters | Deputy Challenge Director. | UK Research and InnovationKai Ling Ting | Head of Innovation | Etihad Aviation Group
Max Coppin | Co-Founder and GM | Aero X | Area 120, Google
Jason McClain | Senior Director, Ventures & Innovation Strategy | Boeing Applied Innovation 
Amna AlRedha | Manager | AviationXLabOpportunity for startups to meet corporate VC’s and investors
THU 18 NOVEMBER
Finalists from each category will compete for the prize by delivering a top-class pitch to impress our judges
Challenge 1: In conjunction with Etihad - 'How can we reduce Etihad's Scope 3 emissions?'
Challenge 2: In conjunction with MBRSC and AWS - “Palm Trees Detection Challenge, develop an end-to-end deep learning or machine learning model to automatically detect palm trees from RGB aerial imagery”
Challenge 3: The Vista Innovation Cup
