Startup Alert: Smart Dubai is Scouting for the Region's Top Blockchain Startups

Smart Dubai Office (SDO) is on a mission to find the region's most wicked blockchain startups, with a second round for its Blockchain Challenge, aiming to source strong and innovative blockchain startups from around the world to contribute to the implementation of the Dubai Blockchain Strategy, turning UAE’s commercial capital into a blockchain city by 2020.

The SDO will invite the selected teams, who will be announced on April 5^th , to Dubai so they can begin training with the global innovation network Union. The final presentations and awarding ceremony of the Global Blockchain Challenge will take place on May 3^rd. Three winners will receive first, second, and third place cash prizes of $20,000, $15,000, and $10,000, respectively. They will also be offered an opportunity to pilot their blockchain product or service in Dubai.

“Our main objective at Smart Dubai is not technology itself, but rather its potential to improve people's' lives,” says SDO’s Director-General Aisha bint Butti bin Bishr, according to the state-owned Emirates News Agency. “Our vision is to build a smart city centered around the happiness of its citizens. Blockchain technology facilitates transactions for people, saving them time and effort, and bringing us closer to making Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world.”

Find out more about the Blockchain Challenge and apply before April 1st here.