OUR MISSION
Driving a Sustainable Future
The Crimson Collective
Week in the United Arab Emirates
The Crimson Collective Week is a curated series of events designed to connect innovative MIT and Harvard-affiliated startups with global investors, accelerators, government initiatives, and industry leaders. Taking place from February 24–28, 2025, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this inaugural edition offers unparalleled opportunities to showcase innovation, forge connections, and explore collaborations within one of the world's most dynamic ecosystems.
Centered around the Crimson Founders Demo Session at Investopia 2025, the week’s programs are tailored to maximize impact, facilitating meaningful conversations and partnerships.
This is the beginning of a global series, with future editions planned in leading entrepreneurial hubs worldwide.
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Operational Excellence
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WHO WE ARE
Meet the Founders
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SARAH SUAREZ
CEO
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MIKE DENG
VPE
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REAY FINIGAN
CTO
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PRESS
Volaso in the News
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AGENDA
FEBRUARY 24 - 28, 2025
Monday | February 24, 2025 | Dubai
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Dress Code: Business Casual
Crimson Future Front x Dubai Future Foundation
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) will host an information session for startups entering the UAE, offering insights into the innovation ecosystem and support available for entrepreneurs. The session will cover key initiatives such as Dubai Future Accelerators, which connects startups with government and corporate partners to solve industry challenges, and the Dubai Future District Fund, which provides venture capital for startups in high-growth sectors. Attendees will also learn about AREA 2071, a collaborative space designed for entrepreneurs to prototype and scale solutions, as well as programs like the Dubai Future Academy and FEEL: A Disruptive Futures Program, which offer capacity-building and leadership training. DFF will provide guidance on regulatory frameworks, long-term residency options such as the UAE Golden Visa, and networking opportunities through initiatives like AI Connect Events and Dubai Future Horizons. This session is a valuable opportunity for startups to understand the landscape, access critical resources, and build connections within the UAE’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
Monday | February 24, 2025 | Dubai
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Dress Code: Business Formal
Crimson Circle x Al Tamimi & Company
The welcome reception for the Crimson Founders 2025 Cohort in the United Arab Emirates. This session is bringing together MIT & Harvard-affiliated founders and key ecosystem players in the UAE. Hosted by Al Tamimi & Company, this evening will foster connections, discussions, and opportunities for startups looking to expand in the region.
By invitation only.
Guest Speakers
Dr. Phil Budden
Senior Lecturer, Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management, MIT Sloan School of Management
Cristina Dolan
Professor, Columbia University,
Board Director and Executive Cybersecurity Advisor, CrimsonVista
Tuesday | February 25, 2025 | Dubai
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Dress Code: Business Formal
Crimson Elevate x DMCC
Crimson Founders, in collaboration with DMCC, is excited to host Crimson Elevate x DMCC, an exclusive session designed to provide MIT and Harvard startups with valuable insights into scaling opportunities and resources available in the UAE.
This session will feature a dynamic agenda, including:
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Presentations by DMCC and Crimson Founders: Learn about the unparalleled support and opportunities available through DMCC and Crimson Founders’ mission to empower MIT and Harvard startups.
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Insights from Innovation Leaders: Gain perspectives from distinguished speakers, including John D’Agostino and Dr. Manolis Kellis from MIT, who will share insights on global innovation and entrepreneurship.
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12 Startup Demos & Q&A: Selected startups will showcase their ventures in a high-impact format, with 3-minute pitches followed by 2-minute Q&A sessions from investors and moderators. This is an opportunity to engage with investors and key stakeholders in the UAE.
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Exclusive Investor Dinner: A private networking dinner hosted by DMCC, offering startups the chance to connect with influential investors and decision-makers in an intimate setting.
Stay tuned for further updates and details on this exciting event. More information will be available by the end of January.
Guests Speakers
Dr. Manolis Kellis
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Professor, MIT Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department
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Head of the MIT computational biology group (compbio.mit.edu),
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Associate Member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
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Principal Investigator MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL)
John D'Agostino
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Head of Strategy Coinbase Institutional
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Fellow AIF Innovation Institute
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Research Affiliate MIT CSAIL
Wendesday & Thursday | February 26 & 27, 2025 | Abu Dhabi
9 am - 5 pm
Dress Code: Business Formal
Crimson Founders Demo Session at Future 100 Forum at Investopia 2025
As part of the Future 100 Forum at Investopia 2025, Crimson Founders will showcase six innovative MIT & Harvard startups presenting their cutting-edge innovation in AI, Fintech, Biotech, Energy, Chemicals, Agri-Tech Blockchain, Healthcare, Security, Defense, and Deep Tech. This session offers investors, industry leaders, and policymakers a first look at pioneering ventures shaping the future economy.
Check Investopia's Website for more information on panels and speakers
Event Overview
The Future 100 Forum is a dedicated track within Investopia 2025, organized by the UAE Ministry of Economy, focusing on fostering innovation-driven startups. This forum features keynote sessions, investor networking, thought leadership panels, and startup activations, providing unparalleled access to industry leaders and government stakeholders.
Future 100 Forum Highlights
Future 100 Award Ceremony (Keynote + Future 100 Award & Photo + Acceleration Partner photos)
Keynote speaker: H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei
Keynote speaker: H.E. Ohood Al Roumi
Future 100: Shaping the UAE’s Future Economy
(Opening Panel) + (MOU ceremony photo at MOU Corner with 6 Partners) Moderator: TBD, H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, Majra
CISCO Digital Innovation Program Award: Recognizing Excellence in Innovation (Presentation & award)
Accelerating Future: Transforming Growth Through AI & Emerging Technologies (Panel)
Moderator: Microsoft, Hub71, DIFC Innovation Hub, in5, ADGM Academy
Book: “Coming of Age: How Technology and Entrepreneurship are Changing the Face of MENA!“ (Talk) + (Book signing at Acceleration Lounge)
Noor Sweid (Global Ventures), Hosam Arab (Tabby), Michael Lahyani (PropertyFinder)
Crimson Founders Demo Session: Driving Innovation with MIT & Harvard Startups
6 MIT & Harvard Startups Present on Stage
19 MIT &Harvard Startups Engage in Investopia & Future 100 Activities
Moderator: Anoosheh Kalantari (Crimson Founders)
Fuelling New Economy: The Launch of the DIB VC Fund (Panel + Photo) + (MOU signing at MOU Corner) Moderator: TBD
Speaker: H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, DIB
Fuelling New Economy: The Launch of the DIB VC Fund (Panel + Photo) + (MOU signing at MOU Corner) Moderator: TBD
Speaker: H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, DIB
Empowering Enterprises: Bridging the Finance Gap for Growth (Panel) + (MOU photo at MOU Corner)
Moderator: TBD, H.E. Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, EDB, Fasanara Capital
Wio Bank: Financing Solutions for SMEs (Fireside chat)
Moderator: TBD, Jayesh Patel, CEO, Wio
Investing in Tomorrow: Unlocking the UAE’s New Economy Potential (Panel)
Moderator: Careem, DFDF, MEVP, Oraseya
Catalysts of Success: Investment Stories That Shape the Future 100 (Panel)
Moderator: Venture Souq, Appro, Circabiotech, Aumet
About Investopia 2025:
Investopia is the UAE Ministry of Economy’s flagship global investment platform, convening leading innovators, investors, and thought leaders to explore the economic frontiers of the future.
About the Future 100 Forum:
The Future 100 Forum celebrates innovation-driven startups that are shaping the UAE's new economy. The forum will feature startups, key stakeholders, and initiatives, including contributions from, ADGM Entrepreneur Program, Plug and Play Hackathons, Crimson Founders, and CISCO.
