Innovation and entrepreneurship took center stage in Dubai as FORD launched its very first Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy (HFEA), focused on future transportation and mobility. The academy, piloted in collaboration with Dubai’s Youth Hub from October 21–23, attracted tech-minded entrepreneurs from across the region. The event showcased the growing importance of collaborative innovation, with participation from global technology leader Huawei and local-based AI company Derq, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for startups shaping the future.

Building the Future of Mobility

The inaugural HFEA program was designed to accelerate innovation in mobility solutions and inspire entrepreneurs to tackle real-world challenges in transportation. With urban populations growing and cities embracing smart infrastructure, the need for creative, technology-driven mobility solutions has never been greater. FORD, a company with over a century of innovation in the automotive industry, recognized that the next frontier in mobility requires a marriage of cutting-edge technology, entrepreneurial energy, and cross-sector partnerships.

The three-day workshop invited 14 carefully selected entrepreneurs to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of future transportation. Participants were encouraged to pitch ideas, refine business strategies, and collaborate with like-minded innovators to develop solutions that could impact mobility on a global scale.

Strategic Collaborations with Huawei and Derq

What made this inaugural academy particularly distinctive was the participation of Huawei, a global leader in information and communications technology, and Derq, a Dubai-based artificial intelligence company specializing in connected and autonomous vehicle technology. Their involvement underscored the event’s focus on combining international expertise with local innovation.

Huawei provided insights into how connectivity and 5G infrastructure could transform mobility solutions, enabling seamless communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and consumers. Derq, on the other hand, brought its expertise in AI-driven traffic systems and road safety technologies, offering participants practical knowledge on deploying smart solutions within cities.

These collaborations enriched the program by offering participants direct exposure to technologies that are already shaping the future of transportation.

Access to World-Class Mentorship

The academy’s distinctive edge lay in the mentorship opportunities provided to participants. Over the course of the program, entrepreneurs received guidance from some of the industry’s most respected figures, including Ford Middle East and Africa President, Mark Ovenden.

Mentors from across the globe and the region shared strategies on developing sustainable business models, scaling startups, and securing funding. They also emphasized the importance of collaboration between startups, corporations, and governments in accelerating mobility solutions. This unique mix of perspectives ensured that participants not only refined their business concepts but also learned how to navigate the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Empowering 14 Entrepreneurs

The 14 entrepreneurs chosen for the program represented a diverse mix of ideas and backgrounds. Each participant brought a unique vision for how to improve mobility, ranging from eco-friendly transport solutions to AI-enabled logistics systems.

Throughout the three-day workshop, these entrepreneurs worked in teams, brainstormed innovative ideas, and developed actionable plans to bring their concepts closer to reality. The intense but rewarding structure of the program helped participants strengthen their resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills—traits essential for any successful entrepreneur.

Dubai: A Hub for Innovation

The choice of Dubai as the venue for HFEA was strategic. The emirate has rapidly grown into a global innovation hub, driven by visionary government initiatives, a thriving startup ecosystem, and a commitment to smart city development. Programs such as Dubai’s Youth Hub foster collaboration, making it an ideal platform for FORD and its partners to launch this academy.

Dubai’s central location also made the event accessible to entrepreneurs from across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, further emphasizing the emirate’s role as a crossroads for innovation. By hosting HFEA in Dubai, Ford tapped into a fertile ecosystem that is eager to embrace bold solutions for mobility and transportation.

The Importance of Collaboration in Entrepreneurship

One of the key themes that emerged from the academy was the importance of collaboration in driving entrepreneurship. In today’s interconnected world, no single company or startup can solve global challenges alone. Events like HFEA demonstrate how partnerships between global corporations such as Ford and Huawei, local innovators like Derq, and ambitious entrepreneurs can create a powerful force for change.

By bringing these diverse stakeholders together, the academy not only empowered individual entrepreneurs but also reinforced the value of collective problem-solving. The solutions developed during the workshop have the potential to inspire broader industry transformation, showing how innovation thrives at the intersection of different ideas and perspectives.

Looking Ahead: A Lasting Legacy

The success of the inaugural HFEA workshop in Dubai is just the beginning. Ford’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs signals its intention to continue expanding the program to other regions. For the participants, the academy provided more than just skills and mentorship—it offered a platform to showcase their ideas to industry leaders, attract potential investors, and contribute to shaping the mobility of tomorrow.

For Dubai, the event further solidified its standing as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in the Middle East. By attracting global companies like FORD and Huawei, and spotlighting homegrown innovators like Derq, the city demonstrated its unique ability to connect local talent with international resources.

Conclusion

Ford’s inaugural Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy in Dubai was a milestone event that combined the expertise of global corporations, the innovation of local startups, and the passion of tech-minded entrepreneurs. With the participation of Huawei and Derq, the academy offered a distinctive program that gave 14 entrepreneurs unrivaled access to mentorship and technology insights.

The initiative underscored Ford’s commitment to shaping the future of transportation by empowering startups and fostering collaboration. As urbanization continues to drive the need for smarter, safer, and more sustainable mobility solutions, programs like HFEA are critical in ensuring that the brightest entrepreneurial minds have the tools they need to succeed.

In the words of many participants, the academy was not just about learning—it was about accelerating their journey toward becoming leaders in the future of mobility. And for Dubai, it was yet another step in its ongoing mission to be at the forefront of global innovation.