Abu Dhabi, UAE
November 17-20, 2025

ACCELERATING INNOVATION IN ADVANCED MATERIALS

- PITCHING EVENT -

 JURY
 
Mamoun Taher
RIC2D / Khalifa University - Chair
UAE
Hisham Akhtar
KUEC
UAE
Fahad Al Absi
INTRATOMICS
UAE
Khalid Askar
Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research
UAE
Pablo Brizzio
AD Ports Group
UAE
Kari Hjelt
Chalmers Industriteknik
Sweden
 
 PITCHING WINNERS
 
Pitching event winners - category 1: consolidated start-ups
 
  1st place runner     2nd place runner     3rd place runner
         
 
Vincent Bouchiat
Grapheal
France
   
Burcu Saner Okan
Sabanci University & Euronova
Turkey
   
Christian Salvatori
EsaNanotech
Italy
               
 
Pitching event winners - category 2: early stage start-ups
 
  1st place runner     2nd place runner     3rd place runner
         
 
Emad Alhseinat
Pure Hydro
UAE
   
Premial Pillai
Hollowgraf Ltd
UK
   
Jose Hugo Garcia
Apeiron / ICN2
Spain
               
 
The I2DM 2025 Start-up Pitching Event is a unique platform exclusively for projects and start-ups working on graphene and other 2D materials. Held in Abu Dhabi — the capital of capital — the event brings together investors, industry leaders, ecosystem builders and innovators in one of the world's fastest-growing deep-tech ecosystems.
RIC-2D will offer tailored prizes to selected winners to support the establishment of collaborations in the UAE.
Winners will be announced and celebrated during the I2DM2025 Summit Dinner.

Two Pitching Tracks
1. Future Founders & Early-Stage Start-up Track For researchers with early-stage, proof-of-concept ideas based on graphene or 2D materials, who have not yet registered a company or raised funding & established 2D materials start-ups that have raised less than $1M USD

2. Venture-Ready Track
For established 2D materials start-ups that have already raised at least $1M USD (equity and/or grants) and are looking to grow, expand partnerships, and access regional markets.

Pitch Format
Each selected team will have:
7 minutes to pitch
8 minutes for Q&A with the jury panel

Why Participate
  • Access Funding – winning RIC-2D Prizes, projects funding. Connect with VCs, angels
  • Gain Visibility – Present to a targeted, high-impact audience
  • Get Expert Feedback – Refine your pitch and Startup strategy
  • Expand Your Network – Engage with peers, mentors, and collaborators
  • Validate Your Idea – Build early credibility and traction
  • Sharpen Your Pitch – Deliver your message with clarity and impact

Date: November 18, 2025
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
If you're building the future with graphene or 2D materials, this is your stage.
 SUPPORTED BY
Khalifa University Enterprise Company (KUEC) is a pioneering initiative committed to accelerating the UAE's transition to a knowledge-based economy. As a key enabler of innovation, we cultivate an ecosystem that brings together academic excellence, research capabilities, entrepreneurial ambition, and strategic industry collaboration.
KUEC mission is to strategically commercialize intellectual property from Khalifa University and beyond through bridging commercialization gaps, nurturing an entrepreneurial culture, and generating sustainable revenues.
The UAE's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is established to elevate the quality of higher education and build a strong university infrastructure across the nation. The ministry is responsible for setting strategic policies and plans for establishing public and private universities and colleges, ensuring they adhere to global quality standards.
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