Designed for founders who are ready to move beyond experimentation, She Leads with AI focuses on real-world application of AI across business operations, products, growth strategy, and fundraising. Participants work hands‑on with leading AI tools, develop personalised AI adoption roadmaps, refine their investor narratives, and culminate the programme by pitching live to investors, venture capital firms, and ecosystem partners within DIFC.

Programme details

Duration

6 days, in person

Location

Dubai AI Campus, DIFC

Format

Workshops, hands‑on training, coaching, and mentorship

Investor Showcase

Investor Pitch Day

Cohort Size

25–30 women founders (application only)

Certification

Certificate of Completion

Programme benefits

AI Foundations

Practical AI foundations and tool training

AI Adoption Roadmap

Personalised AI adoption roadmap for each business

Ignyte Access

One‑year complimentary access to the Ignyte startup ecosystem

Applied AI Impact

Applied AI use‑case development for real business impact

Investor Readiness

Investor pitch coaching and fundraising readiness

Capital & Ecosystem Access

Direct access to DIFC investors, VCs, and ecosystem partners

Founder Network

Inclusion in a curated network of high‑growth women founders and mentors

Programme Structure & Timeline

16 November 2026

AI Foundations & Dubai Soft Landing

Establish AI literacy, assess business readiness, and position Dubai as a strategic growth platform.

17 November 2026

AI to Enhance Your Business

Identify high-impact AI opportunities across products, services, customer experience, and growth strategies using Design thinking, and understanding AI tools to utilize for business.

18 November 2026

AI Operations & Automation

Use Replit's AI Agent to go from idea to live product — building websites, apps, tools, and automations with no coding required.

19 November 2026

Capital Readiness & Investment

Equip founders with a fundraising roadmap, assess investment readiness, and explore insurance strategies to de-risk AI products.

20 November 2026

Growing in the UAE Market

AI-driven growth strategies, strengthen pitch delivery skills, refine investor presentations

23 November 2026

Pitch Day & Investor Showcase

Pitch to investors, VCs & family offices to gain future opportunities 

Who can Apply

Eligible Founder Profile

Women founders leading revenue‑generating businesses

Business Maturity

Minimum 12 months of operations with an existing customer base

Growth Ambition

Founders looking to leverage AI to drive business growth, enhance operational efficiency, secure investment, and scale into global markets.

Businesses operating within UAE‑priority sectors

AI & Digital Economy; FinTech; Climate & Energy; Food Security & AgriTech; HealthTech & Bio‑Innovation; Space & Mobility; Defence & Security

Exceptional Consideration

Startups outside the outlined sectors may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis