Everything You Need to Know About DarE Accelerator

The built environment is becoming an increasingly technology-driven industry. AI is changing how projects are designed and managed, digital tools are reshaping construction sites, and new technologies are emerging around everything from smart infrastructure to sustainable materials.

That is the space DarE is occupying with a 12-week accelerator for startups working across architecture, engineering, construction, real estate, infrastructure, and a wider built environment.

The programme is open to startups across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It is an initiative of Dar Ventures, the VC arm of international design and engineering firm Dar and part of Sidara, and is powered by Plug and Play, the global innovation platform.

“The built environment remains one of the largest sectors globally, and especially across the regions where we operate - yet we believe there remains significant untapped potential to transform how we design, build, and operate our cities and infrastructure,” said Faysal Shair, Co-Founder of Dar Ventures. “By combining Dar’s deep domain expertise with Plug and Play’s global innovation platform, we’re excited to act as a catalyst for this ecosystem.”

The programme builds on DarE’s work with early-stage companies to date, having already supported 32 startups across four cohorts. Now, DarE is widening that ecosystem through its partnership with Plug and Play, giving participating founders a route into a much broader pool of companies, investors and industry players. Plug and Play’s global footprint spans more than 60 offices and 25+ industry verticals, with partnerships across 550+ corporations and government entities and a track record of accelerating more than 10,000 startups since 2012.

“DarE has always been about providing the right platform for entrepreneurs to thrive,” said Nader Aboushadi, Co-Founder of Dar Ventures. “Partnering with Plug and Play allows us to take that ambition to the next level - identifying exceptional founders and giving them access to the expertise and markets, coupled with Dar Ventures projects and capital they need to grow.”

For DarE, the partnership brings together two networks that approach innovation from different sides: Dar’s deep expertise in the built environment and Plug and Play’s international access to emerging technology and the people looking to put it to work. Dar’s presence across the GCC, Africa, the Levant and Europe also gives the programme a local foothold across the markets it serves, allowing founders to tap into regional expertise and connections while building towards opportunities beyond them.

“Dar is a global industry leader with deep expertise across the built environment, and we are proud to support the next chapter of DarE,” said Karima El Hakim, Partner, Africa at Plug and Play. “By bringing Plug and Play’s global innovation, venture, and corporate ecosystem to the platform, we aim to connect founders with industry, accelerate commercial adoption, and support technologies shaping how the world is built.”

Who Can Apply?

DarE is looking for founders building scalable technology for the built environment, with applications open to startups across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as international startups looking to enter, establish or expand in the region.

Startups should be:

-Pre-Seed to Pre-Series A.

-Working with an MVP or market-ready product.

-Able to show some early validation through customers, users, pilots or partnerships.

-Building a product with clear commercial and scaling potential.

-Operating in, or looking to expand into, EMEA.

What Will Startups Gain?

The programme is designed to give founders access to both sector-specific expertise and the wider networks needed to take a business to its next stage.

Participating startups will have access to:

-One-to-one mentorship and tailored support.

-Industry experts and founder-focused workshops.

-Curated introductions and meetings with relevant investors.

-Potential corporate and commercial connections.

-Dar, Sidara and Plug and Play’s wider networks.

-A global community of founders and innovators.

The programme begins with an assessment of each startup’s needs, allowing the support to be tailored around its stage, sector and priorities.

What Is DarE Looking For?

DarE is focused on startups working across a broad range of technologies and applications within the built environment, including:

-Design & Engineering

-Construction Technology

-AI and IoT

-Data & Digital Transformation

-Smart Cities & Infrastructure

-Sustainability & Climate Technology

-Materials & Advanced Manufacturing

-Asset, Facility & Property Technology

-Safety, Workforce & Site Intelligence

-Enterprise Technology

How the Programme Works

The accelerator will run primarily online, with three in-person touchpoints across the 12 weeks. It begins with an in-person Kick-Off Week in November 2026, bringing the selected cohort together and setting the foundations for the programme ahead.

The majority of the accelerator will then take place virtually, combining tailored mentorship with expert sessions, founder development, investment-readiness support and programming focused specifically on the built environment. Alongside this, participating startups will take part in dedicated investor engagement, with matchmaking shaped around each company’s sector, stage, business model and fundraising needs.

The programme will conclude with a final Expo in March 2027, giving participating startups the opportunity to showcase their progress and solutions to investors, industry leaders and potential partners.

Programme Timeline

24 September 2026 - Applications open

24 October 2026 - Applications close

November 2026 -Cohort announced and Kick-Off Week

12 weeks - Accelerator programme, including virtual programming, mentorship, expert sessions and investor engagement

March 2027 - Final Expo

Applications are now open:

https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/innovation-services/our-programs/dare-program