1. Why are Marriott Hotels organizing Marriott TestBED Middle East & Africa?

   Marriott Hotels are committed to creating amazing experiences and are looking to the startup community to help them invent those experiences throughout their guests’ travel journey. Therefore, they have designed Marriott TestBED accelerator programme as a privileged opportunity to collaborate with the most promising startups operating in the hospitality industry.

2. What are Marriott Hotels offering startups joining Marriott TestBED Middle East & Africa?

   Marriott Hotels will provide startups taking part in Marriott TestBED Middle East & Africa with the opportunity to test their products/services for 10 weeks within an operating Marriott Hotel in a major city in the Middle East or Africa. During this period, startups will benefit from a mentoring programme, a marketing training programme, constructive feedback from Marriott guests and associates and a global exposure to help them develop their product.

1. Who is eligible to join Marriott TestBED Middle East & Africa?

   Any venture fulfilling the eligibility criteria can apply to join Marriott TestBED Middle East & Africa.

2. Should a startup have reached a particular development stage to be able to apply to Marriott TestBED Middle East & Africa?

   No, startups of all stages (early, seed, growth) are welcome to apply as long as they are beyond the “idea stage” and have a pilot that can be tested at Marriott Hotels.

3. Are there restrictions related to the age and the nationality of participating team members?

   Participating team members should be 21 years old or older. Nonetheless, there are no restrictions related to their nationalities.

4. Is a startup still eligible if it has already received investment?

   Yes, a venture that has already received investment can still apply to join Marriott TestBED Middle East & Africa.

5. Is a startup still eligible if it has already been incubated or accelerated in other programme(s)?

   Yes, a startup that has already been incubated or accelerated in other programme(s) can still apply to join Marriott TestBED Middle East & Africa.

• How can a startup apply to join Marriott TestBED Middle East & Africa?

  To participate in Marriott TestBED Middle East & Africa, a venture should simply complete and submit the online application form.

• How startups are going to be evaluated?

  Startups will be assessed based on pre-defined and objective judging criteria.

• How many startups will make it to TestBED Pitch Day?

  8 startups will qualify to TestBED Pitch Day taking place in Dubai, UAE on November 14, 2017. Travel and accommodation expenses (Economy class plane ticket, one-night stay at a Marriott Hotel in Dubai, transportation, visa and F&B expenses for one representative) for selected startups not based in Dubai will be covered by Marriott Hotels.

• How many startups will qualify to join Marriott TestBED Middle East & Africa?

  2 startups will be selected to join Marriott TestBED accelerator programme and will get the opportunity to test their product/service at a designated hotel in the Middle East or Africa. The names of the qualified startups will be announced on November 16, 2017.

• What are the start and the end dated of Marriott TestBED Middle East & Africa?

  The accelerator programme will start on November 27, 2017 and will end on January 31, 2018.

• What are Marriott TestBED accelerator programme logistics?

  Marriott TestBED accelerator programme lasts 10 weeks. During this time, the selected startups will not be required to relocate their operations. However, participants will be required to travel, as most of this period will be spent within a designated Marriott Hotel in the Middle East or Africa to pilot their product/service. Travel and accommodation expenses during this period will be covered by the programme.

For any additional inquiry, do not hesitate to contact us on a TestBEDMEA@mecglobal.com

Marriott TestBED Middle East & Africa Terms & Conditions can be found here