Competing against 1,200 applications and 200 shortlisted startups, Abdallah Alawadi’s innovative venture, The AM Lab, clinched first place in the prestigious Make it in the Emirates Startup Competition 2025, presented by ADNOC and supported by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).
But the story began years earlier, during Abdallah’s studies in Interior Architecture from 2017 to 2022 at the American University in Dubai (AUD), where he learned to think like a designer and build like an entrepreneur.
While experimenting with his own designs, Abdallah identified a major hurdle: manufacturing was slow, costly, and primarily designed for large-scale production, making it expensive and inaccessible for individual creators or early-stage innovators.
Determined to solve this challenge, Abdallah launched The AM Lab in [LAUNCH DATE], a digital-first platform transforming custom manufacturing in the UAE. Powered by AI, it delivers a seamless production experience where users upload 3D models or technical drawings and instantly receive quotations, part validation, manufacturability feedback, and lead-time estimates. This process replaces the traditional and lengthy Request for Quote (RFQ) system, reducing procurement times from days to minutes.
Left Photo: Abdallah receiving the award from H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and H.E. Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC).
Convincing manufacturers to adopt a digital-first approach and support low-volume, custom parts proved challenging. Abdallah recalls that winning the trust of both users and suppliers was difficult. However, with limited resources, Abdallah and his team focused on relentless iteration and user-centric development.
“We adopted a mindset of ‘fail fast, iterate faster,’” he explains. “We stayed close to our users and improved the platform with every release.”
Abdallah’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to embrace early failure. “Don’t wait for the perfect moment or product. Just build, test, and keep improving. Surround yourself with people who challenge you and help you grow.”
Reflecting on his education, Abdallah credits AUD for shaping his entrepreneurial mindset. The university’s emphasis on practical experience and industry partnerships provided invaluable opportunities to connect design education with business.
“AUD was instrumental in shaping how I think and build,” he says. “Partnerships with companies like Herman Miller, iGuzzini, and Lamborghini exposed me to real challenges and entrepreneurial opportunities. The iterative approach, constantly prototyping and integrating digital fabrication from day one, became the foundation for The AM Lab’s mission.”
Most recently, The AM Lab was selected as one of only 23 startups for EGA Ramp-Up Season 3, powered by Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to join a dynamic cohort focused on solving challenges in climate, energy, tech innovation, and the future of manufacturing.
Looking forward, Abdallah sees The AM Lab as more than a manufacturing platform. It is a catalyst for innovation that empowers creators across industries.
“The future of manufacturing is not just digital; it is intelligent, fast, and accessible. Whether you’re a student, a startup, or an industry leader, creating should be simple, local, and on demand".
