Cigna Healthcare Becomes First Health Partner for UAE Start-up Ecosystem Ignyte

Dubai, UAE: 3 July 2025 – Cigna Healthcare Middle East, a global health services company, has signed a MoU with Ignyte, to provide comprehensive and scalable health coverage to start-ups registered with Ignyte. Ignyte is a key initiative under the Dubai Digital Economy Strategy, designed to drive exponential growth for start-ups across industries. Since its launch in October 2024, Ignyte has empowered the growth and global expansion of over 3,000 start-ups, supported by 300 mentors and 180 investors. 

This announcement makes Cigna Healthcare the first and exclusive healthcare provider associated with Ignyte. The agreement was signed during the Dubai FinTech Summit 2025, at Madinat Jumeirah, by Leah Cotterill, CEO of Cigna Healthcare Middle East and Africa (outside KSA), and Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Innovation Hub. Cigna Healthcare will offer companies registered with Ignyte, access to affordable and flexible coverage plans that encompass founder and employee wellbeing, mental health, workplace wellness, and more. 

The policies also cover chronic health conditions, and plans can be scaled up as the start-up continues to grow. Under the partnership, customers can benefit from exclusive discounts and a simple, hassle-free digital experience powered by Cigna Envoy®, featuring easy-to-use claim submission options. As Ignyte’s go-to health and wellbeing partner, Cigna Healthcare Middle East is also able to tailor specific solutions for its 1,000+ start-ups and more than 100 mentors and investors.

Leah Cotterill, CEO of Cigna Healthcare Middle East and Africa (outside KSA) stated: “Ignyte is shaping an exciting generation of businesses, and we are proud to be their go-to health and wellbeing partner. We believe that sustainable growth begins with investing in individuals.

This partnership guarantees that start-ups and their teams have access to appropriate health solutions from the outset, enabling them to concentrate on building, scaling, and driving innovation with assurance. 

Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer at DIFC Innovation Hub said: “Ignyte’s mission is to empower entrepreneurs, and this partnership with Cigna Healthcare strengthens that purpose by ensuring all start-ups grow with wellbeing as a foundation. Health is not just support; it is a strategic advantage.” 

Ignyte members can benefit from Cigna Healthcare’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides access to work/life resources and licensed clinicians to help individuals cope with a wide variety of concerns, from family and financial issues to emotional health and stress.