The Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, du has just kick-started its first Emirati Startup Challenge, in collaboration with Zayed University. The local challenge offers Emirati university students an opportunity to showcase their creative ideas in front of spectators and judges to win prizes and experience working side-by-side with a local mentor.
This initiative is coordinated by E11 Global; an international startup platform that lets innovative entrepreneurs with the must-have tools to successfully establish their own businesses as well as Step Group, the Dubai based media and events company that launched the STEP Conference in the UAE. These initiatives were introduced in celebration of the Year of Zayed.
“We have always expressed our trust in the immense potential of the UAE youth. Now, and in alignment with the UAE Vision 2021 that directs the transitioning to a knowledge-based economy, we are delighted to launch this initiative. We look forward to meeting candidates who foster creative ideas and are interested in being a part of the local startup ecosystem.” said Abdulwahed Juma, the Executive Vice President of Brand and Corporate Communications in du. “Through this university-driven initiative, we want to encourage and inspire UAE Nationals to pursue and develop their business ideas by being bold and well prepared to pursue their dreams,” he added.
The Emirati Startup challenge is a local competition that focuses on the empowerment of young Emirati with a business mindset which will ultimately contribute to UAE’s startup ecosystem. The challenge is open to Emirati students from universities across the country, wielding creative startup ideas related to technology, social entrepreneurship, and digital solutions.
Dr. Reyadh Almehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, stated, “We, at Zayed University, are delighted to be part of this unique initiative. We are working on empowering the new generation and encourage Emirati students to submit their creative ideas and innovations to participate in beneficial workshops and the competition challenge, to develop solutions and disrupt the ecosystem with fresh ideas. We invite students to apply to the Emirati Startup Challenge from du and take advantage of the compelling opportunity to be mentored by top professionals and experts in the field.”
Learn more about this initiative here.
