An MIT-led Arab startup competition is showcasing the wealth of talent and innovation driving the region forward.
The MIT Enterprise Forum (MIT EF) of the Pan Arab Region has revealed the identity of the 84 teams – from 14 countries – that will compete for cash prizes exceeding $160,000. They are developing projects in areas including software, creative industries, education, and healthcare.
Social enterprise, Community Jameel, is one of the partners on the MITEF Arab startup competition. It has backed the initiative for a decade and exists to promote economic sustainability.
“We are happy to give the opportunity for innovation and creativity across the Arab world. We see new promising business models each year, all coming from diverse backgrounds. This reinforces the fact that the Arab world is full of talent and creativity. Community Jameel has offered full support to this successful Arab event for 11 consecutive years now, and remains true to its commitment to see it through. As it has been the case in previous years, our strong belief in this competition continues, as we strive to encourage an environment where new ideas flourish and projects are implemented not only in the Arab region but internationally. The generation of young Arabs deserves our full support to realize their hopes and bring their aspirations to life,” said Fady Jameel, President of Community Jameel International.
A list of the semi-finalists is now available on the event website.
Hala Fadel, Chair of the board of MIT EF Pan Arab, added: “Every year, our confidence and belief in the importance of this competition grows in its role in supporting and nurturing the culture of entrepreneurship. Developing the ideas and projects of the Arab youth and empowering them to transform these pioneering ideas into success stories couldn’t make us prouder.”
The competition will conclude at at two-day event in Oman, on 18 and 19 April, where the winner will be revealed at a special ceremony.
