du launched its first Emirati Startup Challenge, in partnership with Zayed University. The nationwide challenge will give Emirati university students who have a creative drive the opportunity to showcase their ideas in front of a live audience and a judging panel in a competition to win prizes and a chance to work with a local business mentor.

In celebration of the Year of Zayed, this initiative is co-organised by E11 Global, a global start up platform that provides entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to successfully develop their own businesses, and Step Group, a Dubai based media and events company responsible for launching STEP Conference in the UAE.

“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.

The Emirati Startup challenge is a nationwide competition that aims to empower Emirati youth with an entrepreneurial drive and prepare them to successfully contribute to the UAE’s startup ecosystem. The competition is open to Emirati students from universities across the UAE, who have an innovative startup idea in the fields of technology, social entrepreneurship and digital solutions.

The challenge is divided into multiple stages, in which accepted applicants would go through the process of developing their ideas, learning startup fundamentals, mastering the business canvas model, and finalizing their pitches.

Through engaging workshops, du aims at equipping Emirati Nationals who qualify to enter the challenge with the necessary expertise and market knowledge that will empower them to turn their ideas into real business ventures.

Deadline to apply is April 8, so make sure to submit your applications as soon as possible. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 teams: 25,000 AED, 15,000 AED, and 10,000 AED respectively. Also, the winners will have access and an exhibition space at STEP Conference 2019 to showcase their startup idea.

For more information, please visit: https://duemiratistartupchallenge.ae