In a bid to cultivate entrepreneurial prowess among Emirati university students and graduates, the UAE Ministry of Education has initiated the Entrepreneurship Challenge as part of the Graduate Fund. This groundbreaking challenge aims to equip participants with the essential skills, knowledge, and resources needed to thrive in the world of entrepreneurship.
Under the Entrepreneurship Challenge, aspiring entrepreneurs have the opportunity to vie for prizes totaling Dh2 million, which will be distributed among 12 top-performing Emirati winners. Beyond monetary rewards, successful participants will gain access to advanced incubator and accelerator programmes, along with personalised mentoring and coaching sessions. These invaluable resources will enable them to effectively manage and scale their ventures, propelling them towards entrepreneurial success.
Aligned with the overarching vision of the ‘Projects of the 50’ initiatives, this programme represents a pivotal step towards driving transformative growth within the UAE’s economic landscape. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, underscores the ministry’s commitment to nurturing the talents of Emirati youth and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. By empowering young Emiratis to transform their creative ideas into thriving businesses, the Entrepreneurship Challenge aims to uphold the UAE’s global reputation as a hub of innovation and enterprise.
Eligibility for the challenge is open to UAE nationals aged 18 to 35, encompassing both university students and graduates. Whether participants possess entrepreneurial aspirations or already helm SMEs, the challenge welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds and ambitions. This inclusive approach seeks to unearth the brightest entrepreneurial minds among Emirati youth, providing them with the necessary support to realise their business dreams.
As the flagship initiative of the Graduate Fund, the Entrepreneurship Challenge symbolises the Ministry of Education’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of entrepreneurial thinking and innovation nationwide. Through a series of programmes and initiatives, the Graduate Fund aims to empower the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs, enabling them to chart their entrepreneurial journey and shape the future of the UAE’s economy.
For aspiring entrepreneurs eager to seize this unparalleled opportunity, applications for the challenge are open until May 1, 2024. Embrace the chance to unleash your entrepreneurial potential and embark on a transformative journey towards business success.
