Qatar University (QU) College of Business and Economics (CBE) and College of Engineering (CENG) in collaboration with the Office of Strategic Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Economic Development Office (SIEED) launched the annual "Innovation & Entrepreneurship Contest 2023".This year's contest is distinguished by its focus on creating business ideas and innovations that directly benefit the Qatari economy and help in building a knowledge-based economy.This year's participating teams will have access to a training programme provided by experts on how to prepare and present effective business models and pitching the essence of their business ideas.Ideas will be presented to a panel of judges.In addition to monetary prizes, winners will get the chance to have their ideas developed further in the SIEED's incubator through vigorous coaching and training, enabling them to develop their business plans, and possibly get funding opportunities and access to the local business community.Dean of CENG Dr Khalid Kamal Naji, said: "The contest is designed to spread awareness about the importance of entrepreneurial activities, trigger the entrepreneurial skills of QU students and engage them on how to develop sound business plans. When they graduate, our students will enter a highly competitive business environment in Qatar. They have to acquire the skills and competencies to become the next leaders in the world of business. In this regard, CENG is committed to providing its students with a forum to develop their creative and innovative business ideas which will add value to their education."Dean of CBE Prof Rana Sobh stressed the importance of innovative ideas to develop a sound business sector and ultimately contribute to the country's development and progress.She said: "Through this annual competition, we are inviting our students to invest their talents in the spirit of competition, shared knowledge and teamwork. The business ideas should be feasible, realistic and preferably serve to meet the needs of the job market and the private sector in Qatar. We look forward to embracing the innovative projects that will emerge."Head of Research & Policy at the CEOE Dr Boumediene Ramdani said: "Ideas will be subject to evaluation from academic and industry experts who will share their experiences with our students and assess the ideas based on their desirability in the market (33%), their viability chances of success (33%), and feasibility chances of making it happen (33%)."In his speech, Director of SIEED, Dr Mahmoud Abdulwahed said: "We encourage all students to participate in this competition to develop their entrepreneurial skills and benefit from the workshops that will take place within the competition, to ensure that their ideas and projects are new, innovative and competitive." (QNA)
March 13, 2023 | 09:30 PM