Injaz Qatar, a non-profit organisation and member of Junior Achievement Worldwide, has held a national awards ceremony of its Annual Young Enterprise of the Year Competition in Qatar.
The 17th edition of Mubadara 2024 was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Qatar. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards, with Boeing, the programme’s exclusive strategic partner since 2013, endowing the winner of the Best Company Award among universities with a financial prize to develop their business idea.
Roula Droubi, director of government, industry and community engagement at Boeing Middle East, Turkiye, Africa and Central Asia, presented this award to the ‘On Budget’ team from Qatar University, promoting sustainability through an innovative online platform offering surplus products at discounted rates.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Turkiye, Africa and Central Asia, commented: “Individual entrepreneurs and small businesses are the backbone of innovation and positive change. We are proud that Boeing’s partnership with Injaz Qatar has empowered thousands of young people with entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills. Together, we've helped these budding entrepreneurs in Qatar turn their ideas into reality.”
ExxonMobil, the platinum sponsor of the awards ceremony, presented the Best Company Award among high schools. Taher Hamid, president and general manager of ExxonMobil Qatar, presented the award to the Smart Patch’ team from Al Wakrah Secondary School for Girls. The student-led company designed a smart patch for screening and diagnosing premature babies and newborns with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE).
“Through our collaboration on the competition, we’re empowering student entrepreneurs to shape the economy with their creativity and ingenuity and sowing the seeds of a thriving economy, one innovative idea at a time," he said.
“We’re proud of the students who took part in this year’s competition and wish them all the best in their efforts to make meaningful contributions to their communities,” said Rashid al-Hajri, vice president, Strategic Relations and Public and Government Affairs Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar.
The People’s Choice Award was presented to the ‘VirtuLearn’ team from CUC Ulster University. The Highest Social Impact Award was presented to the ‘Insurehealth’ team from Northwestern University in Qatar, “Assistly” from CUC Ulster University, and “Nafas” from Al Shaima Secondary School for Girls.
The Most Innovative Product/Service Award was granted to the ‘Boonue’ team from Texas A&M University at Qatar, ‘Pure Future’ from Amna Bint Wahab Secondary School for Girls, and ‘Veridian Energy Conversions’ from Belgravia High School.
The Best Marketing Plan Award was presented to the ‘Hala Nourish’ team from the University of Doha for Science and Technology and to the “Fitlist” team from the American School of Doha.
Mubadara is the culmination of a six-month programme wherein student teams are provided with the platform and mentorship from business leaders to transform innovative ideas into tangible business ventures. This year, 12 university teams and 12 high school teams participated, showcasing the depth of entrepreneurial talent in Qatar.
Sheikha Hanadi Nasser al-Thani, the chair of Injaz Qatar and Injaz Al Arab, said: “Mubadara was founded 17 years ago with the aim of inspiring youth in Qatar to start and grow entrepreneurial ventures. Through the programme, more than 3,500 students have explored their innovative business ideas and the opportunity to turn these ideas into thriving businesses.
The ‘On Budget’ and ‘Smart Patch’ teams will represent Qatar at the regional Injaz Al-Arab Young Enterprise of the Year Competition and compete with other teams from 14 countries across the Mena.
The 17th edition of Mubadara 2024 was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Qatar.
