The Zayed University e-Biz Challenge is looking for a few good ideas. In its third year, the e-Biz Challenge encourages student teams from across the Gulf to submit e-business plans for judging by industry leaders.
“Zayed University is committed to playing an important role in the Gulf region in encouraging innovation and technology adoption,” said Dr. Hanif Al-Qassimi, vice president of Zayed University. “The importance of this is demonstrated to students and members of the community alike via programs such as the e-Biz Challenge.”
The purpose of the e-Biz Challenge is to identify and recognize future talent — the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. The challenge provides students with networking and professional growth opportunities. In addition to great hands-on experience exhibiting their talent and creativity, students also get feedback on their plans from other entrepreneurs and successful professionals, as well as the chance to compete for valuable prizes.
Last year, 73 teams from the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia registered for the Zayed University e-Biz Challenge II. Prizes for the top teams included a trip to the leading technology trade show CeBit in Hannover, Germany as well as laptops and desktops, and all teams were awarded a certificate of participation.
To participate in this year’s challenge, students are required to submit a plan for an electronic business idea that will be judged by industry leaders on creativity, originality and practicality of implementation. Students will work with an adviser from their home institution and are required to register online at www.ebizchallenge.com. The deadline to submit plans is Jan. 19, 2005.