Home SME UAE telco du launches start-up challenge for Emirati students The UAE has seen a flurry of start-up competitions and accelerators established in recent months by Staff Writer April 3, 2018 UAE telecoms provider du has launched a start-up challenge for Emirati students in partnership with global platform E11, Step Group and Zayed University. University students from across the country will be given the opportunity to showcase their ideas in front of a live audience and judging panel for prizes and the chance to work with a local mentor. Applications are open for ideas in technology, social entrepreneurship and digital solutions at https://duemiratistartupchallenge.ae. “We look forward to meeting candidates who foster creative ideas and are interested in being a part of the local startup ecosystem,” said Du executive vice president of brand and corporate communications Abdulwahed Juma. “Through this university-driven initiative, we want to encourage and inspire UAE Nationals to pursue and develop their business ideas by being bold and well prepared to pursue their dreams.” Du said it would work closely with Zayed University through workshops to encourage students to adopt a skillset including leadership, creativity, responsibility and ambition. The UAE has seen several start-up accelerator and incubator platforms established over the last year by government and private sector organisations. Abu Dhabi’s tourism department, airline Etihad, Yas Island developer Miral and Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) partnered with mentor platform Wamda in February for an accelerator focussed on the tourism industry. Read: Abu Dhabi organisations partner with Wamda for tourism accelerator In October, Dubai-based GINCO Investments also announced the launch of a new accelerators programme for start-ups in partnership with entrepreneurial network TechStars and financial free zones Abu Dhabi Global Market and Dubai International Financial Centre established their own fintech competitions in the previous months. Read: Dubai’s GINCO, TechStars establish start-up accelerator On top of this government programme Dubai Future Accelerators recently launched its fourth round to match public sector entities with private sector partners for key projects. Read: Crown Prince launches latest edition of Dubai Future Accelerators 0 Comments