2300 Participants representing 14 countries 4 Arab projects will compete globally at the Intel Global Challenge at UC Berkley
 in collaboration with Intel, have announced the top 4 winners in the Intel Business Challenge, Middle East & North Africa in the final ceremony which was held at the Westin Hotel on June 23, 2013. Innovative entrepreneurs ... "Pin It")
Abu Dhabi 24 June 2013 – The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) in collaboration with Intel, have announced the top 4 winners in the Intel Business Challenge, Middle East & North Africa in the final ceremony which was held at the Westin Hotel on June 23, 2013.
Innovative entrepreneurs from universities across the region competed in different scientific and technical fields and in the process demonstrated the initiative spirit of the Arab youth. By developing these innovative ideas, the Intel Business Challenge in the MENA region, helped turn them into operational business plans, supporting in the process an innovative generation who is able to face social challenges and initiate successful businesses which enhance innovation and job creation.
More than 2300 participants from Arab universities have participated in the different workshops and activities over 4 months in Arabic, English, and French languages, which enabled them to develop their ideas and turn them into attractive business models. The ultimate prize of the challenge is to participate in the Intel Global Challenge in Silicon Valley, where winners will receive direct feedback from leaders in the Silicon Valley entrepreneur community and then present their projects in front of a group of capital owners and investors in October 2013.
25 projects have competed in the final ceremony, 6 projects from Egypt, 3 from each of Saudi Arabia and Palestine, 4 from United Arab Emirates, 2 from each of Tunisia and Jordan, 1 from each of Algeria, Morocco, Lebanon, Bahrain and Oman.
H.E. Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, ADEC’s Director General, lauded the different projects presented by students and explained that such efforts are vital to help build human capital in any country. “Part of the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision is to help build capable human capital that is able to compete in a globally competitive market environment. This requires a solid educational foundation and constant guidance and support, which we have helped provide for all our students throughout the years.”
Dr. Al Khaili added: “I am proud to see Emirati students participate in the UAE’s first Intel Business Challenge, since it shows that we have capable talented and ambitious youth who know how to create and develop different business ideas and scientific methods, which are both requirements that are required from tomorrow’s youth in the UAE.”
“Bringing new ideas to life means delivering innovation that goes beyond just the technology itself to how it can best be used for better learning and greater discovery. By investing in science, math, technology and engineering education programs and competitions worldwide, Intel is helping transform the lives of millions and cultivating the innovators and visionaries that will lead us into a better future. “Eng. Taha Khalifa , Intel GM for the Middle East commented “ We work with countries, communities, and schools worldwide to bring the resources and solutions to advance education, and turn visions and innovations into reality. Technology that brings quality education to more people, while sustaining local communities and economies—that’s how we inspire a new generation and help create the next generation of possibilities.” He added.
He also added “The Intel® Business Challenge Middle East and North Africa 2013 is the gateway to Intel® Global Challenge, a joint project of Intel® Corporation and the Lester Center for Entrepreneurship at UC Berkeley organized since 2005, brings together the best engineers and scientists from around the world to present how they plan to make the world a better place through their innovations and entrepreneurial skills. The IBC-MENA 2013 provided free education resources and workshops organized across the region, and today we are at the regional final award ceremony to announce the top 4 winners who will get the opportunity to compete at the Intel Global Challenge at UC Berkley in the Silicon Valley in October 2013 which will award a total of $100,000 in cash prizes for the winners.
The top 4 winners from the regional challenge were:
First Prize winning $7,500 and a trip to Silicon Valley
Second Prize winning $5,000 and a trip to Silicon Valley
Third Prize winning $2,500and a trip to Silicon Valley
Forth Prize winning $1,000 and a trip to Silicon Valley
The Intel Business Challenge MENA, which is managed by Potential.com, a leading business development company, in collaboration with governments like ADEC, Badir, NGO’s like Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship, Berytech, prestigious research institutions, educators and industry across the Middle East and North Africa, is fostering entrepreneurship and advancing innovation to address global challenges.
The aim of the challenge is to be able to provide individuals the opportunity to obtain the skills, technology and resources they need to build successful businesses that drive innovation, create employment, accelerate economic growth and have a positive impact on society.
About Intel
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at newsroom.intel.com and blogs.intel.com.
About IBC
The Intel® Business Challenge Middle East and North Africa 2013 is the gateway to Intel® Global Challenge, a joint project of Intel® Corporation and the Lester Center for Entrepreneurship at UC Berkeley organized since 2005 , brings together the best engineers and scientists from around the world to present how they plan to make the world a better place through their innovations and entrepreneurial skills.
In collaboration with governments, NGO’s, prestigious research institutions, educators and industry across the Middle East and North Africa, Intel® is fostering entrepreneurship and advancing innovation to address global challenges and be able to provide individuals the opportunity to obtain the skills, technology and resources they need to build successful businesses that drive innovation, create employment, accelerate economic growth and have a positive impact on society.
The IBC-MENA 2013 will provide free education resources and a workshop organised with Abu Dhabi Education Council on the 12th of June, followed by a regional final award ceremony to be held in Abu Dhabi on 23rd of June 2013 to announce the top 4 winners who will get the opportunity to compete at the Intel Global Challenge at UC Berkley in the Silicon Valley in October 2013 for a chance to win up to $50,000.
