Can you hear the clock ticking? Oh yes, we’ve just started our countdown to the Arab Innovation Academy of 2020! Before we move forward to next year, we want to invite you to take a look back at what happened in the last edition.

Ready to time travel? Let’s go!

Arab Innovation Academy of 2019 | Rewind

Do you think it’s possible to create a startup in only 10 days? It sounds like a big challenge, right? But the reality is that 200 participants have made it at the Arab Innovation Academy of 2019!

The largest entrepreneurship course focused on technological innovations in the Pan-Arab region was the beginning of the journey for 40 new startups. 

Going from ideation to pitching is not an easy task, but each participant worked incredibly hard to turn their ideas into reality. Launching the startup wasn’t the only challenge: with participants of 30 different nationalities, students had to deal with cultural differences, improve communication skills, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

In order to create a startup, teams had to follow the AIA playbook and work step-by-step. From problem validation to developing a business revenue model, there was a lot to be done until the final pitch. 

AIA Mentors

Challenging students to create a startup in only 10 days sounds a bit crazy—and it might be—however, AIA participants were not alone on this journey. They could rely on the experience of top tech speakers, mentors, and investors from around the world who leveraged the skills, mindset, and knowledge necessary to coach and inspire participants to achieve set goals. 

AIA Mentors came from top companies and institutions like Amazon, Google, UC Berkeley, Qatar Foundation, 500 Startups, Al Jazeera, Qatar University, Pipedrive, and Mercedes-Benz.io. It was a unique opportunity for participants to learn and network with top-notch professionals.

About QTSP and Qatar Foundation 

Launched in partnership with the Qatar Foundation and Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), the second edition of AIA was held at the Qatar Foundation’s Education City in Doha.  

Startups from Qatar

The Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of the Qatar Foundation, is a Free Zone, accelerator, and incubator for tech-product development in Qatar. The park fosters an innovative entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar that works to accelerate commercialization of market-ready technologies to realize Qatar’s national diversification drive.

QSTP has access to the vital resources of a number of leading research universities. Members of QSTP’s Free Zone include SMEs, international corporations, and research institutions. This makes AIA such a special place where the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and participants make dreams come true. 

Top Teams of AIA 2019

The last day of the Arab Innovation Academy of 2019 was very special, as teams had the chance to be in the spotlight and pitch their ideas. Seeing students improving upon the skills and confidence needed to develop startups ideas from scratch and learn to create unique value in the world of Entrepreneurship and Innovation is one of the most rewarding aspects of the program. 

Closing Ceremony at AIA 2019

After a thrilling morning, the top teams of this year’s edition were announced. Let’s recap!

In this article, you’ll find out more about prizes and special awards.

After more than 80 hours of dedication, teamwork, and overcoming challenges, the Arab Innovation Academy of 2019 came to an end. It was amazing to have participants dedicated to bringing innovation to the MENA region with a global mindset and passion for entrepreneurship.

Ready for AIA 2020? Find out all about the next edition!