Learn what it takes to become a global entrepreneur and take part of a life changing experience. Arab Innovation Academy (AIA)’s participants have a great mission to shape the region’s future not only by addressing regional challenges but by innovating market-driven technology with real global impact.
The first and the largest entrepreneurship programmr in the pan-Arab region, AIA was brought to Qatar and the Middle East through a collaboration between Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation and the European Innovation Academy, the world’s largest intensive entrepreneurship programme.
The AIA provides future entrepreneurs from Qatar and the region an opportunity to work under the guidance of leading Silicon Valley mentors, and leverage an extensive global network comprising top experts in their fields to help them turn an idea into a start-up in just 10 days.
The intensive innovation programme which has held two editions host young entrepreneurs and innovators from top universities in Qatar and the region. The accelerated mode of learning turns an idea into a start-up in only 10 days.
The 23 years old Chaimae El Mahdaoui has a list full of incredible achievements. Part of the winning team of the AIA 2019 – Chaimae – is also a youth activist, speaker at TEDxyouth, and founder of Salamat-e, a mobile application that provides prevention and vaccination tools against communicable diseases for travellers.
“I am a cancer biologist, entrepreneur, and ballet teacher. I love travelling and sharing positivity on my social media channels. I am passionate about life and believe that every day is an opportunity to enjoy and experience new things,” said El Mahdaoui.
“Entrepreneurship is one of my biggest passions in life, as I see it as the best tool to contribute to changing the world,” she added.
When El Mahdaoui was selected for AIA, she had three main goals - to learn from a new experience, meet other entrepreneurs, and exchange ideas about her project.
“While at AIA, I discovered that the programme went way beyond that,” said El Mahdaoui.
“During the programme, not only did I have access to an incredible international team that helped me improve my project, but I had also the chance to meet mentors who were always available to support us. Our mornings were so energising that we never felt stress during the day.
“I ended up having a great team, amazing mentors, incredible friends from different parts of the world, and a strong project idea … plus, of course, the first-place prize of the Arab Innovation Academy!” she added.
Every year, more than 200 participants of 30 nationalities get together at QSTP for the AIA. They have to learn to create a startup in only 10 days.
This exciting challenge was what made Shaikha Alsubaey apply for AIA 2019. The 22-year-old self-taught Qatari artist/illustrator is also an accounting graduate who loves to create meaningful content.
“I believe I can enrich people’s lives with my artistic skills by bringing a new perspective of books I read, podcasts I listen to, and experiences I live,” said Alsubaey.
“I strongly believe that innovation has nothing to do with age, work experience, or specialty; I think everyone should think outside the box and be brave enough to pursue their dreams,” she added.
Sharing her experience with AIA Alsubaey said, “AIA days were so special. Some days were all about fun, meeting people, and sharing ideas, but it was also about hard work and learning. I’m so grateful for all the people who helped me get the best out of this journey.
“I can tell that my success was not limited to the 10 days at AIA, but also what I’ve been able to accomplish after the program. I’m extremely proud that I started as a participant in AIA 2019 and now I have the chance to have my illustrations and designs in the marketing campaign for the 2020 program,” she added.
Alsubaey was part of the team which projected the startup ‘EYETALK.’ It is a software-hardware system that enables completely paralysed people to connect with the world using the blinking of their eyes.
AIA will return to Qatar tomorrow (January 7). The entrepreneurship program will take place from January 7 to 20, 2020 gathering more than 200 participants from 30 different nations.
