The competition, running its 3rd edition, has supported over 40 projects and injected $250,000 in equity-free investment to startups.
Does your startup create solutions for refugees? The MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab (MITEF Pan Arab), has just announced the launch of one of its flagship competitions, Innovate for Refugees, in partnership with Zain, Agility, and GCC Services, setting off to find and reward tech-driven cutting-edge solutions that address challenges faced by refugees.
The competition invites innovators, including refugees, from around the world (they need to have at least one Arab national in the team) to come up with tech-driven solutions that effectively tackle challenges faced by refugees and host communities. Last year’s finalists include AKYAS, a personal single-use biodegradable toilet with a sanitizer kit; Paper Airplanes, which uses free, mobile-friendly video technology to meet the current gap in teen and adult education; and FLOWY, a standalone solar photo-voltaic (PV) water-recycling lavatory unit.
This year, the competition incorporates two tracks: the Ideas track and the Startups track. In addition to cash prizes, participating teams will benefit from top-notch training sessions, networking opportunities, as well as regional and international exposure.
The competition finals last year included a panel to discuss impact investment and funding tech innovations.
A panel of expert judges will assess the submissions of the applicants and evaluate their projects. 20 teams will then be selected and invited to attend the Award ceremony.
In the two last editions, MITEF Innovate for Refugees competitions have supported over 40 innovation projects, awarding 12 teams with innovative ideas to develop their projects that positively impact the lives of refugees. So far, they have injected $250,000 in equity-free investment to startups.
Participants can apply online on the competition’s official website before November 2nd.
Main photo: Courtesy of MITEF Pan Arab.
