A nationwide competition for university and school students to showcase their innovative ideas and startups.
The competition encourages entrepreneur students with either an innovative or a business startup idea or prototype to present it to a panel of judges.
It is a great opportunity for students to measure their skills against those of their peers. They also can socialize, obtain valuable experience, win prizes, and get exposed to the market and to potential investors and business owners.

• The U-Start Competition can help entrepreneurs make their ideas become a reality.
• The U-Start Competition will provide entrepreneurs the exposure they need they require and help with networking.
• The U-Start Competition can give entrepreneurs access to grants, incubation or other prizes.
• The U-Start Competition will provide feedback on how to improve the idea and reduce starting costs.

The U-Start Competition is an entry ticket to the world of entrepreneurship and also to receive expert support and recognition 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1. Applicants can be from high schools, universities or individuals from the industry. They will all compete separately.
2. Startups must be at the prototype phase and not exceed more than 3 years in operations.
3. Startups must be under either of the following focus areas:
   • Focus Area 1 Entrepreneurship in the service industry and the innovative approaches to provide the best service.
   • Focus Area 2 Innovative ideas in the education and training industries.
   • Focus Area 3 Innovative systems for sustainability.

FIRST ROUND
DEADLINE: January 5th, 2022
Focus Area 1 Entrepreneurship in the service industry and the innovative approaches to provide the best service.

• Young entrepreneurs will submit a short summary of their startup idea and how they plan on being profitable directly on our website.
• Must contain the following information:
  Problem description, proposed solutions, advantages of the idea compared to competitors if any, potential customers, startup’s value proposition, pricing and sales strategy, financing plans and their visions for the future.
• Experienced academicians and industry professionals will review applications. The most promising ideas will enter the second round.

SECOND ROUND
LIVE PITCH CONFERENCE 3  – January 25th, 2022

• The best applicants will then enter the second round of the Startup Competition.
• The final top teams who will reach the final round will have the chance to win prizes as well as several other valuable resources.
• Final Event: 14 February 2022 - Innovation Arabia Summit - A recap of the competition, and the announcement and award of the top three winners

The best applicants will then enter the second round of the Startup Competition.

FORMAL CRITERIA

• Language: English
• Maximum 10 PPT slides + Front cover. Any appendices must be included within the 10 slides. (The 10 slides exclude the Front Cover).
• The Front Cover should include:
• Startup name and university name
• Year of operation (If Applicable)
• Country the startup represents
• Name of advisor(s)
• Contact details (e-mail + phone) for the startup members

CONTENT CRITERIA
A good presentation usually has the following content (not necessary in the same order) and these are the key criteria judges are looking for:

1. Concept and vision including the elevator pitch: one liner about your product or service
2. Market opportunity: Define market size & customer base
3. Problem & current Solutions
4. Product or service: Your solution
5. Business model: Key Revenue Streams
6. Market approach & strategy: How you grow your business
7. Team & key stakeholders (investors, advisors, partners)
8. Finances
9. Competition
10. Investment: Your ‘Ask’ (funding, mentoring, market access etc.) + short use of resources

UNIVERSITY COMPETITION
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Applicants can be from high schools, universities or individuals from the industry. They will all compete separately.
• Startups must be at the prototype phase and not exceed more than 3 years in operations.
• Startups must be under either of the following focus areas:
• Focus Area 1 :  Entrepreneurship in the service industry and the innovative approaches to provide the best service.
• Focus Area 2 : Innovative ideas in the education and training industries.
• Focus Area 3 :  Innovative systems for sustainability.