PICTI encourages innovation in Palestine, through InfoDev

This is a unique business plan competition for senior university and college students as well as entrepreneurs from all regions in Palestine, which encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, two qualities which are imperative to bring the Palestine information and communications technology sector to the leading edge of business and information technology. The Contest is supported by the World Bank infoDev program that supports incubators in developing countries.

"PICTI is committed to playing an important role in Palestine in encouraging innovation and technology commercialization," said Mr. Laith Kassis, General Manager of PICTI. Now in its 3rd year, the successful PICTI incubation program is based on business assessment of entrepreneur and student concepts and ideas. The objective of the "infoDev Business Plan Contest" is to identify and recognize future talent and give them the opportunity and the necessary encouragement to turn their ideas into reality.'

In addition to showcasing their original ideas and exhibiting their educational training and talent, the challenge also provides students with networking and training opportunities with incubated businesses and IT leaders, such as sponsors and supporters Paltel Group, Yooyaland, MobIS, Safad Software Systems, Al-Andalus and Eyelash.

To promote the culture of recognizing innovative ideas and protecting intellectual property rights, the challenge is including entry into the Intellectual Property Showcase as part of the registration and to help protect students' ideas and plans. "The competition continues to provide a much needed link between academic institutions and industry in Palestine. It gives businesses the chance to tap into the enormous talent of the future entrepreneurs," said Mr. Jamil Daher, PICTI Chairman.

'Until now, PICTI has already received more than ninety applications from entrepreneurial teams from across Palestine and Palestinians abroad, who applied their ideas for incubation at PICTI,' said Mr. Hasan Omar, PICTI Operations Manager.

The "Business Plan Contest" will offer Prizes for the top teams included a trip to the leading technology trade show in the Gulf, as well as US$15,000 grants for incubation for top teams and all teams will be awarded a certificate of participation.

To participate in this year's challenge, students are required to submit a plan for a technology related business idea that will be judged by industry leaders on creativity, originality and practicality of implementation. Students will work with a PICTI advisor from their home institution, and are required to register online at www.picti.ps. Representatives from PICTI will be visiting colleges and universities across Palestine to provide more information and answer any questions about the challenge.

In addition, a series of seminars will be conducted to provide students with the information they require to put together effective plans. The first seminar was conducted to a group of entrepreneurs during PICTI's participation at the annual Palestinian technology exhibition (www.expotech.ps). The challenge will conclude with a workshop, where the winners will be announced.