Zayed University e-biz challenge goes back to school at GITEX 2004

For the purpose of promoting the competition to students and potential sponsors, contest organizers at Zayed University's Institute for Technological Innovation (ITI) will have a booth at GITEX Dubai 2004, October 3-7, in Hall 8, Stand 815.

Vice-President of Zayed University Dr. Hanif Al Qassimi said: "GITEX is an internationally important event for all those involved in IT and business. Zayed University is committed to playing and important role in the Gulf region in encouraging innovation and technology adoption, and the importance of this is demonstrated to students and members of the community alike via programs such as the e-biz challenge. GITEX allows us the opportunity to showcase this commitment."

The purpose of the challenge is to identify and recognize future talent - the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. The challenge also provides students with excellent networking and professional growth opportunities. In addition to great hands-on experience exhibiting their talent and creativity, students get feedback on their plans from other entrepreneurs and successful professionals, as well as the chance to compete for valuable prizes. They also learn about entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as intellectual property issues.

For the second year in a row, space for the Zayed University e-biz challenge at GITEX has been generously donated by the Dubai World Trade Center, the "Strategic Partner" of the challenge. Other sponsors include: ADWEA, AME Info, Bayt.com, Campus Journal, IBM, Microsoft, ADCO, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, National Bank of Dubai, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, GTFS, Jumbo Electronics, Motivate Publishing, Pearson Education, and Internet Media Association.

Last year, 73 teams from across the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia registered for the Zayed University e-biz challenge II. Prizes for the top teams included a trip to the leading technology trade show CeBit in Hannover, Germany, in March 2004, as well as laptops and desktops, and all teams were awarded a certificate of participation. The challenge concluded with a gala dinner hosted by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan, President of Zayed University and Minister of Higher Education and Research.

To participate in this year's challenge, students are required to submit a plan for an electronic business idea that will be judged by industry leaders on creativity, originality, and practicality of implementation. Students will work with an advisor from their home institution and are required to register online at www.ebizchallenge.com The deadline to submit plans is January 19, 2005 but students are encouraged to register soon so that they can be alerted to e-biz news and developments.

The Zayed University e-biz challenge is coordinated by the e-biz team at the Institute for Technological Innovation (ITI). The ITI is a Zayed University owned and operated business center that is designed to educate business leaders and aspiring professionals on new and emerging technologies.