Zayed University e-biz challenge hits the road

Representatives will be on campus to give presentations or host displays to answer students' and faculty members' questions about the program, writing business plans, and the judging process.

Now in its third year, the highly successful Zayed University e-biz challenge encourages student teams from across the Gulf to submit e-business plans for competition and judging by industry leaders. The purpose 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 such as tablet and laptop computers. They also learn about entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as intellectual property issues.

Last year, 73 student teams and their faculty advisors took up the challenge, with the top 10 teams from HCT Women's Sharjah, ZU, HCT Men's Abu Dhabi, Sultan Qaboos University (Oman), UAEU, and King Fahd University (Saudi Arabia). Participating teams must register online at www.ebizchallenge.com by March 2, 2005. The challenge will conclude with a gala dinner in late March, hosted by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan, Minister of Education.

The annual program would not be possible without the support of sponsors Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), AME Info, Bayt.com, Campus Journal, Dubai World Trade Center, IBM, Microsoft, Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil (ADCO), National Bank of Dubai, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI), GTFS, Jumbo Electronics, Motivate Publishing, and Pearson Education and Internet Media Association.