'e-biz challenge III' ends, winners announced

A select panel of fourteen judges, over two days, narrowed the field down from 134 business plans to 65, then to 16 plans, then to the top three, and finally the winning plan.

In first place was Trifusion, from Emirates College for Management and Information Technology. Trifusion's innovative plan is for an automated system that enters a buyer into as many raffles at the Dubai Shopping Festival as possible at each point of purchase. The team's individual prize package includes passes to the IEFE Entrepreneurs in Dubai Forum May 22 - 25, an Intel-based tablet computer, gift certificates from Pearson's bookstore and credit for online classes. In second place is The Seekers from American University of Sharjah. They plan to set up easy-to-use MP3 kiosks in popular locations around the U.A.E that allow users to download music. Third place is Bright Light Team from Sultan Qaboos University, who plan to produce and distribute the e-meter, a power meter that will digitally send and receive data from the power companies.

"e-biz challenge III" is the most successful to date, emerging as one of the premier entrepreneurial events of the year. And the numbers speak for themselves. Student teams submitted 134 plans, a 324 percent increase over last year. Visits to www.ebizchallenge.com increased by 180 percent over last year to 227,000 hits. Participation from various schools and countries nearly doubled to 25 schools from five different countries.

"The success of the 'e-biz challenge' goes to show there is a strong commitment in the GCC business community to foster the future entrepreneurs of the Gulf," said Dr. Hanif Al Qassimi, Vice President of Zayed University.

Dr. Abdullah Abonamah, Director, ITI added: "Our students are ambitious, they have innovative ideas and the plans all show it. They're working hard to continue the burgeoning reputation of the region."

The purpose of the "e-biz challenge" is to identify and recognize future talent - the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. It provides students of the GCC not only networking and professional growth opportunities, but critical feedback on their plans from other entrepreneurs and successful business professionals. They can also win incredible prize packages.

The Institute for Technological Innovation (ITI) is a Zayed University owned and operated business center located in the heart of Dubai Internet City, the knowledge and technological hub of the region. Its programs are designed to educate business leaders and aspiring young professionals on new and emerging technologies. The ITI targets young professionals, corporate managers, educators, entrepreneurs, consultants and analysts in the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region who wish to stay ahead of the curve by understanding technological innovation and managing its impact.