QRCE launches Technology Idea (Tech-I) Competition in Jordan

The annual competition held in Jordan and the MENA region seeks to promote the culture of innovation among aspiring technology entrepreneurs from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Turkey, assisting them to launch and grow successful businesses in these regions through funding; training and mentorship with successful entrepreneurs, angel investors, and venture capitalists; networking opportunities; U.S. visits for up to 5 companies to establish direct connection with potential investors and partners.

In his comment, Khaled Touqan, Director, CRDF Global Jordan & MENA Office, said: "Having great potential to engage youth in entrepreneurship, this competition is a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs planning to start or expand their own businesses to achieve greater financial stability and push the wheel of economic development further out."

"Represented by Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship together with other national institutions supporting youth entrepreneurship initiatives, Jordan pays special heed to encouraging research and development along with creativity and innovation, aiming to activate youth participation in the national development process," Touqan added.

For his part, the Executive Director of QRCE, Farhan Kalaldeh, commended the competition's objectives, saying: "Most of the civil society institutions and entrepreneurship centers across the Kingdom show great keenness for adopting this competition which aspires to help participants go through the process of entrepreneurship and create an environment where innovation flourishes."

Kalaldeh added that the participants attended a workshop organized by the center to assist them to submit strong and complete applications, noting that applying for the competition entails the submission of a Go-To-Market Plan which consists of an executive summary and a 2-minute video pitch.

At the end of the completion, winners will receive more than $200,000 in awards and the chance to participate at GIST Accelerator, a 6 week immersion program in Silicon Valley.

It is worth mentioning that GIST Technology Idea (Tech-I) Competition comes under the umbrella of Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Initiative which is funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by CRDF Global, an independent nonprofit organization that promotes international scientific and technical collaboration through grants, technical resources and training.