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The MIT Enterprise Forum Saudi Arabia, the new chapter of the global network – MIT Enterprise Forum Global, in partnership with Bab Rizq Jameel (BRJ), part of Community Jameel, started its first road shows at King Abdulllah University of Science and Technology, in order to discuss the criteria and mechanisms of application and the axis of contesting in the first edition of the competition in the Kingdom.

The road show, which continues till the end of the competition on 15 November, 2015, will include many universities, among which are: Taibah University, Umm Al Qura University, King Abdulaziz University, King fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dar Al Hekma University , Effat University, University of Business and Technology, Princess Nora University and Jazan University. The MITEF Saudi Arabia Competition Country Lead, Hashem Daghestani, will be providing a detailed presentation of the competition: its vision, mission, goals, as well as discussing the mechanisms of application in order to help those who are willing to participate and guide them so as to maximize their chances of winning in the first edition of MIT Enterprise Forum Saudi Arabia Competition for the best startup in Saudi Arabia.

“Following the success of the first road show of the competition at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the real interaction we noticed from the decision-makers and sponsors, we intend to intensify in the coming days our road shows all over the Kingdom, especially that the competition’s deadline, 15 November 2015, is approaching”, commented Daghestani.

“Saudi-based entrepreneurs will receive local and international exposure and recognition through MIT Enterprise Forum Global, as well as through MIT Technology Review, a media company wholly owned by MIT. The finalists of the MITEF Saudi Arabia Competition will have the opportunity to participate at the Startsmart conference, which will be held on January 16th, 2016, and where winners will be announced. Furthermore, as a part of the MITEF Pan Arab Region, these winners will be invited to participate in the 9th MIT Enterprise Forum Arab Startup Competition.”

The competition focuses on attracting high potential social and business startups and ideas in all social and business fields. Entrepreneurs of all ages, and across a range of industries, can apply to one of two available tracks: Ideas and Startups. To be considered, the project submitted must be innovative, have the potential for scalability, and must have a positive impact on the community. Teams must consist of at least two members and include at least one Saudi national.

There are SR 220,000 worth of cash prizes at stake, in addition to workshops and mentor assistance throughout the competition.

MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) Saudi Arabia is part of a global network of chapters dedicated to the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation worldwide. The chapters inform, connect, and coach technology entrepreneurs—enabling them to rapidly transform ideas into world-changing companies.

Founded in 2015 with the goal of promoting and enriching the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, MITEF Saudi Arabia aims to celebrate and support all potential startups and entrepreneurs in the Kingdom through the Startups and Ideas Competition.

Entrepreneurs are invited to apply to the competition for their chance to gain access to invaluable mentorship, mingle with high-profile global and regional speakers, meet future partners, or win a cash prize. For more information, visit http://www.mitefsaudi.org/.