Startups Track | Arab Startup Competition

Eligibility Criteria

Each team should have at least two members
The team should have a working product/service, traction and sales
The startup should be generating yearly revenues
The startup should not have raised funding above 1,500,000 USD
The startup should be legally registered in an Arab country or registered abroad and operating in an Arab country
The startup should be in any Tech or Digital industry

Selection of Semifinalists

Round 1 judging process

In Round 1, applications are accepted in English, French, and Arabic
In Round 1, each application is graded by at least 2 different judges. Judges place more importance on certain criteria, depending on the track you are applying for (Judging criteria below)
In Round 1: 20 semifinalists teams are selected for second round of the Startups track. These teams will have scored the highest average score on their application forms
MITEF Pan Arab reserves the right to modify the number of selected teams
To be eligible for Round 2, the semifinalists teams must submit certain deliverables that will be communicated with them in due time. The semifinalists teams must also sign the “intent of incorporation” form. All members whose names are mentioned as part of the team must sign the form.
Semifinalists Teams are expected to work on and submit specific deliverables prior to the workshop and conference. Qualified teams are not required to pay a participation fee for any of the workshop or conference. Each of the participants is expected to pay for their own flight ticket. The MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab will be paying all other expenses for up to two members per team, including accommodation, lunch and coffee breaks, ground transportation to and from the event venue. Other members attending the event can benefit from our special rates

Final Round judging process

The selected semi-finalist teams are required to attend virtually the boot camp, final round judging process, the final award ceremony and conference.
The semi-finalist teams are required to pitch virtually and in private in front of a final round jury panel, where they will have 3 minutes to present/pitch, followed by 5 minutes of Q&A.
The oral presentations should be delivered in English.
After the oral presentations, the jury will deliberate and select the two winners of the Startups Track.

Judging Criteria

Team: The team takes up an important part of the total grade. Judges look for experience, value added, and the relevance of each team member to the project
Innovation: The idea must be either new, or demonstrates a marked improvement to an existing solution or a business process
Financial Sustainability: The startup should clearly demonstrate the ability to be financially sustainable on the long term validated within the business model
Scalability: A startup should not be limited to a nationwide market. Preferably, the business should be easy to replicate regionally or globally as the company expands

Prizes

The three winning teams will receive cash prizes:

$50K for first place
$10K for second place
$5K for third place

Beside the prize money, all qualifying teams would be benefiting from top tier training, coaching, mentorship, and great networking opportunities.

For more info about the Application Form, Selection of the qualifying/winning teams, and the disbursement of prizes, please carefully read the Terms and Conditions.