Abu Dhabi: As of this evening and for the rest of the weekend, people with different skill sets will come together to pitch and start-up their best business ideas in Abu Dhabi. The event, a global one called Startup Weekend, is happening for the first time in the capital over the course of the weekend.
The intense 54-hour event focuses on building a web or mobile application.
It will attract primarily software developers, graphic designers and entrepreneurs, who are expected to roll up their sleeves and work hard.
"I think this is one of the most exciting events where for the first time we're bringing together these entrepreneurs and designers and developers under one roof," said Kamal Hassan, managing partner at Innovation Machine, the organisers of the event.
The event, which has been held in Dubai twice, is expected to bring about 300 attendees this weekend, Hassan said, adding that the majority of the sign-ups have been Emiratis. "Not just majority Emirati, but also a majority of women," he said.
Gone in 60 seconds
Yesterday, attendees had 60 seconds to pitch their best ideas and sell them to others to join their team. Over today and tomorrow, teams design and develop business plans while constantly streamlining their startup vision. Tomorrow, teams make their final pitches, demonstrate their prototypes and get feedback from judges.
"We know there's potential," Hassan said, based on the ideas which have been submitted.
Teams are given workstations for the rest of the weekend, as well as food and drink, to make it all happen — even sleeping bags if needed.
"With your team, this is your station and we'll give you all the support you need from now until Saturday evening," he said. "We had people camp out [in Dubai]. I don't know how it's going to be like here. Part of our agreement is that the venue [Manarat Al Saadiyat] is open 24 hours."
The top three winners will receive cash prizes of Dh36,000. However, for many it's all about the opportunity to take their ideas to what could form the basis of a credible business. In a previous Startup Weekend in Dubai, seven of the ideas pitched actually became official companies, Hassan said. "I expect another seven real startups to come out of this one as well," he said. "The biggest prize is that you get it realised and form a potential company. That's the biggest prize you got."
