Aspiring entrepreneurs awarded
Youth recognised for their talent and skills in the world of business through initiative
Dubai Those who have made it were honoured and some of those setting out on their own entrepreneurial initiatives were identified at the Raymond Big Idea Start-up Challenge 2012.
Ten aspiring local entrepreneurs had an opportunity to present their business plans as part of the initiative.
The ten then underwent an extensive questioning session from the advisory board whose members included Satyajeet Roy, director and head of commercial banking at Citibank UAE and Bahrain, and Ayub Ahmad, CEO of Capital International Group.
"It becomes increasingly important to encourage young talent and instil in them a business sense that inspires innovation and the creation of sustainable business ideas," said Dr Ayoub Kazim, managing director of Dubai International Academic City.
Reaching audiences
The platinum award was won by Jasveen Kaur of S.P. Jain School of Global Management for her concept of ‘Unique Apparels'.
Also, a team consisting of Gautam Ahuja, Lata Raisingani and Sanjay Tolokani won the gold for LogNSave, a single platform that delivers ongoing deals and helps merchants reach their target audience at no cost.
There were also awards conferred on others for the best and most innovative business plans.
The winners now have the opportunity to have their ideas go through a simulation at the Idea Lab of Dubai SME, who will then guide them on setting up a lean organisation.
"Our objective is to nurture the aspiring entrepreneurs in association with Dubai SME and transform them into success stories," said Reena Banerjee, co-founder of Big Idea.
Innovation: winners
N.R. Narayana Murthy, founder and chairman emeritus of one of India's pioneering tech services majors, Infosys, was one of the three recipients of the Big Idea Entrepreneur Icon Awards 2012.
Yogesh Mehta, chairman and managing director of Petrochem Middle East, also won, while the ‘young entrepreneur' title went to Alia Al Mazroui, Mohammad Bitar and Reema Shetty, founders of Just Falafel. "These entrepreneurs started from the scratch with the belief and passion of living their dream and here they are today..." said Reena Banerjee of Big Idea.
Skyline University of Sharjah and the S.P. Jain School of Global Management were honoured for "innovative practices and methodology implemented in nurturing students".
