Dubai: The University of Dubai launched last week “Ahmad Majjan Innovation Award” for young entrepreneurs and future inventors.

The top three winners will be given cash prizes from a corpus fund of Dh60,000.

The award aims to encourage students and young entrepreneurs to compete annually and advance business and technical innovations. It is in line with the UAE’s strategic plans to boost its economy and increase its global competitiveness through innovation.

Dr Eisa Bastaki, President of Dubai University, said, “this initiative is a token of appreciation for the Emirati inventor Ahmad Majjan who has placed the UAE on the list of the world’s innovative countries by winning several prestigious awards for new ideas, inventions and products.”

Some of his inventions include an automatic fish feeder, a solar-powered tiller, a thief-catching clock, an electronic map of Dubai and step-counting shoe, he said.

“Our goal is to provide a platform for young generations to expand their horizons, think outside the box, and develop better and more future innovations.”

In a statement, Majjan urged high school and university students to grab the opportunity offered by the university and register for the award competition.

“This award is very much aligned with the UAE government national strategy for innovation as it values our leaders’ commitment to better develop our beloved country,” he said.

Those interested can register to compete in the award’s following categories that include mobile business application, agricultural technologies, environmental technologies, robotics drones and artificial intelligence, internet of things and transactions.

A candidate must be a high school or university student, and is registered at one of the UAE’s educational institutions (full time or part-time students).

Ahmad Majjan, who has many patents registered under his name, is the founder of seven companies. Majjan has developed his skills and passion for innovation at a very young age as he was inspired by his father.

For further details, students can log on the university’s website: http://ud.ac.ae/awards.