TiE Dubai and RAKBANK partner to launch TiE University MENA program

TiE Dubai has launched the TiE University MENA Program in partnership with RAKBANK to empower aspiring student entrepreneurs across the MENA region. The initiative encourages students that have an idea, product, or service that they are looking to launch into a business and meet the eligibility criteria to apply to receive professional support, access to investors, and the opportunity to present their business concepts and compete globally for prizes reaching up to USD $100,000 including cloud credits, technology, and start-up services.

The initiative was launched locally by TiE Dubai in partnership with RAKBANK who will be supporting all the participants to take their ideas forward post the pitch competition to bring their business projects to life.

Managing Director of Business Banking at RAKBANK, Dhiraj Kunwar, said: “We, at RAKBANK, are pleased to have partnered with TiE Dubai. The aim of this partnership is to provide the Bank with an opportunity to connect with the youth and foster a culture of entrepreneurship and start-ups across the country. This initiative is in line with the Bank’s key pillars of its ESG framework which will equip the youth with the knowledge and skillset they need to plan their professional future and guide them to make smart choices in life.”

The TiE-University 2022 competition is open to all currently enrolled college students and recent graduates and postgraduates across the MENA region. Shortlisted applicants will participate in a live pitch to represent the region in the Global Finals. In 2021, 10 teams from across the MENA region were shortlisted to pitch their new business ideas at the Regional Finals. Team Small World from New York University Abu Dhabi won the regional round and represented TiE Dubai chapter at the global competition in Silicon Valley, USA, where they finished in the Top 10 winning prize money worth $16,629, including the best Female Pitch.

The regional winners will be selected by a panel of independent jury members comprising of successful entrepreneurs, investors, and exceptional leaders. All entries received will be evaluated on various criteria relating to the economics of the business and the ability of the applicant to be successful. They will then be mentored by TiE Dubai in preparation for their participation in the Global Finale event.

To be part of 2022 TiE University Program, eligible students or graduates can submit their entries latest by 13 February 2022 here.