American University of Kuwait, Country Partner for Challenge 22 for the 2nd Consecutive Cycle

For the 2nd consecutive cycle, the American University of Kuwait (AUK) will be the Country Partner in Challenge 22, a Qatar-led initiative, launched by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC). Challenge 22 promotes innovation through awarding generous research and development grants to participants with the best ideas. Challenge 22 is in association with country ambassadors in each of the ten participating countries and strategic partners including the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), Wamda and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Enterprise Forum Pan-Arab. The innovation award provides entrepreneurs, scientists and pioneers from across the Arab world with the tools and resources they need to turn their ideas into a lasting positive legacy.

AUK hosted an information session on October 17th, where representatives from Challenge 22 introduced the initiative to the public and provided an overview of the application process and criteria for participation. The representatives also shared success stories from the cycle in early 2015. In its role as Country Partner for Challenge 22, AUK will promote the initiative locally, and encourage local innovators to participate and represent Kuwait. The event was open to members of the AUK community and the public.

“The American University of Kuwait under its mission is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and accordingly we are very proud to be a country partner for Challenge 22. We believe that Challenge 22 offer excellent opportunities to students at AUK and Kuwait not only to showcase their ideas and talents but to connect to other talented students in the region,” said Professor Nizar Hamzeh, AUK President.

“Engaging with the participants from Kuwait was an inspiring and encouraging experience and further supports Challenge 22’s belief in the potential the Arab world has to offer in the field of innovation,” said Fatma Al Nuaimi, Legacy Senior Manager at the SC, “Thanks to our collaboration with AUK and its support, we were able to spark exciting discussion and dialogue with the attendees and encourage them to pursue their ideas, no matter how small or large they seemed. We look forward to seeing the submissions coming from Kuwait.”

The second cycle of Challenge 22, which runs from 27 September, 2016 to 11 May, 2017, aims to inspire innovative solutions in four key areas: sustainability, health & safety, the internet of things, and tourism experience. For this cycle, Challenge 22 has also expanded its reach beyond the six Gulf countries to include Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. The submission deadline for the first phase is December 12th, 2016.

The SC, with its partners that will host the innovation award, have always believed that young people in the Arab world have great creativity and potential. Challenge 22 will ensure that when the world is watching the Middle East in 2022, Arab innovation is in the spotlight.

For more information and how to apply, please visit the award’s official website at: www.challenge22.qa