Effat University holds Go Startup Boot Camp

Effat University, the first non-profit private institution of higher education for women in Saudi Arabia, organized a Go Startup Boot Camp to develop the participants’ entrepreneurial skills.

Held on the university’s campus, the two-day event saw more than 100 participants interacting with experts, entrepreneurs and coaches.

The event included a number of programs, including blending knowledge, skills learning and practice

Participants had to take 17 challenges emanating from three elements of Saudi Vision 2030: A vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation.

The boot camp began by acquainting the participants with the startup process. Rigorous sessions with the help of 23 speakers, coaches and mentors took the participants through the startup agenda.

At each step of the process, there was a speaker to help the participants understand the concept and importance of that step. The participants worked in teams to complete the business model and develop the startup business canvas.

They were grouped into 52 teams comprising Effat students and staff, alumnae and members of the general public.

Out of the 52, there were eight winning teams, which showed the high level of competition motivated by the challenging and inspirational atmosphere of the event.

The winning team won the prize of $5,000, three teams shared the second prize of $3,000 and four teams shared the third prize of $1,000. The cash prizes were provided by the boot camp program partner, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).

“Effat University is strongly proactive in promoting entrepreneurship by women as a key part of our overarching commitment to provide a world-class education for women to become agents of change and leaders of tomorrow,” said Haifa Jamal Al-Lail, president of Effat University.

“Entrepreneurial ventures are fundamental to the success of Saudi Vision 2030 and women can make a significant contribution by implementing innovative projects that diversify the Kingdom’s economic resources.”

Established in 1999, Effat University is considered as a center of excellence where researchers from different fields collaborate in building and expanding the knowledge base to add future value to the Kingdom.