Students pitch their startup ideas to investors

DUBAI — From anti-tailgating technology to a mobile farming solution to safeguarding growing plants, student teams across the Gems network presented their start-up ideas to a panel of judges as part of the Arab Innovation Centre for Education (AICE) Accelerator Programme on Monday.

Fifty young inventors across 20 student-led teams took to the stage to pitch their ideas to network with regional business leaders and investors during the Demo Day.

Now in its third edition, Michael Gernon, senior vice-president and global head of innovation, research and development, Gems Education, told Khaleej Times two projects from past editions have actually been picked up by investors.

“After presenting their projects here, both projects received a host of interest and managed to secure investment. One team produced a sensor for the visually-impaired and the second team is planning to solve the region’s refugee crisis using automated 3D printing to create liveable shelters. Both products are really impressive.”

Over the past two months, the shortlisted teams have been provided with mentorship and seed funding to develop their products.

The winning team will be announced on May 8 and will receive Dh10,000 and all other teams will continue to be given mentoring and support over the next 12 months.