UAE’s Future Entrepreneurs Crowned National Champions at INJAZ UAE Company Program Competition 2026
Dubai, UAE – INJAZ UAE, a prominent non-profit organization focused on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, has declared “PocketPal” from The University of Wollongong in Dubai and “Hydroguard” from the American School of Creative Science (ASCS), Nad Al Sheba, as the national champions of the INJAZ UAE Company Program Competition 2026. This announcement follows a comprehensive year-long entrepreneurship initiative that engaged over 800 students in developing real businesses through 99 student-led enterprises. The winning teams were commended for their ability to convert innovative concepts into commercially viable solutions addressing significant real-world challenges.
Event Highlights and Key Attendees
The competition culminated in an event at the Intercontinental Festival City, where senior representatives from various public and private sector organizations gathered to honor the emerging generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. H.E. Faisal Bin Juma Belhoul, Chairperson of INJAZ UAE, toured the event alongside Sheikha Alia Bint Butti Al Maktoum and H.E. Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. They interacted with participants as they showcased their business ideas.
H.E. Faisal Bin Juma Belhoul remarked on the achievements of the students, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among education, industry, and government. He expressed gratitude to partners, mentors, and judges for their ongoing support, highlighting that the Company Program reflects a commitment to empowering youth and fostering a knowledge-driven economy in alignment with UAE Vision 2031.
The Company Program: A Platform for Youth Entrepreneurship
The Company Program serves as INJAZ UAE’s flagship entrepreneurship initiative and stands as one of the largest experiential learning platforms in the country for youth. This year, the program engaged 595 high school students across 68 teams from 23 schools and 213 university students across 31 teams from nine universities. Participants gained hands-on experience in developing, launching, and managing actual business enterprises. After months of mentorship, business planning, and competitive evaluations, the most promising teams advanced to the national finals to present their ventures to a distinguished panel of judges.
Razan Bashiti, CEO of INJAZ UAE, stated that the Company Program showcases the potential that arises when young individuals are provided with opportunities to learn through practical experience. Throughout the program, students developed businesses, tested ideas, and addressed real-world challenges while cultivating essential skills such as confidence, resilience, and leadership.
Innovative Solutions from the National Champions
This year’s national champions addressed pressing contemporary issues. PocketPal, the winner in the university track, is a youth-driven fintech platform that integrates financial education with practical money management tools under parental supervision. It features a dual parent-child interface and gamified learning elements, enabling young people to develop financial responsibility through hands-on experience. HydroGuard, the high school track winner, is an AI-powered drowning detection system that monitors swimmers in real-time, identifies signs of distress, and sends instant alerts. It also tracks water conditions, providing an affordable and accessible safety solution for pools and aquatic environments.
Recognizing Excellence in Student Achievements
In addition to the national championship titles, INJAZ UAE recognized exceptional student achievements through various partner-supported awards that celebrated excellence in innovation, sustainability, and business planning. The awards included:
- CEO of the Year — High School Track: Hamad Qais of IDNTT, Dubai National School AlBarsha
- CEO of the Year — University Track: Layan Al Khalidy of Tawfeeri, American University of Sharjah
- Product of the Year — High School Track: FitID, Dubai National School AlTwar
- Product of the Year — University Track: NAFEES, American University of Sharjah
- Sustainability Heroes Award — University Track, presented in partnership with Nestlé: EcoStep, Ajman University
- Best Financial Plan Award — University Track, presented in partnership with Mashreq Bank: PocketPal, University of Wollongong in Dubai
- Best Business Plan Award — University Track, presented in partnership with MetLife: FALCON, American University of Sharjah
- Best Sustainable Business Concept Award — High School Track, presented in partnership with FedEx: MROWA, AlBarsha Zayed Educational Complex
- Technology Award — High School Track, presented in partnership with Honeywell: TIBB, developed collaboratively by students from multiple schools
- Best Business Plan Award — High School Track, presented in partnership with Visa: NemaBite, Hamdan bin Rashid School
- Best Financial Plan Award — High School Track, presented in partnership with HSBC: SILAH, developed collaboratively by students from various schools
Next Steps for the Winning Teams
The winning teams will represent the UAE at the INJAZ Al-Arab Regional Company Program Competition, scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, in November 2026. They will compete alongside top student entrepreneurs from across the region, showcasing the innovation, creativity, and talent emerging from the UAE’s next generation of business leaders, thereby reinforcing the country’s growing influence in regional youth entrepreneurship.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-06-12 12:31:00 • By the Editorial Desk
