Khalifa Fund launches Pitch@PalaceUAE, Pitch@PalaceGCC competitions

ABU DHABI- After the tremendous success of "Pitch@PalaceUAE," the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has launched the second edition of the competition and the first edition of "Pitch@PalaceGCC." The competition, organised in partnership with the "Pitch@Palace Global" competition launched by H.R.H. Prince Andrew, Duke of York in the United Kingdom, is a global platform for entrepreneurs and innovators to showcase their projects to a group of businessmen and executive heads of prestigious companies, to get the help and support to amplify their businesses.

The registration for application submission is now open and applicants must be UAE nationals, or the participating team should include at least one UAE national.

The deadline for submissions is 15th August, 2018. Khalifa Fund is organising the competition for the second year to create a new generation of Emirati and Gulf entrepreneurs and recognise their spirit of innovation while developing and supporting SMEs in the UAE and the Arabian Gulf. This year’s edition of the competition will focus on the theme "Technology Serving Humans" and its potential to impact their daily lives. The competition will include three main events: On-Tours, Boot Camp and Final Pitching Event. Abdulla Al Darmaki, CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said, "Pitch@Palace competition comes in line with the vision of the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to enhance the role of innovation among Emiratis. This year’s edition of the competition is an essential part of the fund's strategy, to develop innovative ideas for entrepreneurs to attain the best international standards by launching a series of competitive initiatives to instil values of leadership and creativity among UAE citizens." Al Darmaki praised the initiatives of the Khalifa Fund, particularly "Pitch@Palace" UAE 1.0, which was organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Al Darmaki also commended the role of this competition in enhancing the capabilities of entrepreneurs and giving them the opportunity to take advantage of international expertise in various fields. He pointed out that the fund works according to an integrated system that supports and develops SMEs and injects a culture of entrepreneurship. The competition aims to highlight entrepreneurial projects and ideas that have a significant impact on daily life, which will contribute to the development of society and promote young, local ideas in the science, technology and communication fields.