An online marketplace for shipments and lorries has won the first Dubai Smartpreneur competition launched by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Smart Dubai Office.
LoadMe.ae, a new online platform that uses GPS tracking and smartphone apps to connect load owners with available lorries and arrange pickups in their area, was awarded first prize on the sidelines of the ArabNet Digital Summit 2016 closing ceremony on Tuesday.
The second prize went to Efhamni (Understand Me), an application designed to bridge the gap between deaf and hearing people, and the third prize was given to ‘I Want’, an on-demand platform that helps people buy anything on retailers’ shelves with the push of a button.
The first Dubai Smartpreneur competition received 350 entries out of which a specialised committee of judges selected the three finalists.
All applications were evaluated according to whether the business addresses a large or growing market opportunity, the idea has a value proposition and identifies customers’ needs and whether it supports one of the Smart Dubai dimensions.
The jury also looked at whether the team demonstrates passion about their idea and whether the team has a thorough and credible execution plan, revenue generation methods, and financial growth projections.
The first three winners received a cash prize and the opportunity to join Tejar Dubai entrepreneurship development programme for a year.
The competition was open for all UAE-based entrepreneurs and required them to submit their business ideas in line with the Smart Dubai dimensions including smart economy, smart living, smart mobility, smart governance, smart environment, and smart people.
Essa Al Zaabi, senior vice-president, Institutional Support Sector, Dubai Chamber, and general coordinator of Tejar Dubai, said: “This competition is designed to help young entrepreneurs to be part of emirate’s strategic initiatives like the Dubai Smart City, in addition to strengthening their role in creating happiness through the adoption of innovative technology while enhancing the emirate’s transformation into a smart city.”
