American University of Ras Al Khaimah‘s Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (AURAK) has announced the Middle East Startup Awards 2022-23 (MESA) conference and exhibition, which will take place on 17-18 January 2024.
The event will see the participation of innovative technology start-ups and SMEs from eight countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Prof. Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, President of AURAK, expressed the university’s support for such international award programs, highlighting their contribution to the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem growth.
Tarek Al Saman, Secretary of the Board at Emirates Angel Investors Association, emphasized the investment opportunities the Middle East region is creating for new technologies and business models, and the role of events like MESA in fostering the early-stage investment ecosystem through a strong network of investors.
Dr. Tahseen Anwer Arshi, Director of Associate Professor at AURAK, emphasized the reputation of MESA as a prestigious awards event in the Middle East. He mentioned that AURAK’s Centre for Entrepreneurship will leverage this opportunity to promote the startup culture among students and the community.
Sagarika Sahoo, Co-Founder of Middle East Start Up Awards, highlighted the success of the 2021 Launch Premiere, which was held under the Patronage of UAE Ministry of Economy (MOE UAE) and supported by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Emirates Angel Investors Association (EAIA).
The 2021 event witnessed over 400 final nominations, and regional finalists had the opportunity to showcase their solutions at the Global Start Up Awards in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Middle East Startup Awards 2022-23 (MESA) is part of the Global Startup Awards, the single largest independent startup ecosystem in the world.
This initiative, being the second edition, aims to celebrate the region’s tech-based startups with a sector-agnostic approach, featuring renowned country ambassadors, experienced jury members, and business partners. The awards ceremony seeks to recognize and support the region’s thriving startup ecosystem.