(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy yesterday launched Challenge 22, an innovation award open to emerging innovators in the GCC.
Developed in collaboration with Silatech and Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), the award is created to celebrate the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a regional event and provide the region's young innovators with a forum to explore solutions that could directly benefit the world football event.
"We're proud to launch Challenge 22 and invite people across the region to think big and come up with inventive solutions to challenges associated with hosting major sporting events.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is more than a tournament; it's an opportunity for us to build a legacy that supports the region," said Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the committee.
"By recognising and supporting emerging talent, we hope to inspire the next generation of innovators in the Middle East. Through the initiative, innovators can develop practical solutions to real world challenges," he added.
In its inaugural edition, Challenge 22 is seeking solution-based proposals related to three key themes that address challenges related to hosting major sporting events: Sustainability, Event Experience and Sports and Health.
The launch was attended by ambassadors, all leaders in innovation, including Areej Al Kharafi (Kuwait), Mohammed Saadon Al Kuwari (Qatar) and Mohammed Saeed Harib (the UAE). The envoys, who have made achievements in their fields, took part in a panel discussion on the importance of innovation and how the award would benefit young innovators.
Dr. Tarik Yousef, CEO, Silatech, said: "Challenge 22 will shine light on some of the extraordinary talents and outstanding minds of our region, enhancing innovation and serving as a platform to catalyse future breakthroughs."
Successful applicants will be provided with a professional mentor network of research, academic and business leaders to assist them in taking their ideas from proposal to proof of concept, with the aim of potential commercialisation.
Winning teams will also receive prizes of $20,000 to develop ideas to the proof of concept stage.
A three-week GCC road show will begin with information sessions to motivate participation. Information sessions will go over Challenge 22 guidelines, themes and challenges in association with Challenge 22 ambassadors and Qatari and GCC partners.
Abdul Sattar Al Taie, Executive Director, QNRF, said, "Recognising that stimulating innovation is a process, Challenge 22 will be an on-going initiative. While the first edition will be open to GCC participants, later Challenge 22 will accept submissions from across the Arab world."
The deadline for proposals is March 3. There will be a screening phase, and successful applicants will be invited to submit a more comprehensive proposal later.
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