The MIT Enterprise Forum Saudi Arabia, part of MIT Enterprise Forum global network, announced the launch of registration for the MITEF Saudi Startup Competition under the slogan "Innovate, Inspire, Connect". A fully digital version that simulates a real event, this year's competition is held in challenging atmospheres in light of the global health crisis, and the competition's commitment to continue supporting entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia to overcome the current challenges, and promoting innovation process and the continuation of the entrepreneurship sector in the Kingdom. Registration for the 5th edition opened on Sept. 15 through the competition website, and will continue until Dec. 10, 2020. Saudi and non-Saudi entrepreneurs of all ages and economic sectors can apply to participate through the competition website within one of the three contest tracks: ideas track, startups track, and the social enterprises track, according to the terms of the competition. On this occasion, Hassan Jameel, president Saudi Arabia, of Community Jameel, said: "The MITEF Saudi Startup Competition continues to be a hugely significant annual event, attracting thousands of entrepreneurs from across the Kingdom. "Given the current global challenges, our mission to support young Saudi talent and to help small businesses develop, is now more important than ever. I would strongly encourage entrepreneurs from all sectors to register for what promises to be another outstanding event." Since its launch in 2015, MITEF Saudi Startup Competition has succeeded in attracting more than 7,500 participants from all over Saudi, establishing more than 45 startup projects, training more than 260 entrepreneurs and creating more than 110 job opportunities through startups. The winners received a total of SR1.6 million in the form of free investments. In the Startup Investment Forum, which was held during the 4th edition of the MITEF Saudi Startup Competition over a period of three days, the event hosted 65 innovative startups from around the world, including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, and Poland, in addition to 27 innovative startups participating in the MITEF Saudi Startup Competition 2019-2020. The MITEF Saudi Startup Competition is organized by the MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) Saudi Arabia, a branch of MIT Enterprise Forum global network, in collaboration with Bab Rizq Jameel, an initiative of Community Jameel. The competition aims to promoting and enriching the entrepreneurial environment in Saudi Arabia by supporting and celebrating all startups and entrepreneurs in the Kingdom. — SG
