Gitex Technology Week, a major ICT event in the Middle East, has launched a Student Lab competition.

The Student Lab is designed to provide an opportunity for students from leading regional universities to present their innovative solutions to ICT leaders.

Students propose technologies using their skills in engineering sciences and computing in areas including software solutions, gaming platforms, mobile applications, personal products and robotic devices.

As many as 20 students have currently been shortlisted from hundreds of submissions, to submit their projects and 10 finalists will be selected by a jury on September 1, which will be presented to representatives from leading ICT companies, said a statement.

The top three entries will stand the chance to win cash prizes and training opportunities in the industry. Winners will be announced during Gitex Technology Week to be held from October 20 to 24 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, it said.

In addition, all entrants will retain Intellectual Property (IP) ownership of their projects and will have the opportunity to negotiate a license fee through the UAE Ministry of Economy’s Intellectual Property Protection Department (IPPD) and/or through the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) Patent Office if any company considers making use of their innovation, said the statement.

The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs (MoPA) and held in association with Google as a part of its commitment to supporting education initiatives.

Trixee Loh, senior vice president for Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “As the UAE is on track to creating a knowledge based economy that is driven by innovation, it is imperative for a leading ICT event such as Gitex Technology Week to nurture future ICT innovators. It is our aim that the Student Lab competition will help students to realise their potential and create a bridge between industry leaders and students who will eventually shape and influence the ICT industry in the future.” - TradeArabia News Service