Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) is set to launch the ‘Smart City Start-Up Launch Pad’ programme next week in Dubai, UAE.

The event will run from May 2 to 6 at its campus in Dubai Academic City.

It has been designed to help young entrepreneurs who are interested in better understanding the new trends in ‘smart cities,’ so that they can refine or redefine their current business model.

The programme is based on materials coming from the latest research on innovation and entrepreneurship conducted at Insead, Stanford University, Harvard University, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachussets Institute of Technology. However, it is adapted to suit the requirements of Dubai’s ‘smart city’ environment.

It aims at promoting innovation, encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship and preparing the official launch of its business incubation centre ‘H(in)3 business incubator’.

It will prepare attendees to structure professionally the business strategy of theirI newborn start-ups. By the end of the week, each participant is expected to have revisited the business model of his/her start-up and to have learnt how to pitch his/her idea in front of an investor.

The participants will have an opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of potential investors and senior members of well-established, multi-national companies, who are also partners of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) Incubator, such as Microsoft or Veolia.

Dr. Mansoor al Awar, chancellor, HBMSU, and chairman of the governing board of the Unesco Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE)m said: “The Smart City Startup Launch Pad is designed for entrepreneurs who see themselves as innovation champions and are keen to redesign their business model or initiate a new venture that will be their contribution to Dubai’s shift to a ‘smart city.’

“The course will help participants to ensure that their startup is on a firm footing to become successful in line with the Dubai Plan 2021 of Dubai’s Government. The Launch Pad will enable them to learn and select the tools needed to develop an idea into a prototype and gradually into a minimum viable product.

“Moreover, it will train future business leaders to prepare an elevator pitch and give a presentation in front of potential investors and experienced entrepreneurs. The Smart City Start-up Launch Pad is a pioneering initiative in the region and we are confident that it will bring a definite change in perspective for future entrepreneurs with regards to their new and refreshing business ideas.” - TradeArabia News Service