Abu Dhabi is witnessing a transformative initiative with the launch of the Future Entrepreneurs Program by Khalifa Fund, aimed at nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among youth aged 6 to 18. This program focuses on fostering innovation, enhancing financial literacy, and equipping a new generation of Emirati entrepreneurs with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive landscape.
Program Overview and Initial Success
The Future Entrepreneurs Program recently concluded its inaugural session, marking a significant step in instilling an entrepreneurial culture within the younger population. With over 1,000 applications, the program selected 948 participants for intensive training focused on financial literacy and the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. This training culminated in an interactive workshop aimed at identifying the best business ideas.
Final Camp and Project Development
From the trained participants, 134 young individuals were chosen to attend a final three-day camp where they developed projects across three main categories. These included 25 projects in the food and beverage sector with 70 students, 16 projects in retail with 33 students, and 13 projects in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with 30 students. Notably, these 54 projects had the opportunity to showcase their work at a commercial market, allowing them to sell their products and services to over 350 visitors.
Competition and Mentorship
The culminating phase involved a marketplace where participants competed in front of a panel of judges to evaluate the commercial viability and creativity of their projects. As highlighted by Moza Obaid Al Nuaimi, the CEO of Khalifa Fund, “This program is a cornerstone in realizing Abu Dhabi’s vision for youth entrepreneurship. We aimed to instill a culture of innovation among the youth while preparing them to launch projects that contribute to the diversity and sustainability of the national economy.”
Hands-On Training and Future Opportunities
The program took place at the “Nabd Al Falah” community center, offering participants the chance to choose between tracks in invention or trade. The training camp employed a comprehensive framework to select talents based on innovation and problem-solving abilities, while expert mentors provided guidance throughout various stages. Participants were immersed in real-world scenarios, such as managing food stalls and marketing STEM products, enabling them to test their ideas in a realistic market environment.
At the end of the camp, standout projects were selected to participate in the “Future Builders Launch Platform,” which offers financial and technical support for translating ideas into viable businesses. This initiative also includes continuous mentorship programs to ensure that graduates maintain a lasting impact within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Future Entrepreneurs Program exemplifies a successful multi-sector partnership aimed at building youth capabilities. It underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to empowering its citizens and equipping them with the essential skills for the future.