Innovation360 has organized a local pitching event for UAE entrepreneurs. Twenty selected startups will pitch their business in Dubai at the regional leg of the Seedstars World start-up competition on March 20. The event is sponsored by Dubai Internet City and DP World.

Launched in October 2012 by Seedstars SA – a Swiss-based company which launches ideas, grows startups and builds companies – the competition will be held in 20 emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Oceania and South America, with 25 finalists battling it out in Switzerland for the ‘Seedstars World Best Startup’ title.

The competition will allow the general public to vote for their favorite startup as well, and the five startups with the most votes will join the 20 regional winners to compete at the final. The winner stands to be awarded with an equity investment of up to USD $500,000, acceleration and coaching programs, as well as discounted services from some organizations, such as free web hosting for a year by EasyGiga.com and 6-months free advertising on LAGbook.

In order to qualify, start-ups must have a minimum viable product and be in operation between 0-2 years. The submission deadline for Dubai’s competition is March 10. The judging panel will consist of a Seedstars World team member, a regional partner, a regional successful entrepreneur and two regional investors.

For more information, visit their website here. To submit an application, by March 10, click here.