MIT Enterprise Forum Arab Startup Competition (ASC) is a yearly competition initiated by the MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab since 2006. This annual competition is designed to empower entrepreneurs and foster an eco-system of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Arab Region. ASC pits entrepreneurs in three different tracks: Ideas, Startups, and Social Entrepreneurship Track. The winning teams are awarded 120,000 USD in equity-free fund and benefit from a range of other activities including top tier training, mentorship, coaching, media exposure, and great networking opportunities.

The Arab Startup Competition is the longest-running program of its kind in the region designed to empower entrepreneurs and foster an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship. The competition has created +14,000 Jobs, supported and accelerated the establishment of 430+ startups and trained more than 2,300 entrepreneurs.

Each year the competition wraps up the edition with a conference and an awards ceremony that gathers the brightest minds in innovation, technology, investment, and startup communities in the region and abroad in an effort to glean insight into the innovations that shape the world economy and local businesses.

The theme for the 13th edition is ‘Lead for a Better World’, which aims to leverage technology’s potential in solving some of the world’s most pressing issues and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset which promises long-lasting impact on societies.

The event will include keynote addresses and panel discussions addressing the theme from different angles. The Conference and Award ceremony for the 13th edition of the MITEF Arab Startup Competition is happening on April 8th, in Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island.