Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition

The Authority has announced the open call for the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition, which it is organising on the forum’s sidelines, to raise the level of competition among entrepreneurs and encourage them to present innovative projects that enhance the strength of the emirate’s cultural and creative industries. Dubai Culture will start receiving applications for participation in the competition as of July 22, with the deadline on October 31, 2024.

The competition offers a unique opportunity for exposure and validation, with the award serving as a catalyst for each winner’s business growth, enabling them to invest in their ideas, develop prototypes, scale operations, or explore new market opportunities.

Entrepreneurs who reach the shortlist can pitch their business ideas to an adjudication panel of industry experts, investors, and partners of the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum. The competition will award three competitors a monetary grant of AED 50,000 for the 1st place winner, AED 30,000 for 2nd place and AED 20,000 for 3rd place.

Eligibility Criteria:

The competition targets all start-ups in their early stages. These start-ups must be less than two years from their launch and have a viable prototype, where applicable.

Participation is limited to entrepreneurs within the UAE, and they must submit supporting materials for their business as part of the application process.

Applicants must actively engage in activity within the cultural and creative industries, encompassing various sectors such as:

·       Advertising and marketing

·       Architecture, urban planning, interior design

·       Broadcasting (television and radio)

·       Handicrafts, arts, and antiques

·       Graphic, industrial, product, fashion, and digital design

·       Film, cinema, and animation

·       Music (production, publishing, performance)

·       Performing arts (theatre, dance, opera)

·       Literature, publishing, e-publishing

·       E-Gaming

·       Heritage (museums, libraries, archaeology)

·       Photography, film, podcasting, and content production

·       Visual arts (painting, sculpture, installation, street art, and graffiti)

·       Culinary art, gastronomy, and food culture

Competition Application Process:

-       Submit an online application form

-       Attach the required supporting documents

-       Applications will be evaluated based on eligibility and the evaluation criteria below

-       Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch at the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum in Q4 2024

-       A jury will evaluate the pitch presentations and select the winner

Required Supporting Documents:

-       Passport copy

-       Professional Resume/CV

-       Business Profile (including company organisation chart, founder profiles, employee bios)

-       Business Pitch Deck (including business idea, value proposition, target audience, operations model, revenue model, marketing plan and how grant will be used)

Projects participating in the competition will be evaluated based on specific criteria, namely:

·       Innovation and creativity in the project and its uniqueness and ability to compete.

·       The extent of understanding the target market’s requirements and customer needs, and the potential for growth, development, and expansion.

·       The project’s ability to be sustainable regarding resources, revenues, and long-term growth prospects.

·       The project’s potential impact on the cultural and creative industries sector, and its contribution to promoting innovation, cultural diversity, and job creation.

The shortlisted entrepreneurs will be invited to participate in the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum in Q4 2024.

To register, please click here