The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) Challenge 22 regional innovation award has announced a collaboration with social networking giant Facebook.

As a strategic partner, Facebook will offer the winners of Challenge 22 innovative app-based ideas and the opportunity to enroll in FbStart, its global programme designed to help early stage mobile startups build and grow their apps.

Together with its partners, Facebook offers up to USD 80,000 in free tools and services designed to help build and grow the mobile app. FbStart provides year-round mentorship opportunities to connect directly with the Facebook team as well as access to an exclusive community of global startups.

Now in its second cycle, Challenge 22 is looking for entrepreneurs who offer innovative solutions to the challenges faced by major events such as the FIFA World Cup™ across four categories: tourism experience, sustainability, health & safety and the internet of things.

Fatma Al Nuaimi, Legacy Senior Manager at the SC, said: “FbStart is an amazing opportunity for Arab innovators to grow their skills and develop their ideas further through a global platform. It is perfectly aligned with our goals and will support our mission to create an ecosystem that supports Arab talent and grow a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Meanwhile, Jonathan Labin, Managing Director, Facebook Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, said: “The Middle East and North Africa is bubbling with young talent. It’s important for us at Facebook to help hone that entrepreneurial talent. With 136 million active users on the platform, we’re able to reach millions. FbStart will inject even more support into the startup ecosystem in the region. “
Facebook joins Challenge 22’s network as a Strategic Partner, along with Qatar National Research Fund, MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab and Wamda. Strategic Partners are instrumental in facilitating the long-term success of Challenge 22 and enhance the overall infrastructure of the programme.
For the programme’s second cycle it has expanded its reach to ten countries in the region, including Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar. Prospective participants can apply as individuals or teams consisting of a maximum of four people.
For more information about Challenge 22 and more details on how to apply, please visit www.challenge22.qa.

www.sc.qa