KARACHI: Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Karachi hosted Global Student Entrepreneur Award Pakistan Final on 8th February 2019 at Karachi Marriott Hotel. The event was attended by many big businessmen of the region and the 5 shortlisted candidates from all over the world. The candidates presented their business models to a panel of judges. The honorable judges who evaluated the competition were Faizan Syed, Rebel Akhund, Tariq Mehmood, Khurram Saleem, Safa Sharif, Jamie Pujara, Misbah Naqvi and Aleem Bawany.
Six business models were presented and each participant had a time period of 10 minutes to complete followed by a 2 min interactive session between the judges and the candidate. The participants were only allowed to attend the session after presenting their own models.
1. Given Edward-Tanzania:
His business model is focused in providing educational learning experience to students who have no access to internet or textbooks taking help with Artificial Intelligence. With the help of feature phone, students in remote areas get learning support via SMS by messaging the question they need help with. They get answers within seconds. Currently they have a team of 7 professionally qualified teachers, strategic analysts and advisers who have previously worked in countries like UK and Dubai. Their content library currently has 6 subjects including History and Geography.
Given’s aim is to become a millionaire. Not in terms of money but by educating millions of students and bringing positive change in their lives.
2. Shaikha -Bahrain:
Cro n Knit is the first Bahraini brand for fabric yarn and craft supplies, founded by Shaikha AlAbbasi through her passion for crochet. She aims to deliver a ‘feeling’ and inspire creativity among artists. Being full time graphic designing students who maintain a CGPA of 3.8, the biggest challenge for Shaikha is time management. But this doesn’t keep her from her goal of producing good quality, trendy and highly sustainable yarn.
3. Henry-Kenya:
Roometo is a one of its kind web application launched by Henry and his peers, aiming to provide hassle free accommodation for students in Kenya. On an average, there are over 1 million students in Kenya. Unfortunately, for such a huge number total bed space available seems to be 280,000 only. In a situation like this some unofficial agents seem to take advantage of the students. Roometo eliminates the need of hiring an agent and focuses on helping students find alternative accommodation.
His mission is to put the lives of the students first. Henry believes students should focus on their studies rather than worrying about finding a safe place to live in.
The web application generates traffic of more than 1000 viewers monthly without any social media marketing and promotion.
4. Keaton-South Africa:
Keaton is the man behind InformED. An offline mobile language translation application which aids the healthcare professionals in creating a more refined differential diagnosis prior to physical exam. The team believes in providing quality medical care to all individuals irrespective of their linguistic barrier, culture and region. The application is currently functional in Canada, India and South Africa with over 50 medical professionals working free of cost.
5. Areej-Pakistan:
ConnectHear is a social start up founded by Areej Al Medinah that aims to create deaf accessibility using video sign language interpretation services. The idea is to use innovation and technology to solve social causes and to create waves of inclusion especially for deaf people.
ConnectHear provide sign language training and interpreter certification to increase number of professional interpreters available. The number has increased from 4 interpreters to 17 in last few months from Karachi alone.
6. Anastoga-Nigeria:
ServiceMart works on subscription model and improves productivity of small businesses in Nigeria.
GSEA AWARDS 2019 − FINALISTS ANNOUNCED!!
The fearless spirit of the young entrepreneur invigorates monopolies with fresh competition, while their acumen as digital pioneers empowers local businesses to adopt global horizons.
Areej al Medinah from Pakistan won the prestigious award.
First runner upHenry from Kenya.
Second runner up Keaton from South Africa.
These entrepreneurs are a beacon of inspiration to business people irrespective of age and industry. The finalists will be travelling to Macau following month for a final ceremony.
We wish them best of luck for all their future endeavors.
