MITEF Saudi Arabia, part of the MITEF global network, has announced the winning teams at the finals of the MITEF Saudi Startup competition.
Participants were competing in three tracks — Startup track, Social Enterprise track, and Ideas track. The winners were:
l In the Startup track, the first prize went to Quantum Solutions, with Avokado taking second prize and Ironix third. Quantum Solutions received SR100,000 ($26,666), with second place receiving SR25,000, and third SR15,000.
l Labayh took first prize in the Social Enterprise track, with Aquaponica second and Blooming Bs third. The first prize winners received SR100,000, SR 25,000 for second place, and third place SR 15,000.
l In the Ideas track, first place was awarded to Duleb, with Cucumber second and Qisma third. The first prize winner received SR20,000, with second and third taking SR15,000 and SR10,000 respectively.
The nine top-placing participants have now won the right to participate in the 11th MITEF Pan Arab competition, which will be held in Oman in April, where the best entrepreneurial ideas from across the region will be showcased.
During her welcoming speech, Sarah Ghaleb, senior general manager of education and entrepreneurship initiatives at Community Jameel, expressed her delight at hosting a selection of national and international guests, investors and entrepreneurs at the final event of the MITEF Saudi Arabia. She said this is the third year a new generation of Saudi entrepreneurs have shown their work in the field of ideas, startups and social enterprise.
The Saudi StartSmart conference was also held as part of the finals event, where distinguished speakers such as Princess Banderi Al-Faisal, chief executive officer of King Khalid Foundation, encouraged local entrepreneurs to keep developing successful social and commercial ideas and projects.
The MITEF Saudi Startup competition is staged by MITEF in partnership with Bab Rizq Jameel (a Community Jameel initiative), Zain Saudi Arabia, and Dulani Business Center.
The closing ceremony was held in Riyadh on March 3. The event was attended by Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, minister of commerce and investment, as well as prominent Saudi and Arab figures, investors, entrepreneurs, and media representatives.
MITEF Saudi Startup competition announces winners
MITEF Saudi Startup competition announces winners
Australian minister Don Farrell launches LuLu festival
Regional retail chain Lulu Hypermarket officially launched the Australian Fest on Wednesday at its Diplomatic Quarter branch in Riyadh. The grand inauguration was led by Senator Don Farrell, minister for trade and tourism and special minister of state for Australia, as the chief guest. The event, which celebrated the rich culinary heritage and premium produce of Australia, was attended by a high-level delegation from the Australian government, alongside Mohammed Haris, director of LuLu Hypermarket Saudi Arabia, and senior LuLu officials.
The festivities commenced at the supermarket entrance, where Farrell performed the official ribbon-cutting ceremony under a beautifully designed, Australian-themed ceremonial gate. This marked the formal opening of a week-long celebration dedicated to bringing the best of Australian flavors to the Saudi capital. Following the inauguration, the minister led a guided store walk-through, exploring premium product showcases and vibrant displays in the Meat Area. A dedicated thematic showcase of fresh fruits and vegetables from Australia was also highlighted, emphasizing the authenticity and freshness that the country’s agriculture is known for globally.
The tour reached a celebratory peak at the bakery section, where the chief guest was invited for a commemorative cake-cutting ceremony to mark the launch of the festival. During his official address, Farrell shared his insights on the significance of the event, stating that it is a pleasure to witness the Australian Fest in Riyadh. He said that the event is more than just a showcase of Australian products, but rather a testament to the growing partnership between Australia and Saudi Arabia, making these high-quality products easily accessible to shoppers in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Haris expressed his gratitude for the visit, noting that the team is deeply honored to welcome Farrell and the Australian government delegates. He said that the Australian Fest is a cornerstone of LuLu’s commitment to offering customers global diversity and the highest quality products. He further added that LuLu is proud to serve as the bridge connecting Saudi shoppers with the authentic excellence of Australian agriculture.
The Australian Fest is offering residents an exclusive opportunity to explore and purchase a wide variety of Australian-made products at special promotional prices.
