UAE-based environmental technology startup Persium won the London Business School (LBS) MENA Startup Competition 2026 at its Dubai finale on 14 October.
Persium develops sensors, data and solutions for air quality, noise and broader environmental monitoring. The competition, supported by LBS’s Institute of Entrepreneurship and Private Capital, received nearly 100 applications from across the MENA region.
Ten finalists pitched for a share of the $45,000 non-dilutive prize pool. Saudi startup SDM, which uses artificial intelligence to help health practitioners detect chronic diseases earlier, finished second. UAE-based Frank AI, whose technology supports independent real-estate professionals across the GCC, took third place.
The finalists represented sectors including AI, enterprise software, healthtech, climate tech, fintech, proptech, agritech, biotech, edtech and workforce solutions.
Judges assessed the startups on business potential, early traction, team strength, problem-solution fit and their potential to benefit from the LBS network. The panel included representatives from MARIHUB, LBS, Iliad Partners and Maven Investment Partners.
All 20 semi-finalists received mentoring from LBS alumni and experienced volunteers before the finale. The event was organised by the LBS Entrepreneurship Club, MENA, with support from alumni, the student community and strategic partner MARIHUB.
Source: London Business School
