The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has successfully concluded the first edition of its “Future Entrepreneur Programme,” an initiative designed to instill a culture of innovation and enhance the financial skills of a new generation of Emirati entrepreneurs aged 6 to 18.
By the Numbers
The program’s first cycle saw overwhelming interest and participation from youth across the UAE:
- 1,000+ Applicants: The initial number of applications received for the program.
- 948 Participants: The number of young people who received intensive initial training in financial literacy and entrepreneurship basics.
- 134 Finalists: The number of participants selected for the final, intensive 3-day bootcamp.
- 54 Projects: The total number of ventures developed and launched by the finalists.
- 350+ Visitors: The number of people who attended the final marketplace, where students sold their products.
Cultivating Innovation from a Young Age
The program is a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s vision to foster entrepreneurship among its youth. Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of the Khalifa Fund, stated, “Through this program, we aimed to instill a culture of innovation in youth and prepare them to launch projects that support the nation’s journey of economic diversification and sustainability. The numbers reflect the new generation’s enthusiasm for turning their ideas into tangible realities.”
A Journey from Idea to Marketplace
The program guided participants through a comprehensive journey, starting with intensive training for nearly 1,000 applicants. From this group, 134 finalists were selected for a 3-day bootcamp where they developed 54 distinct projects across three main tracks: Food & Beverage, Goods & Merchandise, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The program culminated in a bustling marketplace where participants gained real-world experience selling their products and services to over 350 visitors.
A Foundation for Future Builders
The bootcamp focused on applying skills in realistic scenarios, such as managing food stalls and marketing STEM products in a simulated market environment. At the conclusion, the most promising projects were selected to join the “Future Builders Launchpad,” a platform that provides ongoing financial and technical support to transform their ideas into established businesses. This ensures a sustainable impact and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to empowering its next generation of leaders.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office
