Science And Technology News: Arab Science & Technology Foundation To Host 2005 Arab Technology Entrepreneur Award
3 July 2005
Arab Science & Technology Foundation (ASTF) announced The 2005 Arab Technology Entrepreneur of the Year Award, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank and Abdul Latif Jameel Company.
The winner will be awarded on the 27th September 2005 in Bahrain during the third 'Investing in Technology Forum', which will be held in Manama on 27th and 28th September 2005 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank, Abdul Latif Jameel Company and Kuwait Finance House.
During a press conference held at the Dubai Press Club to announce the award, Dr. Abdullah Alnajjar, President of Arab Science & Technology Foundation, UAE, said, "Ever since it was established, ASTF has been dedicated to support the technology sector and pays special attention to the joint scientific projects being carried out to solve problems in the Arab region. ASTF has also been keen on fostering communication between scientists from inside and outside the region and on encouraging Arab governments to support leading-edge scientific research.
"The Arab Technology Entrepreneur of the Year award is a step forward by ASTF to encourage investments within the technology sector, which continues to play a vital role in the success of projects in various sectors."
Dr. Alnajjar said that: "The award is a gesture of appreciation and recognition given to the most successful technology entrepreneur for her or his efforts in the year 2005. The award intends to serve as an awareness tool to promote technology entrepreneurship in the Arab region."
Commenting on the criteria of selection, Dr. Alnajjar said, "Entrepreneurs are nominated on the level of technological innovation, global competitiveness of their technology, sales success and growth, future revenue potential, their start-up impact on community and environment, and the entrepreneur's community involvement in promoting technology and entrepreneurship."
Eminent Panel
According to Dr. Abdurrahim El-Keib, Professor and Director of the Electrical Engineering Department, the Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi, UAE, eligible Arab entrepreneurs will have to have a business activity in either of the fields of ICT, biotechnology, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, oil & gas services, water technologies, material sciences, and engineering with a profitable business registered in an Arab country.
The judging panel will feature renowned figures in the technology, investment, and venture capital sectors in the region. The panel will include H.E. Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed of the UAE's Bin Zayed Group, H.E. Dr. Ghinwa Jalloul, MP in Lebanon's Parliament; Dr. Alnajjar, ASTF President; Jasem Al Mutawa, Chairman of Al Noor Holding, Kuwait; Ennis Rimawi, Partner in Catalyst Venture, Jordan; Hany Al Sonbaty, Partner in EFG-Hermes, Egypt; Alaya Bettaieb, Chairman of Tunisian Venture Capital Ass, Ahmad Al Sari, Partner, Malaz Group, Saudi Arabia; Mohamed Baghdadi, Director, Science & Technology Office, Islamic Development Bank, Saudi Arabia; Osama Al Khajah, Director, Kuwait Finance House, Bahrain; and Sheikh Mohammed Mohammed Bin Ladin, Vice-President Development, Bin Ladin Group, Saudi Arabia.
Investment Forum
Featuring some of the well-reputed regional and international speakers, 'The 3rd Forum on Investing in Technology' will feature more than 12 new investment opportunities in technology. It will shed light on issues related to technological innovation such as valuation of technology companies in the Arab region and the role of Technology Parks and Incubators in fostering innovation.
The Forum is building on the momentum created by the 1st Forum in Beirut under the patronage of the former Lebanese Prime Minister, HE Late Rafiq Al Hariri. The 2nd Forum was held in Jeddah under the patronage of H.H Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdul Azeez Al Saud, Prince of Makkah Almkaramah.
The previous forums have built the momentum among the investment community, and have started to attract large family groups. The forums are building global bridges with the technology and investment communities around the world, and have witnessed investment offers made to the participating startups.
The 3rd Forum will demonstrate how the Arab region is progressing in developing its technological innovation capabilities, and thus laying the seeds of sustainable economic growth.
For more information, contact:
Arab Science & Technology Foundation
Ph: 9716-5050551
Fax: 9716-5050553
Website: http://www.astf.net
Source: Press Release Network
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