“The fifth cycle of the competition has exceeded our expectations and achieved its objectives of attracting high-potential start-ups and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs who are bringing innovative ideas to the market,” - H.E. Al Shirawi, 2nd Vice Chairman of Dubai Chamber
This year’s three finalists, revealed on August 27th, were PlasticFri in third place, Callix, in second and ProvenMed Global FZ LLC who came in first. H. E. Al Shirawi, 2nd Vice Chairman of Dubai Chamber announced the prizes in the presence of government officials, business leaders, investors and representatives from Dubai’s entrepreneurial community. Bespoke spoke with the top winner, Co-Founder and Vice President of ProvenMed, Amine Staali.
Why did you participate in this competition?
I was aware of the tremendous work and potential Dubai Chamber was doing in boosting the startups landscape and I knew that this is where ProvenMed should be to get more support for our expansion plan. Smartpreneur is an esteemed competition, and I was confident that winning it will enable us to be part of the government strategy of elevating Dubai into a global platform of innovation and leveraging growth.
Describe your innovative product that made you a winner.
ProvenMed is a medical devices innovation startup. We have a revolutionary and patented product ActivGo®. A wearable device for incontinence that helps people to go on and have a hygienic and active lifestyle. We exist to innovate medical devices through compassionate empathy that empower people and improve their lives.
How was the competition journey from start to finish?
The journey was very exciting and an enriching experience. I enjoyed every moment in the competition journey from the beginning to the end. Thanks to the remarkable dedication, efforts and love put in this competition by Dubai chamber and Entrepreneur Middle East team.
Presenting your concept to a live audience must have been nerve wracking.
It was exciting more than anything. Of course, my past experience with many regional and international competitions came quite handy. In addition, Aby Thomas, the moderator, has done a great job in smoothening and relaxing the founders by his friendly approach. It was a fantastic opportunity as well to become acquainted with nine amazing founders and their ambitious startups and technologies.
Did you face any challenges with the Covid-19 measures in place during this process?
Fortunately, we haven’t faced any issues as the Dubai chamber team smoothly transformed the competition to a full online version and managed it at a very high quality.
Did this competition provide the feedback and validation you were seeking?
Happy to say that It has exceeded my expectation!
So now that you have won, what is next for you?
The next step is to boost our growth regionally and internationally by opening new markets, raising growth capital to fuel the expansion and realize our vision.
Are you looking forward to being represented at Expo 2020 Dubai?
Definitely yes. We are very happy to have the opportunity to be present at Expo 2020. By the way, in-line with the theme of Expo 2020 that supports innovation, we have a plan to design a unique and one of its kind interactive booth to showcase our technology in an innovative way.
