The highly anticipated Trusity’s TruPreneurs Final Investor Pitch Competition took place at DIFC Innovation One, bringing together some of the brightest young minds to present their innovative startup ideas. The competition featured six outstanding finalists, each showcasing their entrepreneurial vision before a panel of esteemed judges and an engaged audience.
Taking home the grand prize was Ashmik Mehngi, from Jumeirah College, who wowed the judges with his transformative idea, Barcode – a unified app that enables customers to earn and redeem rewards seamlessly from their daily spending in major grocery stores, supermarkets, and retail outlets. Ashmik’s innovation stood out for its market potential, scalability, and impact on customer loyalty in the retail sector.
The first runners-up, Bookworms, led by Afra Anas Kaludi, Isra Nasser Chhipa, and Nebat Musefa from International School of Creative Science introduced a platform that helps writers overcome writer’s block with AI-powered suggestions. The platform also connects aspiring authors with publishers, creating an all-in-one ecosystem for book creation and publishing, not to mention an innovative approach to encouraging literacy and creative-writing among young learners.
In third place, Breascan, presented by Rudra Singh, Harshita Balaguru, and Zavrin Ann Jithu, from GEMS Our Own Indian School introduced an accessible, saliva-based breast cancer detection kit. Their mission to make early diagnosis available to women in remote areas and underserved communities deeply resonated with the audience and judges alike.
The judging panel, comprising Stephen McKenna, Global Delivery Director and Founder, CEO – We Are Clean Air; Eugene Pribytkov, CEO & Founder – Voicee AI Academy; and Nimit Ramaiya, Venture Partner and Investor, provided invaluable insights and constructive feedback to the participants.
Stephen McKenna shared his thoughts on the event, stating, “Judging at the TruPreneurs event was an inspiring experience. Witnessing the creativity, passion, and determination of these young entrepreneurs was truly remarkable. Initiatives like TruPreneurs are vital in nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders.”
Eugene Pribytkov also shared his admiration for the young entrepreneurs, stating, “Honored to be a judge at the Young Entrepreneurs Competition! I was truly impressed by the brilliant ideas and the level of effort these young founders put into their projects. Such bright minds with incredible potential! Kudos to the amazing Trusity team, supportive parents, and dedicated partners who help these young gems shine. Always happy to support such an inspiring initiative in the UAE and the region!”
Adding to the event’s inspiration was special guest Asha Alexander, Principal at GEMS Legacy School and Executive Leader of Climate Change – GEMS Education, who delivered a powerful and insightful speech on ‘The Importance of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Youth’. She encouraged the young entrepreneurs to follow their passion, leverage their skills to build businesses, seize opportunities, and persist through challenges. Talking about the event, she said:
“It is imperative to inculcate entrepreneurial skills in students to prepare them to be innovative leaders of tomorrow. Trusity has led the way by providing a platform for students to share their ideas that foster creativity, resilience and problem solving enabling them to not only excel in entrepreneurship but also transfer these skills to other disciplines.”
The TruPreneurs program continues to foster a culture of entrepreneurial thinking and problem- solving among youth, equipping them with the skills and confidence to take their ideas from concept to reality.
Nimit Ramaiya, sharing his perspective on the event, stated, “Being part of the event was a great experience. Initiatives like TruPreneurs are key to inspiring young entrepreneurs and turning their ideas into real ventures. This fits right into the UAE’s vision of building an innovation-driven economy led by the next generation.”
Ashmik Mehngi, reflecting on his journey, shared, “I began my TruPreneurs journey with a passion for entrepreneurship but little knowledge of how to turn my ideas into reality. Trusity provided the guidance, mentorship, and support I needed to refine my vision and develop a strong, market-ready concept. The program not only equipped me with essential entrepreneurial skills but also gave me the confidence to communicate effectively and innovate boldly. The supportive mentors played a crucial role in shaping my journey, providing invaluable insights that have shaped my growth. As a TruPreneurs winner, I’m excited to bring my idea to market, tackle new challenges, and make a meaningful impact in the industry.”
The event concluded with networking opportunities, allowing finalists to connect with industry experts, potential investors, and mentors who can support them in scaling their ventures.
Trusity, the driving force behind TruPreneurs, remains committed to empowering young minds, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
TruPreneurs is Trusity’s flagship entrepreneurship program, designed to nurture young innovators, develop their business acumen, and provide them with a platform to bring their ideas to life. Through mentorship, skill-building workshops, and highly competitive pitch competitions, the program instills confidence and cultivates the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators and positive changemakers. Through its Dubai SME certified incubator, TruNext, the company offers a guided and structured approach from ideadtion to launch and growth in the region.
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