Enterprise Challenge Qatar 2015, a competition designed to develop the spirit of entrepreneurship among young people, has recognised the winners of the Universities’ Grand Final Competition.
Team El Classico from College of the North Atlantic - Qatar claimed the first prize at this year’s final round of the business simulation and business pitch competition between 11 universities in Qatar.
The winning team took home a prize of QR20,000 to support funding for their business idea and its implementation on their
university campus.
The second place was awarded to the Virtuoso team from Qatar University, while The Price Takers team from Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar finished third.
This year, to make the competition more challenging for university students, “business pitching of ethical and original business ideas” was introduced to the programme. This additional aspect saw the top six finalist teams pitching their business concepts to a panel of judges, showing how they would start up a small profitable business within their universities.  
Abdulaziz al-Khalifa, CEO of Qatar Development Bank and chairman of Bedaya Centre, said: “Bedaya’s mission to encourage young people to consider entrepreneurship as a career option is key to fostering a thriving private sector and ensures its sustainability for future generations.”   
Michiel Kool, managing director and chairman of Qatar Shell Companies, said: “We are delighted that the Enterprise Challenge Qatar programme continues to expand and increase in popularity.”
The Enterprise Challenge initiative was created by Mosaic, a UK-based not for profit organisation established by the Prince of Wales in 2007. Qatar Shell is the founding partner of Mosaic in Qatar and, together with Bedaya, has worked to bring the
Enterprise Challenge to Qatar.
A video message of support from the Prince of Wales was also shown at the Enterprise Challenge Qatar university finals.
Mohamed Amersi, Mosaic advisory board member, said: “I am thrilled that Enterprise Challenge Qatar continues to go from strength to strength, and each year involves ever more
students and universities.”