PIC   2023

President’s Innovation Challenge

The wait is over!
The President’s Innovation Challenge is back, in its 4th edition!

The AUB President’s Innovation Challenge is an unparalleled platform where the pioneers of innovation converge to shape the future. This is not the average startup competition—it is a catalyst for groundbreaking innovations that tackle the pressing challenges of our time. We call upon the brilliant minds of our AUBite community, the driving force behind change, to bring forth their innovative solutions that transcend boundaries and improve humanity.

President's Innovation Challenge announcement 2023

PIC 2023 Finals Ceremony Recap

Winners

We are happy to announce our AUB President’s Innovation Challenge 2023 winners who qualified to join our Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park incubation program!

🥇1st prize of $30,000 went to DOODA Solutions who is revolutionizing sustainable agriculture through the power of earthworms

🥈2nd prize of $15,000 went to LUXEED Robotics who is creating an AI powered device to exterminate weeds in farming

🏅The Chinyeh Hostler Award for Social Innovation went to Parency who is making the lives of new parents easier with her solution

🏅People’s Choice Award went to Dekenet Al Nes who is creating a cost effective alternative to typical supermarkets

Congratulations everyone!

People’s Choice Award

Meet The Finalists For PIC 2023!

Team SenseBNP

Team Spreadly

Team DOODA

Team Optomate

Team Luxeed

Team Heatechs

Team Dox

Team Dekent Al Nas

Team Donaleb

Team Parency

PRIZES

This year, for the first time, we will be leveling the playing field with the prizes. The first prize will go to the best and most advanced post-MVP startup, whereas the second prize will go to the entrepreneur with the best startup idea, who wishes to turn their idea from a dream into a reality!

🥇$30,000 for the Advanced Stage startup (post MVP) that demonstrates potential for growth and scalability.

🥈$15,000 for the Best early-stage startup idea that showcases exceptional innovation and promise.

🏅 $10,000 for the Chinyeh Hostler Award for Social Innovation, recognizing an outstanding solution that addresses a pressing social issue.

We will be awarding, for the 2nd year running, the Chinyeh Hostler Award for Social Innovation, which was established with a generous donation from Mrs. Chinyeh Hostler to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs from across Lebanon and the region to learn about real-world challenges and think about how they can use technology to solve these problems. The prize will be given to the team with the best proposal for improving human well-being.

In addition to the monetary prizes, all winners will qualify for admission to the prestigious iPark Incubation and Acceleration Program, providing unparalleled support and resources to further develop and launch their ventures.

2023 Themes:

The AUB President’s Innovation Challenge 2023 revolves around four dynamic themes, carefully curated to address the latest global trends and challenges. Each theme presents an opportunity for you to unleash your potential, create transformative solutions, and leave an indelible mark on the world.

Embrace the revolutionary concept of a decentralized economy, as Web3 takes center stage. By harnessing the power of blockchain technology and distributed ledger systems, we can rewrite the rules of ownership and control. Examples of areas calling for innovative Web3 solutions include decentralized finance (DeFi), secure and transparent supply chains, digital identity management, renewable energy trading platforms, and democratized access to information and media. Envision a future where individuals have greater autonomy, privacy, and access to resources through the power of Web3.

Merge the realms of technology and healthcare, forging a path towards revolutionary advancements. The world demands breakthrough medical processes and technologies capable of early detection and prevention of life-threatening conditions. Examples of top areas of challenge include personalized medicine, diagnostic devices, telemedicine solutions for remote healthcare access, mental health support tools, and affordable healthcare innovations for underserved communities. Think beyond the conventional and envision a future where everyone has equal access to quality healthcare.

Channel your passion for social change and embark on a mission to transform lives. Break down barriers, empower the marginalized, and bridge the gender gap. Examples of areas requiring innovative solutions include education access for all, empowering disadvantaged communities through sustainable initiatives, creating inclusive employment opportunities, food security, addressing climate change and environmental sustainability, and leveraging technology for social justice and human rights advocacy. Let your imagination soar as you reimagine a society that thrives on inclusivity and equality.

This is the age of endless possibilities, where AI-driven advancements disrupt industries and redefine business landscapes. Examples of challenges that can be addressed through AI include accessibility and mobility solutions, optimizing energy consumption and resource allocation, enhancing cybersecurity and data privacy measures, improving transportation systems through smart traffic management, and revolutionizing customer experiences through personalized AI-

driven solutions. Think outside the box and propose groundbreaking enhancements in agriculture, environment, or any field where AI can revolutionize the status quo.

Who Can Apply? 

The AUB President’s Innovation Challenge 2023 is open to the vibrant and diverse AUBite community. We welcome applications from students, staff members, academics, and alumni who possess the drive, creativity, and passion to make a positive impact on the world through innovative solutions.

To qualify for participation, teams must meet the following criteria:

AUBite Core Team Member: Each team must have at least one core team member who is an AUBite, ensuring that the spirit of our esteemed university is at the heart of the innovation.
Innovative Idea: The proposed solution should be highly innovative, pushing the boundaries of existing technologies and addressing real-world problems. We encourage you to think disruptively and propose groundbreaking ideas that have the potential to revolutionize industries.
Committed Team: A successful venture requires a dedicated and diverse team with complementary skill sets. The ideal team should have members who possess expertise in areas relevant to the proposed solution covering the technical and business skills.

We believe that by fostering this inclusive and diverse environment, we can unleash the full potential of our collective brilliance and drive positive change on a global scale.

We challenge creative minds to think boldly, drawing inspiration from recent global trends and challenges. In a rapidly changing world, we need pioneers who can harness cutting-edge

technologies and industry advancements to tackle the most pressing issues of our time. Join us in the pursuit of a better future, where inclusivity, sustainability, and human-centered innovation are at the forefront.

Innovators who are looking for partners to complete their teams can ask for help from the Zein AUB iPark team by sending an email to zeinaubipark@aub.edu.lb with subject “PIC 2023: Team Member Search”

Don’t know where to start? Use our capacity and skills building videos to help by experts in the field of entrepreneurship!

Pic 2023 Timeline:

    • September 24, 2023: Applications Close
    • October 23, 2023: Capacity Building
    • December 1, 2023: Finals Ceremony

 

Evaluation Criteria:

  1. Value Proposition & Impact Potential: Is the proposed solution answering a real need for well-defined customer segments? Can it have a considerable impact on people’s lives?
  2. Innovation: Is the product or service innovative from a technical, business, or process standpoint?
  3. Team: Does the team contain the right set of skills? Are they available/committed to work on the startup?
  4. Traction: Has the team validated the product market fit? Have they demonstrated progress in implementing their idea?
  5. Business Model: Does the proposed solution have the potential to develop a straight-forward business model that is scalable and financially sustainable?

Got Questions? Check Our FAQ’S To See If Your Question Has Been Already Asked And Answered!