Start-up competitions launched to create solutions to industry challenges

AMMAN — Seventy entrepreneurs representing Jordanian start-ups came together this weekend to take part in a three-day idea development challenge under the title “Start-up Battle JO”, according to a statement by the organiser Jordanian Action for the Development of Enterprises (JADE).

The weekend organised by the global Start-up Weekend initiative coincided with the Global Entrepreneurship Week, the world’s largest celebration of innovators and job creators launching startups that bring ideas to life and drive economic growth. 

Through Start-up Battle JO, a team of seasoned entrepreneurs, mentors, and trainers assisted young entrepreneurs to propose workable solution to pressing challenges the Jordanian industry is facing nowadays, the statement noted. 

The event, first of 13 planned events focusing on the tourism industry, was part of the EU efforts to support private sector development in Jordan, through its co-funded JADE project. 

Thirteen three-day Start-up Battle events will take place in various Jordanian cities across the Kingdom including Amman, Irbid, Zarqa, Karak and Aqaba, the statement added, noting that all of the winners will compete against each other. The winner will then compete on a regional and international level. 

Head of the Economic, Infrastructure and Trade Facilitation Section of the EU Delegation to Jordan, Sirpa Tulla, said: “Economic growth is an on-going challenge, the private sector should be put in the driver’s seat of this process. Today’s Start-up Battle was an exciting event, witnessing dynamic young talents presenting ideas to solve industry challenges, thus opportunities for growth.”

“This series of competitions made up of high caliber start-ups will display new solution to old problems, facilitate the development of an innovative ecosystem, and foster economic growth,” she added.

The EU’s overall goal is to maximise job creation through the identification, development and expansion of promising new businesses; and promote a culture encouraging innovation among young entrepreneurs, the statement read. 

A 3-year project part of an EU programme to support private sector development in Jordan, JADE targets supporting 100 small and medium sized enterprises and 60 innovative start-ups with development opportunities that would increase exports, maximise productivity and create new employment opportunities. 

Four leading incubators located across Jordan are supporting entrepreneurs and start-ups in a range of fields, and the JADE Projects’ support is ongoing with opportunities to apply online, the statement concluded.