Dubai app championship rewards young innovators and startups
Competition received 9,754 entries from 153 countries, highlighting applications spanning education, travel, financial technology and healthcare
DUBAI, UAE (MNTV) — Dubai’s Create Apps Championship has recognized innovators ranging from a 13-year-old student to experienced entrepreneurs, as the competition attracted thousands of applications from around the world.
According to Euronews’ report, the championship received 9,754 entries this year, exceeding the combined total from its first two editions. The competition has expanded internationally, attracting applications from 153 countries.
Ehsan Adouane, 13, won the Best Youth-made App award for Ettan Ehsan, an application designed to make homework more engaging through short, visual and game-based learning challenges.
Adouane, who began interviewing scientists on YouTube at age nine, said the award would help him further develop the application.
The Most Impactful App award went to RUSH, developed by Agnieszka Kocznur. The platform connects travelers through group trips organized around shared interests, aiming to encourage real-world social connections through technology.
LiaPay, a financial technology company founded by Alan Villegas, received the Most Innovative App award. The UAE-based business enables employees to access their salaries before their scheduled payday.
The championship’s overall App of the Year award went to POP, developed by Kwelio. The application focuses on medication adherence, helping users manage their prescribed treatment routines.
Kwelio’s founders said feedback from competition mentors prompted them to redesign the application’s interface and user experience during the contest.
The process demonstrated how structured deadlines and expert guidance could help startups refine their products.
The championship also highlighted the longer-term commercial opportunities available to participants.
Previous winner Takeem, a platform designed to improve trust in Dubai’s rental market, has expanded its operations since participating in the competition. Another former winner, Boom, helps delivery drivers find customers and determine their own prices.
This year’s finalists and semifinalists are set to enter a six-month program with Oraseya Capital, the venture capital arm of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority. The program is designed to prepare startups for investment and commercial expansion.
The championship was launched in 2023 as a local initiative before opening to international participants. Winners were recognized on Oct. 7 at Emirates Towers Boulevard by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
