DOHA: Challenge 22 has closed submissions for the first cycle of applications, having received over 400 entries following a four-week road show in the GCC.
The Challenge 22 Team will screen proposals in collaboration with industry experts in each theme and focus area.
The road show began on January 25 in Kuwait and ended on February 17 in Abu Dhabi, passing through Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain.
More than 3,000 people attended 25 information sessions which featured talks from the initiative’s ambassadors Sami Al Jaber, former football player; Mohammed Saadon Al Kuwari, popular sports TV presenter; Mohammed Saeed Harib, Director, Animation, and Founder, Lammtara Productions; and Areej Al Kharafi, Kuwaiti entrepreneur.
“We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response of applicants across the region at the sessions. Challenge 22 is a unique opportunity to think big and come up with inventive solutions to challenges associated with the hosting of FIFA World Cup in the Middle East in 2022,” said Mahmoud Qutub, Executive Director, Strategic Development & Assurance, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC).
Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, Executive Director, Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), one of Challenge 22’s strategic partners, said: “Challenge 22 provides an opportunity for innovators in Qatar and the region to showcase talents, while contributing solutions to the success of the region’s first FIFA World Cup games. We’ve been overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of applications we’ve received from the region’s next generation of innovators.”
Fatma Al Nuaimi, Social and Human Legacy Manager, the SC, added, “The road show was a great success and it was rewarding to receive feedback that the initiative is giving people in the region the motivation and outlet they need to think about solutions that can potentially have a global impact. We wish all those who have applied the best of luck.”
Initiated by the SC, Silatech and QNRF, Challenge 22 calls on applicants in the GCC with solution-based proposals related to three key themes that address challenges faced by Qatar and the world when hosting major sports events: Sustainability, Event Experience, and Sports and Health.
Challenge 22 application deadlines for phase 1 are split into two rounds. Results of first will be announced on April 2.
The Round two deadline is May 5. Successful applicants have the opportunity to win a cash prize of $20,000 during phase 1 of the competition and a grant to further develop their idea into a proof of concept during phase 2.
The Peninsula
