DOHA: The Challenge 22 team and ambassadors yesterday concluded a two-day roadshow providing information sessions in Hamad Bin Khalifa University on the new initiative.
Initiated by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Silatech and Qatar National Research Fund, Challenge 22 is an innovation award developed to inspire and challenge the region’s brightest minds and celebrate the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar as a regional event.
Challenge 22 Ambassadors Areej Al Kharafi, Owner, Fortune Cookie and The Other Project, and Mohammed Saeed Harib, Founder, Lammatra Art Production, and Creator of the popular cartoon ‘Freej’, attended the sessions, along with Challenge 22’s Country Ambassador, Mohammed Al Housani (pictured), this year’s winner of the Stars of Science competition and a Qatari alumnus from Texas A&M University.
Al Housani spoke about his experience developing the concept that won the competition. “My professors encouraged me to try — even if you don’t win, at least you tried.”
Harib, Animation Director and Chairman, Lammatra Art Production, spoke about how he overcame challenges he faced.
“I had a steady job, but I knew I had to challenge myself to bigger things. It took me 10 years to get to where I am today. Challenge 22 giving you the opportunity to streamline this process in a few months.”
Al Kharafi said, “I am where I am today because of social media. Challenge 22 will ensure your ideas will get the exposure that will put you in history books.”
Challenge 22 is inviting applicants in the GCC to submit proposals related to three key themes that address challenges faced by Qatar and the world when hosting major sports events. “Qatar is full of innovators and entrepreneurs that can take part in this opportunity and receive mentorship to further their ideas,” said Al Housani, “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Fatma Al Nuaimi, Social and Human Legacy Manager, SC, spoke about the roadshow.
“We’re delighted to return to Qatar during the roadshow and grateful to our partner HBKU for hosting sessions to inform people about this opportunity. The enthusiasm and interest we have received so far has been overwhelming. We’d like to encourage more people to attend information sessions and find out how they can be part of Challenge 22.”
The three themes for the inaugural awards are — Sustainability; Event Experience; and Sports and Health. Successful applicants have the opportunity to win $20,000 during Phase 1 of the competition and a grant to further develop their ideas into a proof of concept during Phase 2.
The roadshow started in Kuwait and ends on February 17 in the UAE.The Peninsula
