Innovation Partners
Venture
Z
Seeing the Future with Generation Z's Eyes
Venture-Z is an exciting and dynamic startup competition that offers aspiring entrepreneurs from Generation Z an incredible platform to showcase their innovative business ideas and make a lasting impact on society. Organized as part of the prestigious 3rd International Conference on Sustainability: Developments and Innovations (ICSDI) 2026, Venture-Z brings together the brightest minds and visionary thinkers who are passionate about creating a better future.
Generation Z, also known as Millennials. Generation Z generally includes individuals born between the late 1990s and early 2010s. They are the first generation to have grown up entirely in the digital age, surrounded by technology and social media.
Some key characteristics of Generation Z include:
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Digital Natives: Generation Z has grown up with technology at their fingertips and is highly skilled in using digital tools and platforms.
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Diversity and Inclusion: This generation is known for embracing diversity, being more open-minded, and advocating for inclusivity across various aspects of life.
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Entrepreneurial Spirit: Generation Z is often characterized by their entrepreneurial mindset, as they have witnessed the rise of successful young entrepreneurs and are eager to create their own ventures.
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Socially Conscious: They are passionate about social and environmental issues and are actively engaged in advocating for positive change.
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Customization and Personalization: Generation Z values personalized experiences and products tailored to their individual needs and preferences.
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Multi-tasking and Short Attention Spans: Due to their exposure to constant streams of information, Generation Z has developed the ability to multi-task but also has shorter attention spans compared to previous generations.
Generation
Z
Are you an ambitious
entrepreneur
with a game-changing idea?
The Venture-Z Startup Competition offers a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative business ideas and vie for the attention of top investors and industry experts.
With a focus on the future and the unique perspective of Generation Z, this competition is your opportunity to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
Join us at ICSDI 2026, where the brightest minds and most promising startups come together. This exciting event provides a stage for participants to pitch their ventures, demonstrate their products or services, and compete for invaluable investment opportunities and mentorship.
Whether you have a
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Innovative, Well-established Idea for
an AI-powered application for a Sustainable Future
The Venture-Z Startup Competition is the perfect launchpad to propel your startup journey. Seize this opportunity to showcase your entrepreneurial spirit, gain recognition, and secure the resources needed to take your venture to new heights.
This track focuses on AI-driven solutions in civil, structural, Geotechnical, transportation, water, or energy infrastructure.
Track 1: |
Smart Infrastructure & Sustainable Engineering
This track is dedicated AI applications addressing environmental protection, climate resilience, and resource management
Track 2: |
Environmental Intelligence & Climate Action
This track is specifically designed for Innovations in urban living, mobility, governance, health, and community well-being.
Track 3: | AI for Future Cities & Society
Eligibility_________________________
The Venture-Z Startup Competition is open to aspiring entrepreneurs and startup teams from diverse backgrounds and industries. Participants must meet the following criteria:
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Must be 18 years of age or older.
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Must have a viable business idea or an early-stage startup.
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Individuals or teams can participate (team size restrictions is 5 members).
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International participants are welcome.
To participate in the competition, all interested individuals or teams must complete the online registration form available on the official ICSDI 2026 conference website. The registration process will include providing essential details about the startup, such as
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The startup idea
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market potential,
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team composition.
___________________________________Registration
Regulations
Intellectual Property (IP)___________________
Participants retain full ownership of their intellectual property. However, by participating in the competition, participants grant the organizing committee and associated partners the right to use the startup names, logos, and related materials for promotional purposes.
_____________________________________Judging Criteria
The judging panel will evaluate the startup pitches based on various criteria, including innovation, market potential, feasibility, team capability, and scalability. The specific judging criteria will be communicated to the participants in advance to help them prepare and align their presentations accordingly.
Prize and Recognition__________
The Venture-Z Startup Competition offers attractive prizes and recognition for the winners. The prizes may include financial support, mentorship opportunities, access to networks, and exposure to potential investors and industry leaders.
Regulations
Presentation Format__________
The pitch presentation should be engaging, concise, and well-structured. It is recommended to use visual aids such as slides to support the presentation. Each team will be allocated a specific time limit for their pitch, typically ranging from 5 to 10 minutes. Participants should aim to deliver a compelling and memorable pitch within this time frame.
Maintain a professional and articulate presentation style. Use clear and concise language (English), avoiding jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to the audience. Focus on delivering a memorable and impactful pitch.
________________________________Content Guidelines
The pitch should cover essential aspects of the startup, including:
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Problem Statement: Clearly articulate the problem or opportunity that your startup aims to address. Explain the significance and market potential of the problem or opportunity.
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Solution: Present your unique solution or value proposition that addresses the identified problem. Clearly highlight the benefits and advantages of your solution compared to existing alternatives.
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•AI Rule: The presentation should clearly highlight how the AI was involved in the proposed start-up and how it contributed to solving the selected problem.
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Market Analysis: Provide a thorough analysis of the target market, including size, growth potential, and key trends. Explain how your startup fits into the market landscape and its competitive advantage.
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Business Model: Outline your business model, including revenue streams, pricing strategy, and customer acquisition strategy. Demonstrate the financial viability and sustainability of your startup.
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Execution Plan: Present a clear and realistic plan for executing your business idea. Highlight key milestones, implementation strategy, and any traction or progress achieved thus far.
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Team: Introduce the members of your startup team and highlight their relevant skills, expertise, and accomplishments. Showcase the team's ability to execute the business plan successfully.
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Funding Requirements: If applicable, clearly articulate the funding requirements of your startup. Explain how the prize or financial support from the competition would be utilized to further develop and scale the business.
Pitch Presentation
Awards
We believe in recognizing and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of our participants. We are excited to announce the awards for the top three startups in the competition who will receive will receive prestigious awards along with financial support from Prince Sultan University, as follow:
The 1st place winner |
30, 000 SAR
The 2nd place winner |
20, 000 SAR
The 3rd place winner |
10, 000 SAR
+
Sponsorship Opportunities:
In addition to the financial support provided by Prince Sultan University, Venture Z offers the potential for further funding through sponsorship opportunities.
Sponsors who choose to fund promising startups will have the chance to make a significant impact on the growth and success of these ventures, similar to the concept of "Shark Tank."
We are actively seeking sponsors who are passionate about supporting entrepreneurship and the development of sustainable and technologically advanced future cities.
The awards and sponsorship opportunities are designed to empower and encourage the next generation of innovators to turn their ideas into successful startups. Venture Z aims to provide a launching pad for these startups to thrive and make a lasting impact on society.
Note: The award amounts and sponsorship opportunities are subject to change and are contingent upon the final agreements with Prince Sultan University and potential sponsors.
Let's venture into the future together!
Jury Panel
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Jury Member
In 2021, she became a member of the board of the European Association for Professional Education (EVBB). She is a Professor of International Business, and graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University, England. ernationalization strategy of the university.
She was the national project leader for the three-year European project DevOps and Smart Cities. Her professional focus is on intercultural management, leadership, communication, knowledge transfer, and smart cities. Over the last 28 years, she has accumulated extensive intercultural experience by working, teaching, researching, and living in seven European countries.
Jury Member
Financial professional with diverse experience managing accounting and finance tasks, including financial analysis, financial reporting, financial management, forecasting, and strategic spending in a fast-paced organization. Highly proficient in establishing and overseeing the operational policies and procedures of an organization, which propels teams towards success. Adept at initiating policies that boost efficiency in financial reporting and grow investment portfolios. Strong leadership abilities thanks to extensive experience in organizational leadership and executive administration. A researcher interested in applying quantitative research to data analytics and advanced accounting, effectively redefining investment management, reducing risk, and enforcing regulatory compliance.
Areas of Expertise:
Quantitative Research, Analytical Skills, Performance Improvement, Capital Market, Cost Control, Financial Forecasting, Financial Statements Analysis, Financial Reporting, Accounting Policies and Procedures, Strategic Planning, Team Leadership, Financial Modeling, Client Relationship-Building, Portfolio Monitoring, Valuation.
Research Interests: International Finance, Financial Markets, Valuation, Mergers & Acquisitions.
Jury Member
May is an award-winning architect, creative strategist and advisor with 15+ years of experience in strategy, culture, brand Management, architecture and sustainability focused on creative strategy and building brands with purpose. May is the Creative Director of Ayed&Barber (A&B Advisory) and an Adjunct Faculty at the American University of Sharjah.
May advises companies (government, corporates, startups, nonprofit) on creative strategies to achieve their goals through impactful creative mediums. At the heart of the strategic recommendation, May designs purpose-driven initiatives and cultural engagements ranging from international creative activations and curatorial projects to stakeholder engagement initiatives and youth partnerships, with various areas of focus including circular economy, product design, the built environment and cultural heritage preservation.
May holds an Executive Certificate in Leading Sustainable Corporations from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Executive MBA from HEC Paris, Executive Certificate in Luxury Brand Management (Paris/Shanghai) from HEC Paris as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the American University in Sharjah.
Jury Member
She is a distinguished academic leader, digital innovation expert, and strong advocate for inclusive education, with over 30 years of combined experience spanning the IT industry and higher education across the UAE, the UK, and Pakistan.
She currently serves as Professor, Deputy Director (Student Experience), and Head of the Computer Engineering and Informatics Department at Middlesex University Dubai, where she leads with vision, purpose, and a deep commitment to transforming higher education. In her leadership roles, she has successfully launched and directed several strategic initiatives, including the Centre for Innovation in Human Experience (CIHx) and the MDX Innovation Hub, fostering interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship, and impactful public–private collaboration.
Her academic credentials include a DPhil in Informatics (UK) and a BSc in Computer Science (USA). She also holds several prestigious professional distinctions, including Chartered IT Professional (CITP), Fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS), and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA).
Beyond her institutional leadership, she is a passionate advocate for Women in STEM, actively promoting digital equity, community and school outreach, and alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on gender equality. Her work continues to influence policy, practice, and innovation at the intersection of technology, education, and societal impact.
Jury Member
Eng. Ibrahim Alzuhaimeel is the Chairman of OCEANX Business Solutions, and a distinguished advisor and expert in entrepreneurship and financial management. He is also a certified business appraiser accredited by the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers (TAQEEM).
His passion for entrepreneurship began in 2009, culminating in the establishment of OCEANX Business Solutions in 2012 — a firm that provides high-level consultancy services to both the public and private sectors through a select team of seasoned advisors and professionals.
Throughout his professional journey, he has contributed to the development of innovation center strategies, the design of innovation programs for government and private initiatives, and the creation of operational plans for the licensing and management of multiple innovation platforms.
Jury Member
Dr. Khaled Akkad is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering at King Abdulaziz University, where he also serves as Deputy Director of the Center of Strategic Planning at KAU. He is also the head of the quality and development unit within the college of engineering at KAU. He earned his B.S. in Industrial Engineering from King Abdulaziz University, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Akkad’s research focuses on machine health diagnosis and prognosis, statistical process modeling and control, and the application of machine learning and deep learning algorithms to engineering systems. His work spans sustainable manufacturing, predictive maintenance, advanced materials performance, and optimization of complex processes. He has published extensively on intelligent diagnostics, data-driven prognostics, and industrial applications of artificial intelligence.
He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) and an IBM Certified Data Science Professional, reflecting his dedication to both innovative teaching and cutting-edge research. Through his academic and professional contributions, Dr. Akkad continues to advance the integration of data science, smart systems, and industrial engineering for sustainable and efficient solutions.
Venture
Z
Seeing the Future with Generation Z's Eyes
See you
2026
ICSDI
For more about the conference please visit our website
The 3rd International Conference on
Sustainability:
Developments and Innovations
The submission deadline has passed!
Mentors
Middlesex University UAE
Mentor
Jaspreet Singh Sethi
Senior Lecturer in IT, Middlesex University Dubai
Jaspreet is a senior lecturer with the Computer Engineering and Informatics department at Middlesex University Dubai, and teaches across UG and PG programs. He is also the department faculty coordinator for student competitions, and has coordinated, mentored and supported students at various competitions and hackathons over the years with many success stories. He is also a founding member of the Middlesex Innovation Hub.
Mentor
Mentor
Dr. Judhi Prasetyo
Senior Lecturer Computer Engineering and Informatics, Head & Founder - RoboTechX Lab, Middlesex University Dubai
Dr Judhi is a dedicated academic, researcher, and information and communication technology entrepreneur based in Dubai. With over eight years in teaching and research, and three decades of industry professional experience assisting government entities and law enforcement agencies in more than 15 countries, Dr. Prasetyo brings a wealth of practical and academic knowledge to his work. A key aspect of Dr. Prasetyo's work involves guiding the next generation of innovators. He has a strong commitment to nurturing talent, evident in his success mentoring student teams to achieve recognition in various international Robotics and AI competitions. These accomplishments highlight his ability to support and develop students, enabling them to excel in a globally competitive environment. His efforts truly showcase his dedication to fostering both academic learning and practical innovation through his students. Dr. Prasetyo is particularly interested in using technology for socially responsible purposes that enhance quality of life. He regularly teaches and mentors university students and the public in computer electronics, with a focus on IoT and robotics. He also actively participates in various industry activities, further connecting his academic work with real-world applications. He is also a founding member of the Middlesex Innovation Hub.
Mentor
Rhoderick Romano
Senior Lecturer, Middlesex University Dubai
Rhoderick is holds an MBA with Middlesex University Dubai and is a current PhD student of Middlesex University London. Besides teaching on subjects such as innovation and entrepreneurship in the undergraduate and post-graduate programmes, he contributes as a member of two centres of excellence within the university—The Institute of Sustainable Development and Middlesex Innovation Hub. Rhoderick has worked with students to successfully participate in various competitions such as University Entrepreneurship Program of the Dubai Future Foundation, TiE-U Competition, Red Bull Basement International Competition and more.
Dr. Sumitra S Kotipalli
Faculty, Computer Engineering and Informatics, Middlesex University Dubai
Dr. Sumitra S. Kotipalli is a faculty member in Computer Engineering and Informatics at Middlesex University Dubai and an experienced project mentor. Under her mentorship, student teams have recently won the Meta Hackathon, GITEX Young Innovator Award, BCS Award, and multiple other innovation competitions. She actively mentors students for hackathons, industry challenges, and startup-oriented competitions, with a strong focus on real-world impact and entrepreneurship. She is also a member of the Middlesex Innovation Hub.
Mentor
Dr. Chinnu George
Lecturer, Computer Engineering and Informatics, Middlesex University Dubai
Dr Chinnu has extensive experience across academia, research, and industry in the Middle East and India. With a strong background in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, software engineering, and digital transformation, Dr. George has mentored numerous student teams across hackathons, startup challenges, and innovation forums at regional and international levels. Her mentorship focuses on design thinking, problem validation, scalable solution development, and pitch readiness. She has contributed to national-level Faculty Development Programs under the Government of India’s Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP) and has worked as a Research Associate with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Bangalore. Dr. George has also held a senior industry role as Regional Head at Infosys, Goa, demonstrating strong leadership in both corporate and academic environments. She has received several awards and recognitions at the global level for her academic, research, and professional contributions. Her domain areas include Web Development, Business Intelligence, Data Analytics, Wireless Sensor Networks, Mobile Communication, and Data Governance.
LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship Pakistan
Mentor
Amna Awan
Head of Operations
Amna has over a decade of experience in private sector development. Prior to joining LCE, she was serving as Head of Digital Inclusion at JazzCash and member of advisory committee for USAID ERDA. Other employers included Karandaaz, UNDP and USAID. She has a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School and an undergrad degree in accounting and finance from LUMS.
Mentor
Saba Shahid
Manager Partnership & Projects
Saba Shahid manages stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, and donor-funded initiatives at the LUMS Centre for Entrepreneurship. She has lead high-impact collaborations with partners such as UNICEF, FAO, GIZ, the U.S. Department of State, AWS, the Bank of Punjab and others to strengthen startup capacity and build resilient entrepreneurial ecosystems. With over 10 years of experience, she has worked across think tanks, academia, and international consultancy, applying cross-cultural fluency and a global perspective to strategy. Saba is an advocate of business models rooted in sustainable development and believes private sector–led growth can drive meaningful social impact and long-term economic resilience in Pakistan.
Mentor
Muhammad Umer Bashir
Manager Marketing & Technology
Mentor
Minahil Zia
Lead Learning and Development
Minahil Zia is the Learning and Development Programs Lead at the LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship, where she designs and manages high-impact training programs for early- to growth-stage startups. With prior experience in Community Engagement and Investor Relations at the National Incubation Center Lahore, she brings expertise in incubation program design, founder coaching, and investor ecosystem building. She has led multiple investor summits, supported startups in pitch preparation, and co-designed incubation curricula tailored to entrepreneurial needs. An MPhil and Bachelor’s graduate in Economics with minors in Statistics, and a certified Master Entrepreneurial Coach, Minahil is passionate about innovation, impact-driven learning, and strengthening Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Mentor
Sohaib Iftikhar
Manager Finance
Certified Accountant with 10+ years of experience in streamlining accounts, reconciling ledgers, budgeting, auditing and financial planning. A dedicated leader with the ability to manage a portfolio of 4 billion receipts with 500+ active projects. Highly motivated professional with a proven track record of delivering accurate finical reports and high quality service.
Umer Bashir (UB) is a Marketing and Technology professional with over 10 years of experience in brand strategy, digital marketing, and product development. He has led campaigns and program marketing initiatives to empower young entrepreneurs and innovators. Passionate about product innovation, startup building, and impact-driven campaigns, UB blends creativity with data-driven decision-making to design marketing strategies and product solutions that scale globally.
Narsun Studios
Mentor
Inam Elahi
Senior Manager – Immersive Experiences
Inam leads the delivery of large-scale immersive and interactive projects across real estate, education, and public-sector initiatives, with a strong focus on practical application and scalability.
Mentor
Yumna Ahmed
Head of Business Operations
Yumna oversees business operations, partnerships, and process optimization, helping early-stage ventures align strategy, execution, and sustainable growth.
Mentor
Ahsan Imtiaz
Chief Technology Officer
Ahsan leads technology strategy and product architecture, specializing in AI-driven platforms, immersive systems, and scalable digital solutions.
OceanX
Mentor
Adrian Nuñez
Strategy & Innovation Consulting Director
Adrián is a strategy and innovation expert with international experience across the EMEA region. He specializes in designing, managing, and delivering innovation programs for public and private sector organizations, with a strong focus on future foresight, open innovation, and business model transformation. Adrian holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration plus an MBA in International Management, and he has extensive experience in delivering executive programs and trainings in relevant international business schools.
Mentor
Zohair Hassan
Creative Head
Zohair heads creative direction and experience design, translating concepts into compelling narratives and user-centric immersive experiences.
Mentor
Fahad Moeen
Executive Director
Fahad provides strategic leadership across business development, partnerships, and innovation initiatives, with experience supporting startups and emerging ventures.
Mentor
Abdullah Al-Ajlan
Mentor
Asma Almutairi
Management Consultant Director
Entrepreneurship Expert
A leader in business development and strategy, with over 13 years of experience driving organizational growth, building strategic partnerships, and leading transformation initiatives across multiple sectors.
A management consultant with over 10 years of experience in strategy development and organizational transformation. She specializes in providing innovative management solutions and comprehensive growth strategies to meet the needs of various sectors. Asma has extensive experience in supporting startups and institutions, leading initiatives that enhance performance and develop operational efficiencies. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Imam Mohammad ibn Saud University, as well as the General Securities Qualification (CME-1) certificate from the Capital Market Authority.