With over 10 years in new products and services development and deployment in the telecommunication industry, Gilles focuses on the development of novel mobile services and ecosystems at Qualcomm’s regional offices in Dubai. Prior to that, he held senior management positions in technology, marketing and business development in Europe and North America at companies such as Nortel, Conexant, and Texas Instruments.
Read MoreHe continued, “It is the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rasheed Al Maktoum to support the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. The interest and exponential rise in applications we have seen for Afkar.me, along with international start-up initiatives being attracted to Dubai, is testament to that vision, and the long term prosperity for the sector.”
Read MoreMajed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource Zone, said: “The availability of the right framework of mentorship, funds, and expert support form the most vital elements for success of a start-up. ‘Get in the Ring’ addresses all these points and provides a comprehensive platform to transform a good business model into a great business model.
Read MoreJuan Jose De La Torre, VP of digital at Intigral, says: “MENA’s digital startup sector is in a growth phase, and receiving over 150 quality applicants for Afkar.me’s second intake is testament to that. We truly believe that this region has the ability to produce digital products that will not only take off in the region, but gain global recognition. Afkar.me is one step on the journey for entrepreneurs, providing everything they need to turn their ideas into a viable product or business, including access to market.
Read MoreIn addition to the seed funding, winning entrepreneurs and start-ups will receive mentorship from MENA’s leading experts, office space at Intigral’s Dubai and Riyadh offices, hands-on training and support, exchange programmes with leading international incubators, and access to MENA markets, with a focus on Saudi Arabia.
Read MoreJuan Jose de la Torre, also known as J.J., is a 15-year telecom and media veteran who has worked for companies such as Orange, TeliaSonera, Etisalat, and Booz. He is also a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully founded 3 start-ups. In the past two years, he has been working at Intigral, where he helped found Afkar, a fully-fledged product incubator for the MENA region.
Read MoreThe program will be an annual initiative with four applications a year, targeting two intakes each from UAE and KSA respectively. Importantly, if a project does not get selected they can develop on the feedback given during the boot camp weekend and re-apply to the next intake. Applications are now open until the 10th of November 2013.
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