Finalists of Mashroo3i initiative showcase projects at expo
MOBILE offices that can be ordered for delivery, a machine that irons and steams clothes, and a smartphone application that sells fresh ingredients are among 30 ideas to make it through to the final of a business competition.
Finalists of the Mashroo3i (My Project) initiative, organised by Tamkeen, are showcasing their projects during a two-day exhibition that was launched yesterday at Seef Mall.
They were among 113 teams that originally entered the contest in February and the winner will have the chance to make their dream a reality.
“In February, all they had was an idea, a concept in their mind, and they went through a lot of phases,” said Tamkeen youth projects co-ordinator Eman Janahi.
“These 30 teams today are the best of the best out of 113 teams.
“During the six months, the first stage was a capacity-building programme, we trained them on how to pitch, how to make a market survey and recognise the needs of the market.
“We added one more interesting element this year, which is social responsibility and how to integrate that into your business model.
“After that, 60 teams were shortlisted and worked with mentors for two months to develop their business plans, which they can take to any support entity to seek help.
“After that, the judges committee shortlisted the teams here today.
“The winning teams will get simple cash awards, all three will get a one-year free incubation opportunity supported by Tamkeen, and the first place winner will get a learning trip or an internship related to their business field.”
One of the projects, Create, aims to provide office space that can be rented out by the hour, day or month.
“These offices will be in containers which come in three different types – individual offices, shared desks and meeting rooms,” said Create team member Fajer Yousif.
“What’s different is that we’re offering flexible terms for freelancers, start-ups and students who don’t want to tie themselves down with long contracts that other offices provide.
“And we’re movable since they’re in a container so location is not an issue, which makes it very flexible.
“When you buy the container it looks like a regular shipping container, but it’s the type that can expand so you’ll get an office the size of three containers.”
Team Steam X hope to get funding for a machine that can iron and steam clothes automatically – and can be controlled via smartphone.
“For example, you woke up in the morning and you’re already late for work as usual and you don’t have anyone to iron your shirt for you and you already have to take a shower and get ready,” said Steam X team member Mohammed Bassem, “this machine will take care of your clothes for you.
“Just hang up five clothes and set a schedule. You can have one ready for you right now, while the others will be ironed and steamed for later in the day or tomorrow and it will take care of it.”
Other projects include Plate It, a service that delivers fresh ingredients to customers so they can cook without going shopping; Tamayyaz (Distinguish), a sports performance laboratory that uses scientific methods and tests to help athletes push past their limitations; and Fannan, an application that helps musicians practise songs by playing along with them and muting whichever instrument they are playing and recording themselves.
The exhibition which opened yesterday was attended by Tamkeen chief executive Dr Ibrahim Janahi and judges. It will continue today from 10am to 10pm, while an awards ceremony will be held tomorrow at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
