: : : : THE DIGITAL ARABIC CONTENT COMPETITION

Within the framework of the project "Promotion of the Digital Arabic Content Industry through Incubation" which was initiated in 2007, UN-ESCWA, in collaboration with selected technology incubators in the region, organized several national competitions to incubate the best digital Arabic content (DAC) projects during the second half of 2008. The competition was open to young entrepreneurs as well as university and college graduates who have a project idea or a concept that would contribute to the development of the DAC industry.

The main aims of the DAC competition are:

• encouraging university graduates to work in the DAC domain in view of its importance and the available market opportunities;

• instigating entrepreneurs and guiding them towards new investment opportunities;

• raising awareness on the importance of DAC and promoting this industry in the region.

Final Results

The DAC Competition in Jordan was launched by UN-ESCWA in cooperation with the Jordan Innovation Centre (JIC) at Philadelphia University between 7 July and 12 August 2008. Four applications were received as participants in the competition.

Following a two-phased evaluation process undertaken by UN-ESCWA and JIC representatives, the Arab Entrepreneur Portal won the first place whereas Itqan won the second.

The Arab Entrepreneur Portal was proposed by Maen Zaghloul as a comprehensive website for Arab entrepreneurs which includes services such as networking opportunities, access to investment opportunities, funds and companies, and e-services including e-commerce and e-learning.

Itqan was presented by Eman Jibreel as a tool that enables automatic generation of cases for testing software products. It supports an Arabic interface and standardizes requirements and functional specifications.

Both winners are currently incubated at the JIC at Philadelphia University in Amman-Jordan for a period of one year.

Background

The Information and Communication Technology Division at UN- in cooperation with the Jordan Innovation Centre (JIC), Technological Business Incubator at Philadelphia University, launched the Digital Arabic Content Competition in Jordan on 7 July 2008. The event took place at Philadelphia University and included presentations on the importance and opportunities of the digital Arabic content industry, the Digital Arabic Content Competition and modalities of participation; and the services offered by JIC for winning projects.

Over 60 participants attended the event representing different universities, NGOs as well as graduates and the press.

The deadline for all eligible and interested parties was set on 12 August 2008.

Announcement      [Arabic]  [English]
Application Form   [Arabic]  [English]

Launching Event Documents

Agenda   [Arabic]
The Importance and Opportunities of the Digital Arabic Content [Arabic]
Presentation on the Digital Arabic Content Competition in Jordan [Arabic]

Photos          [1]     [2]     [3]