The Award reflects and is inspired by the Manchester Method of teaching and learning in the business environment, which is based on learning by doing and is what sets MBS apart from other business schools.

In the Middle East, the Manchester Innovation Award for Emiratis is specifically tailored to attract and enco
urage Emirati innovators in the UAE, our regional hub and international business center in the region.

The focus on Emiratis is a clear statement of the school’s long term commitment to the UAE, which has graciously hosted our Middle East Executive Center, since 2006.

The Manchester Innovation Award is launched in collaboration with Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, sponsorship of Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council, and support of Mohamed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprise.

The Award enjoys the support of Abu Dhabi Education Council, Dubai International Academic City, as well as many other leading organizations from the private and public sectors.

Manchester Business School is inviting UAE Nationals to submit outlines of innovative business plans to be judged by a panel of recognized experts, professors, academic directors, selected MBS alumni and senior executives from supporting organisations.

Total Cash Prize of AED 350,000

Awards for the Winner and the Top 4 Finalists:

Winner: AED 125,000 Cash prize and a 3-day study tour to the University of Manchester, U.K.
4 Finalists:
   • AED 100,000 Cash prize for the first runner up
   • AED 75,000 Cash prize for the second runner up
   • AED 25,000 Cash prize for the third runner up
   • AED 25,000 Cash prize for the fourth runner up

Funding by the Khalifa Fund to develop the winning ideas and make them a commercial reality.*

Funding by MBRE for the implementing the winning ideas, and an opportunity for all participants to start up in the business incubation centre.**

Invitation to Award Gala Dinner in November 2010 to receive Manchester Innovation Award Trophy.

Eligibility Criteria: The competition is exclusively for UAE Nationals, men and women above 20 years of age. Competency in English is required.

* Terms and conditions apply

** Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprise will support all the applicants in the following ways:

1. Business incubation or start-up services will be provided to all participants.

2. All applicants will be eligible to benefit from project financing services that MBRE delivers to Emirati Nationals, depending on one’s economic viability. The amount of funding range from AED 100,000 to a maximum of AED 3,000,000

3. Seed Capital Program will be offered to the finalist to provide optimal support to the innovative entrepreneurs. The program targets start up and early stages ventures. It grants the entrepreneur with the required fund to develop and research the new idea for a period in order to be able to convert that idea into a feasible and marketable business project that would contribute in the development of the national economy. The support will be in addition to the incubation support.

4. All participants of Manchester Innovation Award for Emiratis 2010 will be provided   guidance in preparation of the business plan.

About Manchester Business School

Manchester Business School is the UK's largest campus-based business and management school and is part of the University of Manchester. Manchester Business School Middle East Centre in the United Arab Emirates supports over 700 students from the region on the part time executive MBA & DBA programmes.