MIT Enterprise Forum Pan-Arab Region is on a mission to #CracktheCrisis by finding and rewarding tech-driven solutions that help alleviate the burden of the refugee crisis. The competition is aimed at technology projects that directly address the most acute hardships faced by refugees on a daily basis - including healthcare, food, shelter, security, education and energy.

In partnership with Zain and MBC Hope and supported by UNHCR and Jusoor , three winners will be rewarded - of which at least one refugee team - with cash prizes and mentorship to successfully implement their project and contribute to ameliorating the conditions of the refugee population.

Eligibility Criteria

• At least two members per team
• Core product/service needs to be technology based
• Core product/service needs to address a refugee problem
• Teams of refugees or that include refugees are encouraged to apply.       

Timeline

Monday June 20, 2016: Website opens for applications

Thursday September 1, 2016: Deadline for applications submission

Tuesday September 20, 2016: Announcement of the 10 finalists teams

Monday October 3, 2016: Final award ceremony                          

Prizes

Four prizes of $20,000 each will be awarded to the most innovative solutions that effectively tackle challenges faced by refugees like healthcare, energy, food, shelter and security as well as education.

What is in it for entrepreneurs?

By participating in the IFR Competition, entrepreneurs will benefit on several levels: social reward by helping to alleviate the burden faced by refugees, financial reward through the prizes being offered, regional and international exposure through the media coverage that the IFR competition will be generating as well as credibility to their project if it becomes recognised by MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab, a reputable brand name in the region and beyond.

Apply here, or contact innovateforrefugees@mitefarab.org for further information and details on the event.