“Katateeb” and “Takkul” emerge victorious in the Fourth cycle of “Pitch@Gov” – Technology division

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The Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Government Innovation (MBRCGI) recently honored the winners of the fourth cycle of Pitch@Gov, in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF). The competition showcased innovative projects that address pressing social challenges and promote a culture of innovation in the UAE.

One of the winning projects, the “Katateeb” platform by Rashid Al Zaabi, focuses on educating young Emiratis on traditional customs and values in the Internet age. The platform, designed as a metaverse, aims to reconnect youth with their heritage through gamification elements that embody core Emirati values such as hospitality, tolerance, and family cohesion.

Another winning project, the “Takkul” platform by Aminata Ndiaye, addresses the critical issue of food waste in the MENA region. The platform enables food retailers to sell surplus food at discounted prices to consumers, reducing waste and contributing to economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

The Pitch@Gov Competition, now in its fourth cycle, has become a sustainable government initiative that fosters collaboration between government entities, private sector organizations, entrepreneurs, and innovators. This year’s theme of sustainability in digital transformation aligns with the UAE’s leadership directives in the “Year of Sustainability”.

Huda AlHashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, emphasized the importance of Pitch@Gov in supporting innovators and turning their ideas into innovative solutions for current and future challenges. The competition has attracted hundreds of ideas that have been evaluated and supported over the years.

Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Finance, highlighted the collaborative nature of Pitch@Gov, bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise to address social challenges. The winning projects exemplify the creativity and dedication of UAE entrepreneurs and innovators in aligning with the country’s vision for innovation.

The initiative provides innovators with a platform to showcase their innovations before a jury, attract investors, receive financing, and support their businesses through the MBRIF Accelerator program. Projects are assessed based on criteria such as novelty, impact, feasibility, and communication of innovation to the world.

In its fourth cycle, the Pitch@Gov Challenge attracted over 150 innovative ideas and projects, showcasing a wide range of solutions. The winning projects, “Katateeb” and “Takkul”, were selected for their innovative approaches to addressing social challenges and promoting sustainability.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Government Innovation’s work methodology focuses on innovation enablers, innovation missions, and innovation platforms to create an enabling environment for innovation in the UAE. The center’s efforts align with the goals of the “We the UAE 2031” vision, aiming to establish the country as a global innovation hub.

Overall, the Pitch@Gov Competition highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in addressing social challenges and promoting a culture of innovation in the UAE.