Ajman University's Green Entrepreneurship Program Cultivates Sustainable Ventures

Ambitious students across the UAE recently presented innovative solutions to local sustainability challenges at Ajman University's Green Entrepreneurship Program, a collaboration between Ajman University and AIR. The program empowers students from universities nationwide to develop environmentally and socially conscious businesses addressing the region's unique environmental concerns.

Following an intensive two-day bootcamp on February 17 and 18, 2025, participating teams spent two months refining their concepts with guidance from seasoned business professionals and academics. Mentors included Dr Zakiya Abdul Samad, Program Director at Heriot-Watt University; Qasim Javaid, Co-founder and CEO of Rizq; and Dr. Bilal Pandow, Assistant Professor at Bahrain Polytechnic.

The program culminated on April 25, 2025, with teams pitching their business projects to a panel of judges including Dr. Maher Itani, Ajman University; Dr. Samer Zyoud, Ajman University; Rawad Barazanji, Sharjah National Oil Corporation; and Urooj Khan, KPMG Lower Gulf.

The first-place winners, selected for their exceptional concept and potential impact, received AED 5,000 in seed funding from AIR.

Winners

First Place: LoopBite

LoopBite is creating a waste collection service connecting households, businesses, farms, and biogas energy reserves. The startup collects organic waste and used cooking oil (UCO) from households and businesses in Ajman, transforming these materials into valuable compost and biodiesel. Team members include Mohamed Nihmathullah, Mohammed Abushaban, Nazmi Nazer, Syed Ahmed Faiz, and Syrin Alabrach.

Second Place: Planet Pioneers

Planet Pioneers is transforming desalination brine into sustainable construction materials. Solvita converts brine waste into eco-friendly concrete bricks designed to meet the UAE's growing infrastructure demands. Team members include Leen Ghaddar and Ahlam Abdulla.

• Third Place: Green Visionaries

The Green Visionaries team aims to establish Ajman's first waste management and logistics company employing state-of-the-art sustainability and zero-waste solutions, including an AI-powered centralized waste recycling facility, a mobile application, and a fleet of e-mobility trucks. Team members include Doaa Al-Alimi, Meera Abdulkarim, Mhikevin Jade Jimenez, Rawan Ismail, Wesam Adel Alsatli and Zahra Abdul Ahmad.

This program highlights the UAE's dedication to sustainability and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for young innovators to develop impactful solutions for a greener future.