In a significant stride for the Gulf’s burgeoning innovation economy, Dubai has unveiled a new pitching arena designed to empower Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and young entrepreneurs. The initiative, spearheaded by IgKnightED, aims to provide a platform for aspiring founders to attract investor interest, refine their business strategies, and foster growth. The inaugural pitching session, held at the Address Skyview in Dubai, was organized by Khaleej Times Events and brought together startups, investors, and industry leaders. Bicky Carlra, President of WeValue, highlighted the initiative’s focus on nurturing job creators rather than job seekers, emphasizing the importance of youth entrepreneurship and undergraduate training. IgKnightED, which originated from a collaboration between ICC Oman and WeValue, has rapidly evolved into a cross-regional ecosystem connecting sectors, countries, and skill levels. The platform’s early focus on the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) industry and AI-powered innovation has now expanded to include diverse sectors such as travel, retail, real estate, health, education, and sports. In partnership with The Wealth Circle, IgKnightED is set to launch a dedicated mobile app, enabling seamless collaboration between students, SMEs, startups, and investors across the region. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader vision to enhance entrepreneurship, as evidenced by its $8.7 billion ‘Projects of the 50’ initiative and its ranking as the top startup ecosystem in the Arab world. The GCC’s venture capital ecosystem has also seen significant growth, with $1.7 billion deployed in 2024 alone. IgKnightED’s expansion reflects the region’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth, with governments creating ecosystems where startups drive GDP and national strategy.