EO GSEA FINALS

The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA)MEPA Regional finals were organized by EO Karachi on 8th February, 2019, Friday, at the Marriot Hotel Karachi where student entrepreneurs from MEPA(Middle East Pakistan Africa) Chapters presented their ideas in front of the panelof judges from across the globe. EO Global is an international influential community of entrepreneurs with an objective to help like-minded peers in order to evolve and grow across the globe. Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) has 181 chapters across 57 countries. It has three chapters in Pakistan (one each in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad).

Lead by Sheheryar Shah(GSEA Regional Expert), EO Karachi conducted an extensive session where 6 brightest entrepreneurs (finalists from MEPA Chapters)including Given Edward from Tanzania, Shaikha from Bahrain, Henry from Kenya, Keaton from South Africa, Areej from Pakistan and Onothoja from Nigeria gave their final presentations to the panel of judges competing for the title of Regional Champion. The students were evaluated by the judges on their business and entrepreneurial spirit.

The panel of judges consisted of important figures including Faizan Syed, RabelAkhund, Tariq Mehmood, Khurram Saleem, Safa Sharif, Jamie Pujara, Ms. MisbahNaqvi and Aleem Bawany from Pakistan and from the other Middle East countries who evaluated and cross questioned the entrepreneurs.(East River, Imperial Footwear (PVT) LTD, OTO Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited, MASY Holding BSE, Tin Tin Restaurant & Catering)

Rehan Shahid, Tariq Mehmood and Walid Mushtaq, Presidents of EO Karachi, EO Lahore and EO Islamabad respectively greatly supported the event.It wouldn’t have been possible without the untiring efforts of GSEA Committee members, Shoaib Malik and Kashif Shakoor. The event was organized by Amir Hassan and Madiha Noman from EO Karachi and was moderated by RidaMalhi from EO Lahore.

Areej Al Medinah from Pakistan won the title of MEPA regional Champion for her business “Connect Hear”.ConnectHear is a social startup that aims to create deaf accessibility using video sign language interpretation services. She along with her team members also designs language training and interpreter certification to increase sign language interpreters in the region.

The first runner up Henry from Kenya developed an application named Roometo which is a proptech that focuses on helping students find alternative accommodation. They list hostels and student friendly apartments and allow the students to compare different listings (prices, location, amenities etc) and book directly from the platform. They also help students find a roommate in case they are looking for one. His mission is simple, to make the lives of students as easy as possible so that they focus on what they are supposed to – studies.

Keaton from South Africa was the second runner up whohas developed an offline language translation application by the name of inforMED which aids the healthcare professional in creating a more refined differential diagnosis prior to the physical exam. The team believes in providing quality medical care to all individuals irrespective of their linguistic barrier, culture and region. The application is currently functional in Canada, India and South Africa with over 50 medical professionals working free of cost.

Cro&Knitby one of the finalist Shaikha al Abbasi,is the first Bahraini brand for Fabric yarn and craft supplies, founded by this young female entrepreneur through her passion for knitting and crochet.She aims to deliver a ‘feeling’and inspire creativity among artists.Cro&Knit aims to be the main regional supplier for yarns and craft supplies.

Given from Tanzania has a business called Mtabe which is an educational technology venture, provides e-learning to students who have no access to internet, smartphones or textbooks. With Mtabe, students in remote areas get to access to learning support via SMS on feature phones by messaging the question they need help with and receive help.

Last but not the least, Onothoja, the Nigerian resident runs Service mart which happens to be a low cost mobile technology that distinguishes the operations of micro and small scale businesses in order to increase their profitability and growth- enabling them to access relevant information and contribute to the digital economy of Nigeria which has been predicted to generate $88 billion before the year 2021.

These entrepreneurs are a beacon of inspiration to business persons irrespective of age and industry. These finalists will be travelling to Macau in April for the Global finals where 50+ finalists compete for the winner title.

We wish them best of luck for all their future endeavors!