Ehsan Adouane, a remarkable young innovator, embarked on his journey at just nine years old, when he began interviewing scientists on YouTube. By the time he turned 13, he had already made history by winning one of Dubai’s most prestigious tech awards, outshining countless global contenders.

Ettan: Transforming Homework into Play

At the heart of Ehsan’s breakthrough is his application, Ettan, which gamifies homework by dividing subjects into engaging, visual challenges. This creative approach earned him the Best Youth-Made App award at the recent Create Apps Championship. Ehsan envisions a world where homework feels like a fun and fast-paced game. “I want to help students like me enjoy their studies,” he expresses, highlighting his commitment to making learning enjoyable. With the prize money and support from the Dubai government, Ehsan is eager to enhance Ettan further and make a meaningful impact.

This year’s competition saw an unprecedented level of participation, with 9,754 entries, surpassing the combined submissions from its first two years. Initially launched as a local event, the championship welcomed global talent in its second year, receiving applications from an impressive 153 countries. Winners were celebrated on October 7 by Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Emirates Towers Boulevard.

Agnieszka Kocznur: Bridging Gaps through Technology

Agnieszka Kocznur, who dedicated nearly two decades to designing retail spaces for beauty brands, took a bold step by leaving her corporate job to pursue her idea full-time. She founded RUSH, a platform that connects travelers with group trips based on shared interests. This innovation garnered her the Most Impactful App award, as she recognizes the struggle of human disconnection in today’s tech-driven society. “Technology can either isolate or unite us; we chose the latter,” she remarks, urging others to be courageous and embrace their ideas.

Alan Villegas: Fintech Innovations in Dubai

Former entrepreneurship professor Alan Villegas transitioned from academia to the startup scene, establishing his fintech company, LiaPay, in Dubai—the world’s leading fintech hub. His innovative app allows UAE employees early access to their salaries, reflecting a growing demand for financial flexibility in a fast-paced economy. Alan credits the friendly regulatory environment in Dubai for fostering innovation and providing the support many startups need to thrive.

Learning from Competition: Kwelio’s Journey

The Kwelio team faced a significant challenge due to their perfectionist tendencies, which could have hindered their progress. Co-founder and CEO Mohamed Al Rahma noted that setting deadlines acted as a motivating force. With guidance from mentors during the competition, they redefined their app, making it more user-friendly and focused on journaling. Their final pitch became a benchmark for all their future presentations, underscoring the transformative impact of the event. Kwelio’s app, designed to assist with medication adherence, ultimately won the title of Dubai’s App of the Year.

The Create Apps Championship has proven to be a launching pad for past winners. Takeem, a former champion, leveraged its credibility to disrupt Dubai’s rental market, attracting partnerships and investors, which significantly accelerated their growth. Their success exemplifies the support received from the competition, paving the way for emerging startups.

This year’s finalists have the opportunity to enroll in a six-month program by Oraseya Capital, aimed at preparing them for investor engagement. The message from previous winners is clear: “If you’re contemplating making your mark in the entrepreneurial space, just dive in.”