Nahyan bin Mubarak crowns Timble AI as grand winner of 4th Eureka! GCC in Dubai

Khaleej Times

a day ago

Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, crowned Timble AI as the grand prize winner of the fourth edition of Eureka! GCC of one of Asia's largest business model competitions for startups. The award ceremony took place at Al Habtoor Palace Hotel in Dubai.
The event was attended by Sunjay Sudhir, ambassador of India to the UAE, along with senior officials, decision-makers, regional and international investors, mentors, and a wide audience of entrepreneurs and innovation enthusiasts.
This year's edition attracted over 300 applications from startups across the GCC and several global markets, including India, Jordan, Turkiye, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan. Thirty companies advanced to the semi-finals and participated in a comprehensive training programme consisting of workshops, strategic consulting sessions, and intensive courses in business modeling and investment pitching.
In the final stage, the top 10 startups pitched their ideas to a distinguished judging panel. Timble AI from the UAE stood out with its innovative AI-driven business solutions, securing the top prize.
Meanwhile, Electrogenos won the top award in the Sustainable Solutions category, Dreamloop AI took second place overall, and Invoice Mate received the 'Startup Nominee' recognition for excellence in public engagement and storytelling.
In his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan stated, "I am delighted to be with you today for the fourth edition of Eureka! GCC – the largest startup competition in Asia. I commend this valuable initiative by Gulf Islamic Investments (GII), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, as a vital contribution to the economic development of our region."
He added: "This event is a true celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit. Our region – as those who know it can attest has long embraced initiative, risk-taking, and innovation. Historically, our people have excelled in seizing economic opportunities and achieving success with determination and confidence."
He emphasised that entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of the UAE's development, stating: "The vision of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, places innovation and creativity at the heart of our progress. Entrepreneurs are key drivers of prosperity, not only in our country but across the globe."
Sheikh Nahyan also noted that the UAE, under the wise leadership of Sheikh Mohamed, offers full support to entrepreneurs through funding, education policies, advanced infrastructure, advisory services, and intellectual property protection. He remarked, "We understand the importance of creating an integrated ecosystem that enables young men and women to transform their ideas into achievements. We are also committed to international collaboration – as demonstrated by this pioneering event."
He continued, "I am pleased that this event is held in Dubai – a city that embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and has become a global model for business support, thanks to the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai."
Sheikh Nahyan also underscored the importance of raising public awareness about entrepreneurship, calling for: 'Highlighting inspiring role models, launching awards and competitions, promoting mentorship programs, and building support networks – all to reinforce the idea that entrepreneurship is not just about profit, but about enhancing quality of life and serving communities.'
Sheikh Nahayan commended Eureka! GCC for blending innovation, support, and collaboration between the public and private sectors, saying, "Through this initiative, GII has affirmed that innovation and entrepreneurship can profoundly reshape how we work, learn, and perceive institutional roles in society."
He concluded with a message to the participants: "I congratulate every one of you who took part in this competition. I am impressed by your determination, global vision, constructive curiosity, and, above all, your passion for success. You represent a bright future for your countries and will serve as inspiring examples in your communities. I wish you all the best on your journey – may this competition be the launchpad to even greater achievements."
Pankaj Gupta, co-founder and co-CEO of GII and the visionary behind Eureka! GCC, commented, "This year's success confirms that the region's economic future is being shaped by bold ideas and resilient founders. The competition has evolved from a recognition platform into a true regional movement – uniting decision-makers, investors, and innovators around the goal of sustainable innovation."
The competition received strong backing from strategic partners, including iACCEL GBI, Crowe UAE, Headstart, Its Her Way, Encubay, Trusity, Startup Middle East, Diwan Hub, Bits Pilani, and Ecobee – all of whom provided guidance, resources, and market access opportunities for participants.
As this landmark edition of Eureka! GCC comes to a close, the winners now embark on new journeys – empowered with funding, media exposure, and an expanding regional support network – joining the next wave of Gulf success stories in one of the world's most dynamic economic environments.