Latest news with #KFED
Al Etihad
15 hours ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Building UAE's next tech entrepreneurs through talent-to-startup strategy
10 Aug 2025 22:11 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI) Fresh from an intensive four-week dive into coding and artificial intelligence, more than 100 young talents in the UAE have been equipped with the skills needed to either delve deeper into advanced technologies or go straight into launching their own Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), in collaboration with coding school 42 Abu Dhabi (42AD), hosted the first Piscine coding bootcamp at KFED's Al Ain Campus from July 14 to August bootcamp attracted as many as 130 participants from diverse backgrounds and offered a unique, decentralised, peer-to-peer learning experience with a strong focus on coding and AI. Through this initiative, KFED and 42AD aimed to build a seamless pathway from education to to Aletihad, Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said: "After completing the Piscine bootcamp, participants can join 42 Abu Dhabi's accredited diploma in software development. For Emiratis aspiring to launch ventures, Khalifa Fund provides startup support to ensure graduates are not only technically equipped but also strategically positioned and enabled to turn their ideas into thriving startups."By providing hands-on training that mirrors real-world tech environments, KFED addresses key market gaps in software development, AI literacy, and tech entrepreneurship - sectors that are essential in Abu Dhabi's digital transformation."Beyond technical skills, the programme integrated entrepreneurial mindset development through challenges that required collaboration and real-world problem-solving," Al Nasri were also pitching opportunities that introduced participants to the soft skills necessary in running a business. "Graduates benefit from joint mentorship programmes, exposure to venture creation pathways and opportunities to pitch ideas during community events. These elements cultivate essential business acumen, from ideation and validation to scaling and sustainability," the KFED CEO added. Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi, Acting CEO of 42 Abu Dhabi, highlighted the progressive structure of the tech education the school offers. AI is central to advanced stages, with students moving from C and C++ to AI basics, then specialising in fields like web and mobile; game and graphics; system and kernel; and security and network, he told Aletihad. "This progressive structure ensures a deep, hands-on understanding of AI as students advance. Through 42 Abu Dhabi's diverse programmes, we provide advanced technical training aligned with global technology trends - nurturing talent that meets evolving industry demands and supports the UAE's broader innovation agenda," Dr. Al Shoaibi Al Ain Piscine - the school's collaboration with KFED - the tech training was complemented with "a series of workshops and specialised courses that helped translate technical expertise into scalable entrepreneurial ventures", he added. "Since the launch of Al Ain Piscine we have seen an extensive demand with over 130 participants with almost equal female to male ratio, across 13 nationalities, and various backgrounds ranging from tech specialists, gamers, job-seekers and career shifters. These statistics reinforce 42 Abu Dhabi's position as a leading coding institute within the Emirate, equipping students to meet the evolving demands of the tech and business industry," Dr. Al Shoaibi said. Supporting the National AgendaKFED's talent-to-startup pipeline has been built on national priorities, Al Nasri said. "Khalifa Fund is prioritising sectors such as fintech, healthtech, and green tech, which are central to Abu Dhabi and its transition towards a smart, diversified, and sustainable economy. These industries have high growth potential and align with national goals for economic diversification, sustainability, and digital innovation," she said. The fund is ensuring that its startup pipeline continues to be high-impact and relevant by tracking outcomes like the number of participants trained, ventures created, and the shift from education to entrepreneurship. It is also tracking funding, the number of startups that are surviving, the impact of GDP and how much are being involved with mentorship programmes as a true indication of its impact to the UAE's SME and innovation landscape. Expanding PiscineFollowing the success of Al Ain Piscine, Khalifa Fund plans to replicate the model and expand the initiative to Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra Region, and across sectors. "The fund's evolving strategy includes AI-powered platforms, venture studios, and light manufacturing accelerators, which ensure that its educational and entrepreneurial frameworks remain responsive to emerging trends and technologies," Al Nasri said.
Web Release
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Khalifa Fund honors the winners of the Venturist Summer Camp competition for gaming development
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) honoured winners of the top three positions for the eighth edition of its Venturist Summer Camp, which was held from July 7 to 11, 2025, at the 42 Abu Dhabi headquarters, with the participation of 50 Emirati students. The camp is part of Khalifa Fund's ongoing initiatives to foster an entrepreneurial culture, cultivate specialised skills and offer practical expertise to national talents and professionals. The Venturist Summer Camp's training program was conducted in two different pathways. The first pathway catered to participants aged 13 to 15, aiming to build a strong foundation in programming and game development. The second pathway was designed for those aged 16 to 18, offering advanced training in game development, with a focus on cutting-edge techniques and creative approaches. On the opening day, participants engaged in experimentation, networking, collaboration and idea exploration activities. The second day, themed 'Foundations and Collaborative Critiques', enabled participants to construct core game elements and refine their concepts through peer feedback. The third day focused on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and programming, offering participants hands-on experience in large language models (LLMs) and LUA coding language. On the fourth day, the focus was on providing final inspiration, during which participants explored professional game designs to spark creative ideas. The camp concluded with the presentation of refined games, providing a dynamic platform to showcase projects, strengthen a culture of teamwork and develop entrepreneurial thinking, all under the guidance of experienced industry professionals. On the final day, the camp selected winning teams. First place was jointly awarded to Sara Abuhalqia and Mahra Alsalami (Pearl of the Damned) and Mohammed Rayn Ahmed and Hamad Alshemeili (Pick your Poison). The second position was shared by Hamad AlKatheeri (Echo Rift) and Khalid Alhammadi and Abdelaziz Yousif (Sands of Unity). Third place was won by Alyazia Alshamsi, Aljoori Amer Almansoori, Aldana Eisa Alkaabi and Meera Abdullah (Kingdom Valley). Her Excellency Mouza Al Nasri, CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said: 'At Khalifa Fund, we believe in the significant role of children and youth in driving national development and shaping the future by equipping them with advanced tools and technologies and foster their creative skills. The Venturist Summer Camp reflects our strategic vision, providing participants a comprehensive ecosystem with advanced tools to refine their innovative skills, promote an entrepreneurial culture and take their initial step towards promising careers in programming and game development fields, which hold a pivotal position in the current economic landscape. On this occasion, we congratulate all the winning teams on their achievement and wish them success in their future endeavours in programming and game development. We extend our appreciation to all participants for their ambition and creativity.' Since its launch in 2022, the Venturist Summer Camp has attracted over 750 Emirati students through its diverse training programs.
Al Etihad
09-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and 42 Abu Dhabi partner to host inaugural coding bootcamp, the Piscine, in Al Ain Region
9 July 2025 11:13 ABU DHABIKhalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has partnered with 42 Abu Dhabi (42AD) to host the first edition of the intensive coding bootcamp, the Piscine, at Khalifa Fund Al Ain Region from July 14 to August 7, 2025, the collaboration is part of joint efforts to empower young talents and prepare a new generation of coders and Piscine is an intense and immersive bootcamp designed to equip participants with foundational coding capabilities while challenging their adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration skills. This programme offers a unique opportunity for individuals, regardless of their background or prior coding experience, to build in-demand digital skills through a hands-on, peer-to-peer learning bootcamp will train 100 participants with essential coding and AI skills. With the support of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, individuals from various backgrounds, including those looking to enhance their digital skills or shift into tech-focused careers, will be empowered to build new coding capabilities and actively contribute to the growing digital aligns with KFED's broader vision of advancing individual skill development and catalysing innovation-led economic growth in the part of this collaboration, participants who successfully complete the Piscine will be eligible to join 42 Abu Dhabi's accredited programme and obtain the Diploma in Software Development, which is delivered full-time at the campus in Abu aspiring Emirati entrepreneurs who complete the Piscine and wish to launch their ventures can benefit from KFED's of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Her Excellency Mouza Al Nasri, said, 'This collaboration between Khalifa Fund and 42 Abu Dhabi represents a pivotal step in nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Al Ain. By combining 42 Abu Dhabi's groundbreaking approach to coding education with Khalifa Fund's comprehensive support for startups, we aim to empower individuals with the requisite skills and resources to transform ideas into impactful ventures. Together, we are fostering a thriving ecosystem where talent meets opportunity, driving sustainable growth and reinforcing Abu Dhabi and the UAE's position as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.'Khalifa Fund and 42 Abu Dhabi will continue collaborating through a range of initiatives designed to empower talents and accelerate venture includes building a seamless talent-to-startup pipeline, offering internship and employment pathways, and co-hosting community events, networking mixers, and demo partnership will also include joint mentorship and training programmes, equipping coders and entrepreneurs alike with the tools to materialise their ideas past CEO of 42 Abu Dhabi, Dr Ahmed Al Shoaibi, said, 'Our partnership with Khalifa Fund to bring the first-ever Piscine to the Al Ain Region is a powerful step toward widening access to innovative coding education and entrepreneurship skills. By hosting our Piscine at Khalifa Fund, Al Ain Campus, we look forward to equipping over 100 participants with in-demand coding skills and nurturing the entrepreneurial mindset needed to drive real impact within the local ecosystem. This initiative reflects 42 Abu Dhabi's continued commitment to empowering talent across the UAE and building a robust pipeline of innovators who will contribute to the emirate's digital transformation.'Potential applicants who are interested in joining the upcoming 'Piscine' can visit 42 Abu Dhabi's official website, where they will have to complete 42 Abu Dhabi's pre-selection 'Game' - an online assessment that evaluates cognitive capacity via logic and memory tests. Following this, they will attend an in-person check-in discovery session to be briefed on the Piscine and the learning methodology. Once candidates successfully complete the Piscine they will be eligible to join the accredited Diploma in Software Development programme offered at 42 Abu Dhabi's campus in Abu Dhabi.
Web Release
04-07-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development launches ‘Future Entrepreneur' program to enhance entrepreneurship skills
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) is launching tomorrow, July 4, 2025, the 'Future Entrepreneur' program to foster entrepreneurship skills among the youth aged between 6 and 18. The key objectives of the program includes fostering innovation, empowering young people with financial management skills and building a new generation of national entrepreneurs using tools for excellence in a practical environment under the guidance of a committee of experts. The program is projected to attract 5,000 participants and develop 2,500 entrepreneurial projects and 1,000 small ventures under the 'Future Entrepreneurs Permit' initiative, launched by the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), an arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) to develop and regulate the business sector, over the next five years. It follows a comprehensive process to select exceptional young entrepreneurs based on their eligibility, thinking methodology, creativity and performance. It mainly focuses on innovative problem-solvers and young individuals with the capability to make a long-term impact on Abu Dhabi's economic ecosystem. The program aims to support participants within certain age groups to innovate, develop and sell products and services in a realistic environment. Through this program, participants will receive expert guidance and feedback, helping them reach an idea pitching stage, where they can showcase products and services in a marketplace to promote and sell them and win awards. The training camp, under the program, enables participants to apply their acquired skills in real markets across various key fields, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, pre-owned goods market and food and beverage kiosks. The camp will also include a stringent evaluation system to recognise exceptional talents and qualify them to be part of 'Builders of Future Launchpad.' Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said, 'The Future Entrepreneur program is a testament to our wise leadership's progressive vision to support young talents, investing in programs to make them future leaders. Through this initiative, we aim to foster a culture of innovation among youth and reinforce national entrepreneurship, which is one of the key pillars of national economy and a driver of its sustainable growth and diversification. Furthermore, we seek to offer an enabling ecosystem to transform the aspirations of the participants into success stories at the beginning stage itself, allowing them to grow as successful entrepreneurs and create a lasting impact across Abu Dhabi's major sectors.' The initiative is going to start with an opening ceremony, in 'Nabd Al Falah' Center in Al Falah City, offering participants an opportunity to register and select their preferred pathway under the 'Inventor' or 'Trader' categories. The selected participants can then engage in a two-week summer camp and gain practical knowledge in pricing and brand development. The program will extend over a four-week period beginning mid-July, with two extensive study days per week. It seeks to nurture skills of young individuals in areas of idea generation, prototype development, budget planning, storytelling and digital tools. To register and learn more about the application criteria, please visit the website:
Al Etihad
03-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
KFED launches ‘Future Entrepreneur' programme to enhance entrepreneurship skills
3 July 2025 18:45 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) is launching on Friday, July 4, 2025, the 'Future Entrepreneur' programme to foster entrepreneurship skills among the youth aged between 6 and key objectives of the programme include fostering innovation, empowering young people with financial management skills, and building a new generation of national entrepreneurs using tools for excellence in a practical environment under the guidance of a committee of programme is projected to attract 5,000 participants and develop 2,500 entrepreneurial projects and 1,000 small ventures under the 'Future Entrepreneurs Permit' initiative, launched by the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), an arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) to develop and regulate the business sector, over the next five follows a comprehensive process to select exceptional young entrepreneurs based on their eligibility, thinking methodology, creativity, and mainly focuses on innovative problem-solvers and young individuals with the capability to make a long-term impact on Abu Dhabi's economic programme aims to support participants within certain age groups to innovate, develop, and sell products and services in a realistic this programme, participants will receive expert guidance and feedback, helping them reach an idea pitching stage, where they can showcase products and services in a marketplace to promote and sell them and win training camp, under the programme, enables participants to apply their acquired skills in real markets across various key fields, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, the pre-owned goods market, and food and beverage camp will also include a stringent evaluation system to recognise exceptional talents and qualify them to be part of 'Builders of Future Launchpad.'CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, said, 'The Future Entrepreneur programme is a testament to our wise leadership's progressive vision to support young talents, investing in programmes to make them future leaders. Through this initiative, we aim to foster a culture of innovation among youth and reinforce national entrepreneurship, which is one of the key pillars of the national economy and a driver of its sustainable growth and diversification. Furthermore, we seek to offer an enabling ecosystem to transform the aspirations of the participants into success stories at the beginning stage itself, allowing them to grow as successful entrepreneurs and create a lasting impact across Abu Dhabi's major sectors.'The initiative is going to start with an opening ceremony, in "Nabd Al Falah" Centre in Al Falah City, offering participants an opportunity to register and select their preferred pathway under the 'Inventor' or 'Trader' selected participants can then engage in a two-week summer camp and gain practical knowledge in pricing and brand development. The programme will extend over a four-week period beginning mid-July, with two extensive study days per week. It seeks to nurture skills of young individuals in areas of idea generation, prototype development, budget planning, storytelling, and digital tools.
