Curtin University Dubai has concluded the 2025 Business Cup Challenge, an annual initiative that supports secondary students in developing practical entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking.
Held for the first time at Curtin Dubai’s expanded campus in Dubai International Academic City, the 2025 edition brought together more than 1,400 students and 270 teams from schools across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Now in its fourth year, the competition continues to strengthen its role as one of the UAE’s most significant student business challenges.
Over four weeks, participants took part in workshops and mentorship sessions designed to guide them through the process of identifying problems, shaping ideas, and developing viable business models. The program culminated on 18 October with the Elevator Pitch round, during which students presented their concepts in 40-second pitches assessed for clarity, feasibility and innovation.
Team Fortis from GEMS Westminster School, Sharjah, was named the 2025 Champion, with BrightTips and Team Hayat from Dubai National School – Al Barsha recognised as first and second runner-up respectively. Judges cited the teams’ originality, depth of analysis and potential for real-world application as key factors in their selection.
Reflecting on the initiative, Transnational Academic Group CEO and Grand Finale Judge Daniel Adkins said the competition provided students with an opportunity to gain practical learning experience in a supportive environment.
“Each year, we see students arrive with ideas and leave with direction,” Mr Adkins said.
“The Business Cup Challenge offers a structured experience that helps students build confidence, develop their analytical skills and understand the process of taking an idea from concept to execution.”
The winning team has been granted entry into Curtin Dubai’s Innovation Hub Incubation Program, a six-week initiative providing participants with access to mentors and industry specialists as they refine their prototypes and assess pathways to implementation.
Grand Finale Judge and Triliv Founder and CEO Jigar Sagar said the Challenge played an important role in preparing students for future entrepreneurial and professional endeavours.
“The experience encourages students to evaluate feasibility, think critically and understand the steps required to advance an idea towards potential seed funding,” Mr Sagar said.
Head of School – Business and Humanities at Curtin University Dubai Dr Nidhi Sehgal said the Challenge continued to serve as an important platform for early exposure to entrepreneurial learning.
“The Business Cup Challenge introduces students to the discipline of entrepreneurship and connects them with a community committed to nurturing emerging talent,” Dr Sehgal said. “It also provides insights that will inform their academic and career pathways.”
Since its inception more than a decade ago with 11 participating teams, the Business Cup Challenge has continued to expand both its reach and impact. All participating teams in 2025 received detailed feedback to support the further development of their concepts.
Pre-registration for the 2026 Business Cup Challenge is now open at curtindubai.ac.ae/bcc.
