Maryam Al-Naemi, a senior in information systems at CMU-Q, led the team that placed third at the first Arab Innovation Academy (AIA), which was held at the Education City Student Center. Al-Naemi’s team members included Nour Tabet, the outreach coordinator for computer science at CMU-Q, as well Haneen Abunada, Ammar AlHasbash, and Yassine Tasfouat.

The Arab Innovation Institute is a new initiative by the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation Research and Development. There were 150 participants from across the Arab world who came together for the two-week program to develop and launch new tech ventures.

Each of the 150 participants came to the AIA with an idea for a venture. At an opening exhibition, participants voted on the most viable ideas. Al Naemi’s idea—an online platform to bring together restaurants and food suppliers—was among 25 to move through to the development stage. The team came together to develop areas such as finance, marketing, design, and software development.

“People assume you need a business degree to create a startup, but as an information systems major, I feel like I have an advantage. I have taken courses in many different areas, so I could communicate well with my team members who specialize in both the technical and the business side,” said Al Naemi.

After pitching the idea to a panel of judges, Al Naemi’s project was awarded third place. The team will receive six months of marketing and design mentoring through QSTP.

Read more about innovation entrepreneurship ventures from CMU-Q alumni.