CBA Student Wins Second Place in Sheraa Hackathon
College of Business Administration student Karen Saad Zakaria came in 2nd and was granted the title “Pioneer of Future” at the Sheraa Hackathon which took place on the 22nd and 23rd of November 2021. This year's theme was focused on creating Entrepreneurial ideas to achieve sustainable development goals. Karen’s project focused on Cyber Security, targeting the SDGs of Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, National Security, Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities. Out of 350 applicants from universities all over UAE, only 100 students were shortlisted to participate and Karen was the first runner up in the event. The 4th year management major will be officially incubated by AED 10,000.
Karen said, “Despite the challenges faced in developing an innovative solution, prototyping, and creating a compelling pitch in 2 days the whole experience was remarkable and a dream come true! As a Business student and aspiring entrepreneur, it was the first time, I entered the realm of business. I've learned so much from the experiences of MNC entrepreneurs like Magnus Olsson (Founder of Careem), H.E. Dr.Ahmed Al Falasi (UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurs and SMEs),Fadi Ghandour (Co-founder of Aramex),Vishen Lakhiani (Owner of Mindvalley) and many inspirational public figures, for example, CEO of Sheraa, Najla al Midfa, along with brilliant students from all over the UAE”. She added “I am proud to have achieved this goal and to be chosen to represent AU CBA in an international hub for entrepreneurship. The hackathon reignited my confidence in choosing Management as a major and AU as my academic institution!”
