DMZ 2026 Form - Arab Innovation Network

DMZ Arab Youth Tech Innovators Challenge - Arab Innovation Network Challenges 2026

Are you a young innovator with a bold tech idea? This is your opportunity to turn it into something real.

The DMZ Arab Youth Tech Innovators Challenge is calling on ambitious youth from across the Arab region and diaspora to step forward with innovative, tech-driven solutions that can shape the future.

Whether you are building in AI, fintech, health, climate, education, or beyond, we want to hear from you.

Who can apply?
- Youth aged 18-35
- Individuals or teams of up to 2
- Students, early-stage founders, or aspiring innovators
- Open to applicants across the Arab world
What you will need to prepare
- Your resume
- Your product or business poster
- A 2-minute elevator pitch video
Challenge journey
- Apply online using this form
- Top 10 applicants will be invited to a virtual pitching training
- Top 3 will present their ideas in Jordan, where one winning team will be selected
- Winner will be invited to one of the events/activities at DMZ-Canada
Key dates
- Applications Open: 12 May 2026
- Applications Deadline: 26 May 2026
- Shortlisting: June 2026
- Final Pitch: December 2026 (Jordan)
**The application MUST be completed in English**
1. Basic Information
Full Name*
Email Address*
Phone Number*
Include country code.
Date of Birth*
Country of Residence*
Nationality*
City*
LinkedIn Profile
Optional
2. Eligibility Confirmation
Are you applying as an individual or a team?*
Teammate Full Name*
Required when applying as a team.
Teammate Email Address*

Required when applying as a team.
Are you currently a university student or an early-stage founder?*
University / Organization Name*
Field of Study / Industry Focus*
Do you reside in or are you originally from the Arab region?*
Please confirm your idea is tech-enabled*
Examples: AI, fintech, healthtech, edtech, climate tech, web applications, or other digital products.
3. Personal Background
Short Bio*
150-200 words.
What motivated you to apply to this challenge?*
What problem areas are you most passionate about?*
4. Idea / Startup Information
Project / Startup Name*
Tagline*
One sentence.
Describe your idea*
Maximum 300 words.
What problem are you solving?*
Who is your target audience?*
What is your proposed solution?*
What makes your idea unique or innovative?*
What stage are you at?*
Do you have any existing users, pilots, or traction? Please explain.*
If none, write N/A.
5. Technology & Impact
What technologies are you using or planning to use?*
Examples: AI, mobile app, web platform, hardware, fintech stack, data platform.
How does your solution create value?*
What is the social or economic impact of your idea?*
How does your idea address challenges in the Arab region?*
Can your solution scale? If yes, how?*
If not yet, explain what would be needed to scale.
6. Resume Upload
Upload your resume*
Accepted file types: pdf.
PDF format only.
Upload teammate's resume*
Accepted file types: pdf.
Required when applying as a team. PDF format only.
7. Elevator Pitch (Video)
Prompt guidance
- Who you are
- The problem
- Your solution
- Why it matters
How would you like to submit your 2-minute elevator pitch?*
Upload your 2-minute elevator pitch video*
Accepted file types: mp4, mov, avi, m4v, webm.
Accepted formats: mp4, mov, avi, m4v, webm.
Video Link*
YouTube or Vimeo preferred.
8. Project Poster
How would you like to submit your project poster?*
Upload your completed project poster*
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, jpeg, png.
Accepted formats: PDF, JPG, JPEG, PNG.
Problem Statement*
Required when submitting structured poster details.
Solution Overview*
Required when submitting structured poster details.
Key Features*
Required when submitting structured poster details.
Target Market*
Required when submitting structured poster details.
Impact Summary*
Required when submitting structured poster details.
Visuals / Mockups
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, jpeg, png.
Optional. Accepted formats: PDF, JPG, JPEG, PNG.
9. Outreach
Where did you hear about this challenge?*
Other (please specify)*
10. Declarations
Accuracy Confirmation*
- I confirm that the information provided is accurate.
Terms and Conditions*
- I agree to the challenge terms and conditions.
Consent*
- I consent to the use of my submitted materials for evaluation and promotional purposes.

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Contacts

DMZ Arab Youth Tech Innovators Challenge - Arab Innovation Network Challenges 2026

1. Basic Information

2. Eligibility Confirmation

3. Personal Background

4. Idea / Startup Information

5. Technology & Impact

6. Resume Upload

7. Elevator Pitch (Video)

8. Project Poster

9. Outreach

10. Declarations