Blockchain startup Denari Cash wins Dubai SmartPreneur Competition

Three innovative startups have been named winners of the Dubai Smartpreneur Competition 4.0 hosted by Entrepreneur Middle East’s 2019 Enterprise Agility Forum and supported by du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC). The winner of first prie went to Denari Cash which utilizes blockchain for remittances. The competition is one of the programs by Dubai Startup Hub, the entrepreneurship support arm of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Open to startups with solutions in the fields of Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation, the competition gave entrepreneurs the opportunity to become part of Dubai Government’s Strategy to elevate the city into a global platform for innovation-focused businesses. The winners from first to third place respectively are Denari Cash, a mobile application helping overseas workers to send money; Arabee, a high specification platform providing an online multi-format Arabic language programme; and xpence, a digital-only intelligent business bank account designed by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs.

Hany Aly, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Business from du said: “The most innovation-focused startups in the UAE are pushing the boundaries of Blockchain, AI and a host of other digital-first solutions. We are excited to present the winners of the Smartpreneur Competition 4.0, an ideal platform for these startups to raise capital, expand their business and forge meaningful business relationships with major investors, business leaders, representatives of international institutions and government entities.”

The top three of the 10 finalists are now members of Dubai Startup Hub community. The winners were awarded a free comprehensive enterprise solution by du – Business Complete 275 MBPS – free for a year. The package includes a fixed business line, 275 mbps download speed, 30 mbps upload speed and the complete Microsoft Office 365 solution.

Natalia Sycheva, Manager of Entrepreneurship for Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the high-potential business ideas presented by the winners of the fourth Dubai Smartpreneur Competition reflect the innovative spirit and diversity that exists within Dubai’s startup community. “Through the Dubai Smartpreneur Competition and other initiatives offered under the Dubai Startup Hub platform, Dubai Chamber aims to empower entrepreneurs by providing them with training, practical support, and access to development opportunities. At the same time, our members are creating new solutions that support Dubai’s smart city vision and foster a culture of innovation within the business community,” said Sycheva.

The entire Top 50 of the Smartpreneur Competition 4.0 had an opportunity to join the 2019 Enterprise Agility Forum presented by du, an annual Entrepreneur MENA industry Intel event. Prior to the event they also had the opportunity to attend two full-day workshops on mentorship, building relationships, and developing a full business plan.