MAD Mentorpreneurs is a reverse mentoring program that will launch with a pitch competition taking place on September 30, 2017.

5 startups will be selected to become mentors to local industry leaders, and will receive prizes and business support services for a period of 12 months to help kickstart their businesses.

The reverse-mentoring program will consist of mandatory monthly meetings between the mentor and mentee, or the startup and the mentee’s corporate departments, with opportunity for a more thorough interaction as agreed between the two parties.

The idea is to help corporations self-disrupt within the organization, and gain a fresh perspective on current practices and trends, while the young mentor gains insight into the large business ecosystem and massive opportunities through the mentee’s networks.

Current candidates are from over 20 countries, coming from industries ranging from hospitality and F&B to blockchain.

There will also be a bootcamp on September 16 and 19, which will cover four workshops:

• Business Planning

• Leadership & Team

• Marketing & Communication

• Mentoring

The final pitch competition of MAD Mentorpreneurs will be held on September 30 in Sheraa, Sharjah, where we will have a panel of 4 judges to help select 5 winners from 10 finalists.

The judges include Neil Petch (CEO of Virtuzone), Kushal Shah (Managing Partner of Roland Berger and Founder of Dubai Angel Investors), Najla Al-Midfa (Managing Director of Sheraa), and Joy Ajlouny (Co-Founder of Fetchr).

Once the 5 winners are selected, they will be matched with their mentees; to be announced.

The deadline for applications is on Saturday August 12, so make sure to register here before it’s too late.

Register to attend here.