The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at AU hosted the 2024 edition of its annual “Lead Your Future” Forum, with this year’s forum featuring an exciting addition: the launch of “AU Valley,” an initiative that provides AU students and alumni with a platform to showcase their businesses and network with other entrepreneurs from the AU community.
The forum invited participants from AU’s College of Engineering, College of Business, School of Aviation, and Maritime Department to present their creative business ideas, creating a collaborative space for future inventors and entrepreneurs. Also, part of its dedication to corporate social responsibility, the center invited high school students to attend the forum and tour AU campus to get full university experience. As this forum aims to benefit not only AU students, but also the upcoming generations of Kuwait.
The event featured esteemed speakers, including Her Excellency Ms. Melissa Kelly, Australian Ambassador to Kuwait, who delivered the opening speech, followed by H.H. Sheikh Fahad Naif Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Chairman of the Kuwait Youth Development Association. Furthermore, Dr. Bashayer Al Khalifah, Manager of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, outlined the center’s strategic plans aligned with Kuwait Vision 2035 and highlighted its achievements. Additionally, Dr. Al Khalifa invited onto the stage a representative from Waves as an example of a successful AU Enterprise founded by AU students.
Dr. Bashayer Al Khalifa further emphasized the Center’s transformative vision, stating: “Our goal is to inspire and support our current students, alumni, and society to convert their innovative and entrepreneurial enterprises into real successful businesses to promote the Kuwaiti economy.”
