Get All Access for $5/mo

UAE Launches The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Settlement Challenge With AED2 Million Grant For those of you working on solutions in the sphere of human space habitation, here's valuable support from the UAE government.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Shutterstock

For those of you working on solutions in the sphere of human space habitation, here's valuable support from the UAE government. With an objective to accelerate space exploration activities, the UAE launched the Space Settlement Challenge at the just-concluded 2018 World Government Summit. Under the challenge, the country has set aside a dedicated seed fund grant of AED2 million (approximately EUR500,000) to support "ambitious projects from all areas of research pursuing ideas and concepts to unlock the future of human space habitation." Interestingly, the challenge is open to ideas and minds worldwide, regardless of discipline, background, or origin of the projects.

The Space Settlement Challenge is one of the first initiatives announced as part of the recently established Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Accelerated Research, an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation. The challenge is made up of three categories. The first revolves around space settlement aiming to discover locations that would accommodate at least 100 people including aspects like construction automation, power, food, water, etc. The second leg of the challenge -termed Terraforming & Space Ecology- will look into creating livable long-term environments in space, and the third category-Economics, Business Model & Governance- looks for solutions for optimal resource utilization by identifying private sector partners.

To grow your idea with the support of the grant and mentorship that the challenge offers, and/or to know more about it, check out the infographic below, and visit the official page here. Hurry and apply before March 10, 2018!

Related: Book Review: Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, And The Quest For A Fantastic Future By Ashlee Vance

Entrepreneurs

Here Are The 20 Startups Selected For The Eighth Cohort Of The MBRIF Innovation Accelerator Program

The final participants of the year-long program were selected from over 200 applicants from across 35 countries.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Leadership

Steve Jobs' 3 Public Speaking Power Moves Remain Just as Relevant Today, 13 Years After His Final Keynote at the Apple Developers Conference

The co-founder and former CEO of Apple knew how to get big ideas across to consumers and investors.

Starting a Business

Watch Now: How to Create Goals That Will Turn Profit & Scale

Join us for this special Q&A with Clinton Sparks, who will share the techniques that can help you drive real results for your small business or aspiring ideas.

Starting a Business

Startup Spotlight: UAE-Based Egrobots Is Enabling Early Detection Of Crop Diseases In The MENA

Egrobots' robots can navigate complex terrain and confined spaces, ensuring access to hard-to-reach areas, and are equipped with sensors for comprehensive data collection.