The Rizk Auditorium at the University of Balamand was abuzz with anticipation and enthusiasm as senior business students unveiled their innovative solutions to challenges in business education during the "Innovate to Elevate" Competition Pitch and Awards Ceremony. Hosted by the esteemed Faculty of Business Administration, the event showcased a captivating display of talent, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The competition featured nine dynamic teams, each presenting their visionary ideas to a discerning panel of judges. Evaluated on four critical criteria—innovation, feasibility, impact, and presentation skills—the presentations were enriched by the active participation of the audience, contributing 40% to the final scores.
Each team delivered compelling presentations within a concise 5-minute timeframe, addressing diverse topics such as collaborative learning platforms, career development hubs, integrating technology into the classroom, fostering student well-being, and innovative software solutions. The audience was enthralled by the students' passion and ingenuity, creating an immersive experience.
Following the presentations, guests were treated to a networking session and a cocktail, fostering connections and discussions among attendees.
In a suspenseful culmination, esteemed judges Dr. Saad Andary, Banking and Financial Expert and Academic, Dr. Karim Rebeiz, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management, and Dr. Oumaya Kuran, Assistant Professor and Chairperson, took the stage to announce the winners:
- 3rd Prize: "BusinessReality360: Bridging Classrooms and Corporations" presented by Antoinette Abboud and Taline Harbieh
- 2nd Prize: "Balamand Career Hub: Empowering Futures, Connecting Opportunities," presented by Yara El Beaini and Antony Mouawad
- **1st Prize: "TAMAD Software Integration Initiative" presented by Tala Dandashi and Imad Saad
The winning teams were presented with prizes and certificates, marking a memorable conclusion to the competition.
Beyond the accolades, the "Innovate to Elevate" Competition underscored its commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and fostering innovative solutions for the future of business education. Serving as a vital platform, the event allowed students to showcase their talents, receive constructive feedback, and gain invaluable experience.
The Faculty expressed gratitude to Dr. Andary for his generous support and commended the students for their active participation. The event concluded with a call to action, urging continued support for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The "Innovate to Elevate" Competition emerged as a resounding success, leaving an indelible impression on all attendees. The presented ideas hold immense potential to shape the future of business education, and the participating students undoubtedly represent the future leaders of the industry.
This project falls within the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically related to Quality Education (SDG 4).
