MEC Students participated in the Start Cup Competition 2025 by the University of Calabria, Italy

Middle East College (MEC) is proud to announce that a team of our students participated in the Start Cup competition 2025, held on 8th July at the University of Calabria in Rende, Italy. This prestigious event brought together 17 university teams from 12 countries around the Mediterranean, where students presented innovative entrepreneurial ideas. The MEC team, consisting of Ahmed Al Harthy, Sara Al Farsi, and Yousef Al Maashari, competed with their project “AI for Sustainable Energy Solutions”, focusing on using artificial intelligence to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in urban areas.

The Start Cup competition is an annual event organised by UNIMED and the University of Calabria, designed to promote entrepreneurship among university students from Mediterranean countries. The competition encourages students to develop and pitch innovative business ideas, fostering cross-border collaboration and supporting sustainable development.

The MEC team was the sole representative from Oman in this international competition. Their project, “AI for Sustainable Energy Solutions”, demonstrated how artificial intelligence can optimise energy use in smart cities, making them more sustainable and eco-friendlier. The team impressed the judges with their innovative approach and well-structured business model. Their participation highlights MEC’s commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and global engagement among its students.

Why Middle east college supports such initiatives

At MEC, we believe in providing our students with opportunities to engage in real-world challenges and develop essential skills for their professional growth. Participating in international competitions like the Start Cup competition allows students to:

· Enhance employability: Gain exposure to global industry standards and expectations.

· Develop entrepreneurial skills: Learn about business planning, pitching, and innovation.

· Build international networks: Connect with peers and professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

These experiences not only enrich students’ academic journeys but also prepare them to contribute effectively to the global economy. Middle east college remains committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among its students. We look forward to more opportunities for our students to participate in international platforms where they can continue to learn, innovate, and make meaningful contributions to society.