Jeddah, January 5, 2025 – The highly anticipated Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA Saudi 2024/25) competition came to a successful conclusion today at the headquarters of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) in Jeddah, with over 50 student entrepreneurs showcasing their innovative ventures and competing for prizes totaling an impressive $100,000. This event served as a pivotal moment in the journey of many aspiring student entrepreneurs, each vying for recognition and the opportunity to further their business ambitions.
The competition saw Riyad Al-Balushi and Ibrahim Al-Ghalayini emerge as the top winners in the GSEA Jeddah competition, securing the opportunity to represent Jeddah in the prestigious national finals for GSEA. As part of a larger global initiative, the GSEA competition acts as a platform to spotlight the brightest and most innovative young business leaders who are managing their own companies while pursuing higher education. Entrepreneurs from across the globe participate in this remarkable event, which spans various stages from local to national and international levels.
The GSEA is widely regarded as the premier global platform for student entrepreneurs, with a primary goal of inspiring and supporting entrepreneurial students in launching, growing, and sustaining their ventures. The competition provides a vital opportunity for young innovators to refine their business acumen, gain invaluable mentorship, and receive financial backing to scale their operations. More importantly, it underscores the critical role that entrepreneurship plays in economic growth and development, especially in today’s rapidly evolving global marketplace.
One of the unique aspects of the GSEA competition is its emphasis on evaluating not just the business ideas of contestants, but also their personality, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit. By focusing on these core characteristics, the GSEA ensures that the individuals behind the businesses are recognized for their potential to contribute meaningfully to the global entrepreneurial ecosystem. This holistic approach helps foster not only the next generation of business owners but also the leaders who will drive innovation, job creation, and economic prosperity for years to come.
As the competition draws to a close, the focus now shifts to the national finals, where Riyad Al-Balushi and Ibrahim Al-Ghalayini will represent Jeddah and continue their entrepreneurial journey, with the hopes of advancing to the global stage. Their success reflects the growing entrepreneurial spirit in Saudi Arabia and signals a bright future for student entrepreneurs both within the Kingdom and globally.