KFED Launches Future Entrepreneur Programme To Enhance Youth Entrepreneurship Skills In Abu Dhabi

The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) is set to launch the 'Future Entrepreneur' programme on July 4, 2025. This initiative aims to cultivate entrepreneurship skills in youth aged 6 to 18. The programme's primary goals include fostering innovation, teaching financial management, and nurturing a new generation of national entrepreneurs through practical experiences guided by experts.

Participants will have the chance to register at the opening ceremony in "Nabd Al Falah" Center in Al Falah City. They can choose between the 'Inventor' or 'Trader' pathways. Following this, they will engage in a two-week summer camp to gain hands-on experience in pricing and brand development.

The programme is expected to attract 5,000 participants over five years. It aims to develop 2,500 entrepreneurial projects and 1,000 small ventures under the 'Future Entrepreneurs Permit’ initiative. This initiative was launched by the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), part of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), to enhance and regulate the business sector.

Through a comprehensive selection process, exceptional young entrepreneurs will be chosen based on their eligibility, creativity, and performance. The focus is on innovative problem-solvers who can significantly impact Abu Dhabi’s economic ecosystem over time.

The training camp within the programme allows participants to apply their skills in real markets across various fields like STEM, pre-owned goods market, and food kiosks. It includes a rigorous evaluation system to identify exceptional talents who can join the 'Builders of Future Launchpad.’

Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of KFED, stated: "The Future Entrepreneur programme is a testament to our wise leadership’s progressive vision to support young talents, investing in programmes to make them future leaders. Through this initiative, we aim to foster a culture of innovation among youth and reinforce national entrepreneurship, which is one of the key pillars of national economy and a driver of its sustainable growth and diversification."

The programme spans four weeks starting mid-July with two intensive study days each week. It focuses on nurturing skills such as idea generation, prototype development, budget planning, storytelling, and using digital tools.

Participants will receive expert guidance throughout the programme. They will reach an idea pitching stage where they can showcase products and services in a marketplace setting. This platform allows them to promote their ideas, sell products, and win awards.

This initiative seeks not only to empower young individuals but also aims at creating lasting impacts across major sectors in Abu Dhabi by transforming participant aspirations into successful entrepreneurial stories from the outset.

With inputs from WAM