Page 205 - KFED PR REPORT LOCAL - AUGUST 2025

8/11/25, 10:54 AM Building UAE's next tech entrepreneurs through talent-to-startup strategy - Aletihad News Center
Through this initiative, KFED and 42AD aimed to build a seamless pathway from education to entrepreneurship.

Speaking to Aletihad, Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said: "After completing
the Piscine bootcamp, participants can join 42 Abu Dhabi's accredited diploma in software development. For Emiratis

aspiring to launch ventures, Khalifa Fund provides startup support to ensure graduates are not only technically
equipped but also strategically positioned and enabled to turn their ideas into thriving startups."

By providing hands-on training that mirrors real-world tech environments, KFED addresses key market gaps in
software development, AI literacy, and tech entrepreneurship - sectors that are essential in Abu Dhabi's digital

transformation.

"Beyond technical skills, the programme integrated entrepreneurial mindset development through challenges that

required collaboration and real-world problem-solving," Al Nasri said.

There were also pitching opportunities that introduced participants to the soft skills necessary in running a business.

"Graduates benefit from joint mentorship programmes, exposure to venture creation pathways and opportunities to

pitch ideas during community events. These elements cultivate essential business acumen, from ideation and

validation to scaling and sustainability," the KFED CEO added.

Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi, Acting CEO of 42 Abu Dhabi, highlighted the progressive structure of the tech education the

school offers.

AI is central to advanced stages, with students moving from C and C++ to AI basics, then specialising in fields like

web and mobile; game and graphics; system and kernel; and security and network, he told Aletihad.

"This progressive structure ensures a deep, hands-on understanding of AI as students advance. Through 42 Abu

Dhabi's diverse programmes, we provide advanced technical training aligned with global technology trends - nurturing
talent that meets evolving industry demands and supports the UAE's broader innovation agenda," Dr. Al Shoaibi said.

With Al Ain Piscine - the school's collaboration with KFED - the tech training was complemented with "a series of

workshops and specialised courses that helped translate technical expertise into scalable entrepreneurial ventures",

he added.

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