Released on = November 3, 2006, 1:15 pm

Press Release Author = PICTI

Industry = Internet & Online

Press Release Summary = The Palestine Information and Communications Technology
Incubator - PICTI, from its participation at the Palestinian IT Exhibition, Expotech
2006, announced today the launch of the “Business Plan Contest”, a
unique business plan competition for senior university and college students as well
as entrepreneurs from all regions in Palestine, which encourages innovation and
entrepreneurship – two qualities which are imperative to bring the Palestine
information and communications technology sector to the leading edge of business and
information technology. The Contest is supported by the World Bank infoDev program
that supports incubators in developing countries.

Press Release Body = The Palestine Information and Communications Technology
Incubator - PICTI, from its participation at the Palestinian IT Exhibition, Expotech
2006, announced today the launch of the “Business Plan Contest”, a
unique business plan competition for senior university and college students as well
as entrepreneurs from all regions in Palestine, which encourages innovation and
entrepreneurship – two qualities which are imperative to bring the Palestine
information and communications technology sector to the leading edge of business and
information technology. The Contest is supported by the World Bank infoDev program
that supports incubators in developing countries.

“PICTI is committed to playing an important role in Palestine in encouraging
innovation and technology commercialization,” said Mr. Laith Kassis, General
Manager of PICTI. Now in its 3rd year, the successful PICTI incubation program is
based on business assessment of entrepreneur and student concepts and ideas. The
objective of the “infoDev Business Plan Contest” is to identify and
recognize future talent and give them the opportunity and the necessary
encouragement to turn their ideas into reality.

In addition to showcasing their original ideas and exhibiting their educational
training and talent, the challenge also provides students with networking and
training opportunities with incubated businesses and IT leaders, such as sponsors
and supporters Paltel Group, Yooyaland, MobIS, Safad Software Systems, Al-Andalus
and Eyelash.

To promote the culture of recognizing innovative ideas and protecting intellectual
property rights, the challenge is including entry into the Intellectual Property
Showcase as part of the registration and to help protect students’ ideas and
plans. “The competition continues to provide a much needed link between
academic institutions and industry in Palestine. It gives businesses the chance to
tap into the enormous talent of the future entrepreneurs,” said Mr. Jamil
Daher, PICTI Chairman.

Until now, PICTI has already received more than ninety applications from
entrepreneurial teams from across Palestine and Palestinians abroad, who applied
their ideas for incubation at PICTI said Mr. Hasan Omar, PICTI Operations Manager.

The “Business Plan Contest” will offer Prizes for the top teams included
a trip to the leading technology trade show in the Gulf, as well as US$15,000 grants
for incubation for top teams and all teams will be awarded a certificate of
participation.

To participate in this year’s challenge, students are required to submit a
plan for a technology related business idea that will be judged by industry leaders
on creativity, originality and practicality of implementation. Students will work
with a PICTI advisor from their home institution, and are required to register
online at www.picti.ps. Representatives from PICTI will be visiting colleges and
universities across Palestine to provide more information and answer any questions
about the challenge. In addition, a series of seminars will be conducted to provide
students with the information they require to put together effective plans. The firs
seminar was conducted to a group of entrepreneurs during PICTI\'s participation at
the annual Palestinian technology exhibition (www.expotech.ps). The challenge will
conclude with a workshop, where the winners will be announced.

The Palestine Information and Communications Technology Incubator (PICTI), is an
independent Palestinian organization that has been created through the initiative
and support of the Palestinian Information Technology Community. PICTI and its
partner organizations have as their mission the revitalization and the sustainable
growth of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Palestine. Its
mission is to will design, develop, implement and promote those initiatives that
will support the development of entrepreneurial business ventures with high growth
potential by providing them with an integrated package of world-class business
development services that will nurture and support the commercialization of ideas
and enhance the development and growth of dynamic enterprises.



Web Site = http://www.picti.org

Contact Details = Al Sheikh Commercial Tower, 4th floor, Al-Quds Street, Al-Bireh,
Palestine, PO Box 54807, Jerusalem
Tel: +970 2 240 9290
Fax: +970 2 240 9294
www.picti.ps
info@picti.ps