دفع نجاح رواد الأعمال من خلال الابتكار والتحول الرقمي
Driving Entrepreneurship Success via Innovation and Digital Transformation
About The Conference
Vision
kuwait technical college (ktech) envisions itself as a transformative platform for advancing innovation and digitalization, shaping the future of business by fostering collaboration between academics, industry leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Our goal is to drive sustainable growth and economic development in Kuwait and the region by addressing key challenges and unlocking opportunities through knowledge sharing and impactful research.
Mission
The ktech 3rd Annual Conference is committed to promoting cutting-edge insights into entrepreneurship, innovation, and digitalization. The conference will create an environment where professionals, academics, and students can collaborate, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions. We aim to empower participants with the skills and knowledge to innovate effectively and build successful enterprises that contribute to both local and global economies.
Conference Objectives
-
Bridge Academia and Industry: Encourage research and development by creating a collaborative platform for academic researchers, business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to share insights and collaborate on practical solutions to current challenges in business and management. Related SDG: Quality Education (SDG 4)
-
Foster Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Promote the exchange of innovative ideas, strategies, and practices that can drive business growth in Kuwait and the wider GCC region, with a special focus on the role of entrepreneurship in economic development. Related SDG: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
-
Support SMEs, Startups, and Women Entrepreneurs: Provide guidance on overcoming the specific challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, with an emphasis on empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting gender equality in the business field. Related SDGs: Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Gender Equality (SDG 5)
-
Promote Sustainable Growth Toward Smart Cities: Highlight the importance of digital transformation and human resource development in achieving sustainable growth, with a focus on fostering smart cities that are inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable. Related SDGs: Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and Climate Action (SDG 13)
Conference Language:
Arabic and English (translation available).
Conference Date:
May 1, 2025 & May 4, 2025
Conference Venue:
Kuwait Technical College, Abuhalifa Campus.
Target Audience
The conference welcomes diverse participation from industry, academia, and policymakers. It provides an ideal platform for exchanging innovative ideas, presenting research, and fostering collaboration to drive business innovation and leadership. The conference encourages contributions and attendance from:
- Academic Researchers and Students
- Policymakers and Government Leaders
- Entrepreneurs and Startups
- Private Sector Organizations
- Public Sector Organizations
Academic Researchers and Students:
We invite researchers and students in higher education institutions both in Kuwait and internationally, with a focus on business, entrepreneurship, and management. This conference provides a valuable opportunity to present cutting-edge research and to engage with experts in the field.
Policymakers and Government Leaders:
Policymakers and leaders are encouraged to participate, providing insights into regulatory frameworks and benefiting from discussions on the intersection of policy and business innovation.
Entrepreneurs and Startups:
Entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders are invited to engage in panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions. This provides a valuable chance to connect with academics, investors, and policymakers, facilitating networking and collaborations to further entrepreneurial growth and success.
Private Sector Organizations:
Leaders, managers, and professionals from the private sector are encouraged to attend, offering a chance to explore new ideas in management, leadership, and innovation. The conference fosters collaboration and dialogue on topics impacting businesses of all sizes.
Public Sector Organizations:
Government agencies and public sector leaders are welcome to participate in discussions on driving innovation in both public and private sectors, exchanging best practices, and enhancing their organizations through leadership and strategic management insights.
Conference Tracks
-
Higher Education, Industry, and Entrepreneurship: Bridging academia and industry, fostering entrepreneurship, and exploring opportunities in the GCC.
-
AI, Digital Transformation, and Business Innovation: Leveraging AI for SMEs, startups, marketing, audit, accounting, and strategic management.
-
Smart Cities, Sustainability, and Climate Action: Driving innovation in urban development, sustainable business practices, and green technologies.
-
Women in Business and Leadership: Advancing gender equality and economic impact through female entrepreneurship and leadership.
-
Workforce Development and Business Education: Digitalization, human capital growth, and technology-driven learning for future-ready leaders.
-
Scaling SMEs and Organizational Growth: Overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in an evolving digital economy.
-
Case Studies and Real-World Applications: Insights, success stories, and best practices from various industries.
Call for Papers
We invite submissions of abstracts and/or full papers for consideration. Authors are encouraged to submit an extended abstract of 1000-1500 words (approximately 4 to 5 pages, excluding references, appendices, and supplementary materials). Full paper submissions are also accepted.
Submission Guidelines
- Abstracts should be submitted to conference2025@ktech.edu.kw.
- All submissions will undergo a peer-review process.
- Authors submitting papers may also be requested to serve as reviewers for their colleagues' submissions.
- At least one author must register and attend the conference in person to present their paper.
Important Dates
- Extended Abstract Submission Deadline: April 12, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: April 17, 2025
- Conference Date: May 1, 2025 & May 4, 2025
Publishing Opportunities
- The conference proceedings will include extended abstracts.
- Selected full papers will be considered for fast-track opportunities in book chapters and journal publications.
Registration
ktech supports the 3rd Annual Conference by covering the registration fees. However, prior registration is required to attend the conference.
Conference Agenda
May 1, 2025
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Registration and Welcome Coffee |
| 9:30 AM – 9:45 AM | Opening Speech by Dr. Anwaar Al Kandari, Conference Chair |
| 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM | Keynote Speaker Address: Prof. Eng. Adel Bouhoula, Head of IT at Arabian Gulf University (Bahrain) “From Theory to Impact: How Emerging Technologies Solve Global Challenges and Drive Entrepreneurial Success” |
| 10:45 AM – 11:05 AM | Keynote Speakers Dr. Afnan Alkhaldi Dr. Sawsan Malik |
| 11:05 AM – 12:05 PM | Panel Discussion: "The Scientific and Academic Vision of Entrepreneurship Today" Moderated by Dr. Mohammad Albous Panelists: Dr. Ahmad Alsaber (AUK), Dr. Bedour Alboloushi (KCST), Dr. Sam Toglaw (GUST), Dr. Jenan Ben Salamah (Boubyan Bank) |
| 12:05 PM – 12:30 PM | Networking Break |
| 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Parallel Sessions: Academic Paper Presentations & Workshops |
May 4, 2025
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Registration and Welcome Coffee |
| 9:30 AM – 9:45 AM | Speech By: Mr. Meshari Boodai, ktech Chairman, Board of Trustees |
| 9:45 AM – 10:00 AM | KFAS Speech |
| 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Keynote Speech Address: Ms. Heba Alrefei, Manager of Finance Department and DG of National Fund for SME |
| 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Keynote Speaker Address: Dr. John Mulyata, Lecturer at Swansea University |
| 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Panel Discussion: "Innovation Realities in the World of Entrepreneurship " Moderated by Mr. Khalid Alhamad Panelists: Dr. Khalid Al-Hashmi (Qatar University), Mr. Mohammad Salah Alrefaei (Kuwait Innovation Center), Mr. Saad Alkhattaf (Paydo), Ms. Rawan Alotair (Digital Transformation IT & Computer Systems Services Co) |
| 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Award Ceremony |
| 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Networking Break |
| 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Parallel Sessions: Academic Paper Presentations & Workshops |
Committees
| Committee | Members |
|---|---|
| Organizing Committee |
|
| Technology Solutions Committee |
|
| Finance Committee |
|
| Media and Public Relations Committee |
|
| Academic Committee |
|
| Panel Discussion Committee |
|
| Logistics and VIP Committee |
|
| Opening and Closing Committee |
|
| Workshops Committee |
|
Workshops
Challenges and Opportunities in Scaling Kuwaiti SMEs in the Digital Era
Speaker: Dr. Ahmed Jamal Ismail
Date: May 4th 2025, 3pm - 4pm (C373)
Language: English, Arabic
Objectives:
- Identify key challenges SMEs face when scaling in the digital era.
- Explore the opportunities that digital transformation offers for SME growth.
- Provide actionable strategies and tools for SMEs to scale effectively.
- Foster networking and knowledge-sharing among participants.
Enhancing Proposals to Secure Research Funding
Speaker: Dr. Fajer Yousef Al-Husaini
Date: May 1st 2025, 2pm - 3pm (C371)
Language: English
Objectives:
- Understand the challenges of proposal writing.
- Recognize proposal audiences and tailor writing accordingly.
- Develop persuasive grant applications.
Lean Startup Essentials: Arab Market Edition
Speaker: Ms. Nouran Elbeyaly
Date: May 4th 2025, 1pm - 2PM (C371)
Language: English
Objectives:
- Learn Lean Startup principles and the Build-Measure-Learn cycle.
- Practice rapid iteration and customer validation.
- Apply concepts through a team-based activity.
Empowering Research with Jamovi: Streamlined Statistical Analysis for Faculty
Speaker: Mrs. Shahenda Moataz Zulfiqar
Date: May 1st 2025, 1pm - 2pm (CL266)
Language: English, Arabic
Objectives:
This workshop provides a practical introduction to Jamovi, free and open-source statistical software designed to simplify data analysis for academic research. Jamovi's user-friendly interface and integration with R make it an ideal tool for researchers seeking efficient and reproducible data analysis.
Business Ideation & Innovation Workshop
Speaker: Mr. Saleh AlOthman
Date: May 4th 2025, 2pm - 3pm (C372)
Language: English & Arabic
Objectives:
- Explore methods for idea generation and market discovery.
- Leverage innovation tools thinking for product innovation.
- Examine ideas including idea screening, evaluation, and validation.
- Tips for choosing your business idea.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Thriving in the Era of Innovation & Digital Transformation
Speaker: Mr. Hamza Taqi
Date: May 4st, 2025, 1pm - 2pm (C373)
Language: English
Objectives:
- Explore methods for idea generation and market discovery.
- Leverage innovation tools thinking for product innovation.
- Examine ideas including idea screening, evaluation, and validation.
- Tips for choosing your business idea.
Dos and Don'ts of Scholarly Publishing: A Focus on Writing an Entrepreneurship Paper
Speaker: Dr. Aidin Salamzadeh
Date: May 1st, 2025. 1pm - 2pm (C373)
Language: English
Objectives:
- To familiarize participants with the standards and expectations of scholarly publishing.
- To provide actionable strategies for writing and structuring entrepreneurship research papers.
- To highlight common mistakes and pitfalls in academic writing and how to avoid them.
- To equip participants with tools and techniques for successful manuscript submission and peer review.
- To enhance participants' understanding of the entrepreneurship research landscape and its publication trends.
Thank you for your interest in participating in our workshops.
Keynote Speakers
Prof. Dr. Eng. Adel Bouhoula
Head of the Information Technology Department at Arabian Gulf University (Bahrain)
Prof. Dr. Eng. Adel Bouhoula
Dr. Khalid Al-Hashmi
Director of the Center of Entrepreneurial and Organizational Excellence at Qatar University
Dr. Khalid Al-Hashmi
Dr. Afnan Alkhaldi
Assistant Dean at Arab Open University - Faculty of Business Studies Headquarters
Dr. Afnan Alkhaldi
Dr. Sawsan Malik
Assistant Dean at Arab Open University of Kuwait
Dr. Sawsan Malik
Ms. Heba Alrefei
Manager of Finance Department and the DG of National Fund for SME
Ms. Heba Alrefei
Dr. John Mulyata
Lecturer at Swansea University
Dr. John Mulyata
Contact Us
Conference Chair Dr. Anwaar Alkandari --
a.alkandari@ktech.edu.kw.
Conference Coordinator Nouran Elbeyaly --:
n.elbeyaly@ktech.edu.kw.
Contact:
conference2025@ktech.edu.kw.
Conference Chair Dr. Anwaar Alkandari --
a.alkandari@ktech.edu.kw.
Membership Chair Ms Berlanti Odeh -- phone:
66188470
Contact:
Conference@ktech.edu.kw.