Get Involved
Become a Founder at GCC's Most Credible Youth Venture Programme
IMR refers to its strategic partners as Founders , because this is more than sponsorship. It is an early, strategic partnership with disciplined, high-potential young entrepreneurs who have already moved beyond ideas and demonstrated real-world proof.
What Founders Gain
Early access to vetted, high-potential GCC founders who have already built real prototypes
Reduced early-stage risk through structured selection and independent judging
Optional routes to pilots, co-development, or future investment discussions
A meaningful, visible role in shaping the next generation of GCC businesses
National brand visibility across a high-credibility programme aligned with GCC's regional economic agenda
Founder Tier Options
Best for
Brand Visibility
Founder Access
Speaking Role
Investment Path
Headline
Founders
$550K - 600K
1 available
Leading bank, telecom,
or national brand
wanting top-tier naming
Naming rights across all programme materials
First-look window (30 days) with all 5 finalists
GCC Showcase in Dubai
Right to invest in a future round if founder chooses
Growth Founders
$300k–375k
2–3 available
2–3 founders wanting
strong access without
naming rights
Category branding on defined section
Private showcase + first meetings with top 3
finalists
GCC Showcase in Dubai
Option to fund a pilot or market test
Challenge Founders
$70k–100k
2–4 available
Brand with a real
business challenge to
be solved
Challenge-theme
branding
First discussion with
best-fit finalist in your challenge theme
Shortlist event
First pilot discussion
right
Finalist
Backer
$40k–50k
Up to 5
Hands-on founder
wanting focused access
to one finalist
Named finalist
supporter
Direct support of one
finalist, first commercial meeting
GCC Showcase in Dubai
Help fund prototype
work or first market
steps
In-Kind Founder: $15k–20k value. Media, venue, legal, tech, travel, and production suppliers.
Gain brand presence, event access, and content use rights in exchange for services.
Founders Are Protected and So Is the Programme
Judging comes first. No founder may influence selection or have sight of results before they are final. Commercial discussions begin only after scoring is complete. This is what makes Ideas Made Real trustworthy – for founders, for participants, and for the GCC.
Independent judging - founders never control selection
Clear entry rules, dual reviewers, and conflict-of-interest checks
Funding released in defined stages
Any first-look or pilot right is short, clear, and written
Legal review on any fee linked to investment
"We invite founders who share our commitment to fairness,
transparency, and elevating the next generation of GCC entrepreneurs."