• Eighth edition of GIC sees largest-ever participation of 10,000+ students

Dubai: GEMS Education announced the winners of the 2025 Global Innovation Challenge (GIC) and Plug and Play Tech Center Incubator. The eighth edition see entries from more than 10,000 students and more than 1,500 students shortlisted to compete across two showcase events.

Designed exclusively for students across the GEMS network, GIC is an entrepreneurship initiative that connects young innovators with global mentors, venture capitalists, and startup accelerators. The competition invites students to create solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, addressing pressing global issues across areas such as clean energy, health, sustainability, education, and equality.

This year’s GIC was expanded through a strategic partnership with Plug and Play Tech Center, one of the world’s most influential innovation platforms, headquartered in Silicon Valley. Through the collaboration, GEMS students have benefitted from the same innovation pipeline as global startups such as PayPal, Dropbox, and N26. The alliance has also opened opportunities for entries from teachers, parents, and alumni.