On Thursday, April 26, 2018, the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) organized its annual entrepreneurship competition: “USEK New Venture Challenge 2018, hosted by The Asher Center in the John-Paul II Amphitheater. “Innovation and entrepreneurship are the essential tools for the challenges we face and the opportunities we look to embrace.” stated Mr. Tony Asher, founder of the Asher center during the event. Mrs. Corine Kiame, IM Capital Investment Manager was invited to be among the jury members with fellow jurists Mr.Elie Akhrass, Dr. Bijan Azad, Mr.Nadim Khater and Mr.Jad El Boustani screening 11 competing teams:

• BioFarm: consists of a big greenhouse and a barn using only natural fertilizers and no pesticides, plus organic grade soil. Solar panels are deployed to generate electricity and water collectors are placed to drive rainwater through natural filtering units to be stored in a container below the farm for all kinds of water usages.
• You2Better: is an application that aims to linking patients with psychotherapists on an online chatting platform.
• UniSurf: Through the app the user gets to: buy and sell used books and notes, create and join study groups, rate their instructors, as well as post reviews about courses.
• Edu Guide: The EDU GUIDE application is an ultimate reference for universities’ specializations, and that is based on individual’s study material references that help student to avoid study errors, unnecessary expenses associated with a change of major and reduce expenses.
• Fusion: is a music collaboration platform for musicians seeking oriental music. You basically upload your idea to Fusion, and invite others you meet in our community to finish the song.
• StudyStudio: transforms a text into music based on your sound preferences
• Investour: Giving the chance for business people to get to know the country they will plan to invest in while spending time with their families.
• ParaSun: we build a smart sun umbrella which can block the sunlight by itself even when the rays change her direction during the day
• Overlay: Cell Phone Distinguished covers
• Fast Football: My business is to find player or help people to join others in a game or any events related to the sport like tournaments, league, try-out...
• TakeMeThere: The application links the tourist with a local and affordable guide.

Following the pitches, 3 winners received cash prizes: First place: Overlay, winning 2500$ Second place: Fusion, winning 1500$ Third place: Parasun, winning 1000$ In addition to the cash prizes, the school is committed in helping those ideas grow through dedicated mentorship and technical assistance.