UOD | July 15, 2026, University Press Office (UNPO) –

The University of Duhok (UOD) invites undergraduate students from all colleges to apply for the RISE Start Cup Competition 2026, organized within the framework of the RISE Project (Reinforcing Integration of Skills for Employability and Internationalisation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq).

The competition aims to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, employability, and international collaboration by encouraging students to transform creative ideas into practical solutions that address societal, economic, environmental, and educational challenges.

Competition Theme

"From Local Ideas to Global Impact: Cross-Border Innovation for Sustainable Communities and Regional Development."

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to Bachelor's degree students from all colleges and disciplines at the University of Duhok.

Applicants must:

• Form a team of 2–4 undergraduate students.
• Develop an innovative business or entrepreneurial project aligned with the competition theme.
• Present and communicate their ideas in English.
• Be enrolled at the University of Duhok during the 2025–2026 academic year.

Competition Information

Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
Competition Venue: Duhok Polytechnic University, Duhok
Competition Dates: 9–10 November 2026
Networking Event Venue: University of Zakho, Zakho
Networking Event: 11 November 2026

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit the following by August 31, 2026:

• One-page CV for each team member.
• Executive Summary of the project idea (maximum two pages).
• One-page motivation letter.
• Completed online application form:

Application Form:
https://forms.gle/NdQB6iqDAG1qHFoTA

Following the internal selection process, the winning UOD team will receive mentoring and participate in a series of online training workshops before representing the University of Duhok at the RISE Start Cup 2026, to be held on 9–10 November 2026 at Duhok Polytechnic University, followed by the RISE Networking Event on 11 November 2026 at the University of Zakho.

Competition Awards

Participants will compete for:

• Certificates of Excellence
• Mentorship opportunities
• International visibility through the RISE and UNIMED networks
• Opportunities for future collaboration and project development

Students interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development are encouraged to seize this opportunity to showcase their ideas, strengthen their professional skills, and represent the University of Duhok in an international academic competition.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Nazar Ameen Mohammed
RISE Local Coordinator – University of Duhok
[email protected]

For more information about the project, visit:
https://www.risekrdproject.eu/

University Press Office, July 15, 2026

Keywords

• RISE Start Cup 2026
• University of Duhok
• Student Innovation
• Entrepreneurship Competition
• International Collaboration