SU REAL LIFE COMPETITION
The Student Union's Real Life Competition (SURL) is a well-established academic initiative under the American University in Cairo (AUC). It's not your typical competition. This unique platform offers participants the opportunity to address real-life challenges that transcend global boundaries. As a student-led, multidisciplinary competition, SURL aims to blend skills and foster collaboration among students across various academic disciplines. In addition to its global impact, the competition plays a key role in enhancing participants' awareness of strategies and solutions essential for their professional development.
Throughout the Years
Throughout the Years
Throughout the Years
Sixth Edition
Last year's competition discussed Green Economies through three sub-tracks; financial inclusion, sustainable agriculture, and efficient consumption and production. This competition had over 100 registered teams, with participants from 12 nationalities. The competition hosted different talks and workshops held by notable speakers from UNDP, CIB, Mintra and Sekem.
Fifth Edition
In 2022, the competition tackled the Digital Management of Natural Resources. It was divided into three sub tracks, which were land, water, and energy. This competition had over 60 registered teams, with 5 international teams. Notable speakers gave talks and workshops over the course of the competition, such as Omar Samra.
Fourth Edition
In 2021, the competition was focused on smart and sustainable cities. We had 3 tracks for the teams to pick from, healthcare, urban development, and education. The competition was under the auspices of the UNDP, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Communication and Technology, and Ministry of Higher Education. Throughout the competition, we had many speakers giving talks and workshops that included representatives from the ministries, UNDP, multinational companies, such as Microsoft and Dell, and even some ministers, such as Dr. Yasmin Fouad, and former ministers such as Dr. Ashraf Hatem.
Third Edition
In 2020, the Student Union Real Life Team launched the First Global Competition, in collaboration with UNDP and Ministry of Environment. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic the competition was not completed. However, this didn’t stop us it motivated us to do it this year either virtually or on ground depending on the global situation.
Second Edition
In 2019, the Student Union Real Life Team launched Egypt’s First Nationwide Competition, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The competition involved 8 participating universities from all over Egypt; and had over 70 participating students. The competition’s magnitude was unprecedented, whereby it received exposure and recognition from various government officials, corporates and media channels. Significantly, Egyptian Minister of Education, H.E. Dr. Tarek Shawky, had witnessed some of the proposed solutions presented by the participating teams, and awards were provided to the winning teams.
First Edition
In 2018, the Student Union Real Life Team launched the Tourism Competition which was the first interdisciplinary team competition to target a specific issue facing Egypt today. The Competition was in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism. Further, the competition was open to students in the American University in Cairo (AUC) only. Nonetheless, the competition’s success grabbed the attention of various media outlets, having been covered my leading channels in Egyptian Media such as OSN and OnTV. The winning team received a monetary prize and were presented with award shields.
THIS YEAR
THIS YEAR'S THEME
Eco-Entrepereneurship
Eco-Entrepreneurship embodies the concept of fostering innovative business ventures that prioritize sustainability. It emphasizes the creation of enterprises that are both socially and environmentally conscious, and economically viable. Participants are encouraged to explore how entrepreneurial endeavors can contribute to sustainable development while balancing economic growth, environmental preservation, and social inclusivity.
The theme is divided into specific tracks to encourage focused innovation. In addition to the tracks listed below, competitors are encouraged to incorporate Digital Transformation into their solutions to promote multidisciplinary.
1. Circular Economies: Focuses on businesses that promote waste reduction, resource recovery, and product lifecycle extension. Examples include upcycling waste into new products, creating repair and reuse platforms, and developing biodegradable materials, among others.
2. Sustainable Finance: Develop financial products, services, and investment strategies that support the transition towards a sustainable and equitable future. This broadly extends to finance-based businesses that tackle one, or some, of the SDGs. Examples include creating green bonds or impact investing funds, designing financial products that incentivize sustainable practices, or developing innovative financing products that benefits the potential workforce in underserved communities.
3. Social Impact: Focuses on businesses that address social and environmental challenges while generating financial returns. Participants are encouraged to challenge the notion that social welfare and community impact organizations are not profitable, to unleash the true potential of next-level social impact businesses. Examples include providing clean water to underserved communities for community-accessible tariffs, innovating microfinance solutions, and connecting farmers with urban markets, just to mention a few.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
Challenge YOURSELF
This is an opportunity to practice your case cracking skills, whilst applying your knowledge to solve a real-life challenge
BECOME A GLOBAL CITIZEN
Get the chance to engage with individuals from different cultures in this unique global educational experience , whilst proactively developing a foundational element in our society
TOP TRAVEL DESTINATION
Tour one of the World' Top Tourist Destinations; from learning more about Egypt's rich history to its beaches and incomparable culture, this experiential education competition has it all
WIN BIG IN FUNDING!
Compete for a Cause, and win a grand monetary prize to kickstart your journey towards redefining sustainability!
EXPERT TRAININGS
Develop your skills and knowledge from professionals and experts, building a foundational base upon which your professional skills and knowledge can further be improved
THE GREAT PYRAMIDS OF GIZA
"Sustainable development is the pathway to the future we want for all. It offers a framework to generate economic growth, achieve social justice, exercise environmental stewardship and strengthen governance."
– Ban Ki-moon
TIMELINE
SIGN UP DEADLINE
Wednesday April 17th, 2024
WORKSHOPS & FIELD VISITS
Friday April 19
Saturday April 20th
OPENING CEREMONY
Thursday April 18th, 2024
FIRST FILTRATION STAGE
Monday April 22nd
PITCHES OF TEAMS
Thursday April 25th
COMPETITION WORKSHOPS & MENTORSHIP
Friday April 26th
ANNOUNCEMENT OF 5 FINALISTS
Thursday April 25th
FINAL PITCHES AND CLOSING CEREMONY
Saturday April 27th
MEET THE TEAM
Mariam Taha
Academic Affairs Chairperson
Ahmed Yasser
Academic Affairs
Chairperson
Carol George
Real Life Competition
Co-General Manager
Omar Ashmawy
Real Life Competition
Co-General Manager
CONTACT US
Tel. +20 120 011 0499
Tel. +20 100 979 7106
Tel. +20 106 000 1479
Tel. +20 112 400 9220
Email: sureallife@aucegypt.edu
Visit US
Sunday - Thursday 8:30 - 20:00
Friday 13:00 - 18:00
Saturday 10:00 - 18:00