Dr. Alaa Talal Yassin, Head of the Rehabilitation and Employment Unit and one of the trainers of the Riyada Initiative at the University of Information Technology and Communications, participated in a workshop held at the College of Artificial Intelligence, University of Baghdad. The workshop was conducted in conjunction with Entrepreneurship and Creativity Week and addressed the concept of entrepreneurship as a process of transforming innovative ideas into projects with economic and social value. It also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence as a key driver in supporting the establishment of modern startups.

The workshop included an explanation of the difference between traditional projects and startups, noting that the latter are characterized by innovation, scalability, and reliance on flexible, fast-growing business models.

The lecturer also reviewed the main stages of establishing a startup, beginning with idea generation, moving through problem identification and market analysis, and the development of a prototype, and culminating in attracting funding and achieving scale. She concluded the workshop by emphasizing the importance of adopting modern methodologies, such as Design Thinking, in developing entrepreneurial ideas and turning them into successful projects.