Persium triumphs at London Business School’s MENA Startup Competition

The UAE-based environmental technology innovator has been recognised for its sophisticated air quality and environmental sensing solutions at a prestigious regional entrepreneurship showcase.

Persium, a distinguished environmental technology venture founded in the United Arab Emirates, has claimed victory at the London Business School MENA Startup Competition 2026, which culminated in Dubai on 14 October. The competition, orchestrated under the auspices of London Business School’s Institute of Entrepreneurship and Private Capital, attracted nearly 100 applications representing the entrepreneurial dynamism of the Middle East and North Africa region.

The competition’s grand finale witnessed ten finalists presenting their ventures to a panel of accomplished business leaders and investors, with the winner receiving a share of a USD 45,000 non-dilutive prize pool. Persium’s victory reflects the calibre and innovation of its advanced environmental sensing technology, which provides comprehensive air quality, noise and environmental data solutions.

The runner-up positions were claimed by SDM, which utilises artificial intelligence to facilitate early detection of chronic disease among health practitioners, and Frank AI, which has developed an Agent Operating System designed for independent real-estate professionals across the Gulf Cooperation Council. The breadth of finalist ventures encompassed a remarkable range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, enterprise software, healthtech, agricultural technology, biotechnology, education technology, climate technology, financial technology, property technology, and human resources technology solutions.

The judging panel comprised Karim Hasab El-Nabi, Founder of MARIHUB; Jane Khedair, Executive Director of IEPC; Pier Armando Vender, Principal at Iliad Partners; and Umer Saleem, Board Director and Chief Transformation Officer at Maven Investment Partners. The assessments were conducted with particular attention to business potential, early traction, founding team calibre, problem-solution alignment and capacity to benefit from the London Business School network.

The event featured keynote addresses from H.E. Dr Mubarak Hamad Marzouq Al Ameri, Chairman of Marzouk Global & Crystal Group Holdings, and Renate Verheul, Managing Director at Accenture Middle East. Two illuminating fireside discussions explored the entrepreneurial landscape, investment opportunities, and the nuanced challenges confronting ventures across the region, bringing together experienced mentors and accomplished entrepreneurs.

Jane Khedair, Executive Director of IEPC at London Business School, remarked upon the exceptional calibre of the competing ventures and the remarkable entrepreneurial talent evident throughout the MENA region. She emphasised that the competition extends beyond recognition of promising businesses, serving as a vital conduit connecting founders with investors, mentors and the broader London Business School network.

Alex Yousefian, Chief Executive Officer of Persium, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the exceptional quality of the competing startups and the invaluable experience provided by the competition and its organisers.

All semi-final stage participants received mentoring from London Business School alumni and experienced volunteers, strengthening their presentations and preparing them for the competition. The 2026 edition was organised by Ihab Tabbara and Dr Nasir Khan, Co-Presidents of the LBS Entrepreneurship Club MENA, supported by a dedicated student organising team and strategic partners.

Source: WAM