The Career Development Division at Al-Mustaqbal University marked a distinguished presence in the online workshop held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, entitled “From Idea to Fundraising – The Journey of an Entrepreneur and How to Support Them”, organized under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as part of the capacity-building program for Science and Technology Parks management. The division was represented by Ms. Omaima Kazem – Head of Career Development Division, who actively engaged in exploring practical strategies to transform ideas into scalable entrepreneurial projects, benefiting from the expertise of Fermadom in supporting entrepreneurs. The workshop covered key topics including: The entrepreneur’s journey from idea conception to fundraising. The pivotal role of tech incubators in mentoring, training, and facilitating access to investors. Common mistakes to avoid, such as entering the market without proper research or seeking funding before developing a prototype. Requirements for attracting investment, including preparing a professional Pitch Deck and building a team with clear vision and execution capabilities. The workshop emphasized the importance of continuous learning and openness to international experiences, encouraging participants to study global best practices, examine successful case studies, and benefit from specialized digital training courses to enhance the skills of administrative staff and young entrepreneurs. This active participation reflects the Career Development Division’s commitment to equipping students and graduates with entrepreneurship and employability skills, helping them turn ideas into real projects that support the national economy and create job opportunities.

Aligned with the strategic vision of Al-Mustaqbal University and under the directives of its President, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, to empower students and graduates with the competence and confidence required to thrive in today’s competitive labor market, the university, in collaboration with the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Excellence at the Prime Minister’s Office, inaugurated its fifteenth training program entitled “Business Plan Development”. The program was conducted from August 24 to 28, 2025, with the participation of 16 students and graduates representing diverse academic disciplines. This advanced program was designed to cultivate entrepreneurial capabilities and equip participants with the expertise to transform innovative ideas into viable, market-ready ventures. The curriculum encompassed the development of comprehensive business plans in accordance with leading international standards, critical evaluation of entrepreneurial concepts in terms of innovation, sustainability, and feasibility, and the formulation of precise financial assessments including cost structures, pricing strategies, and profit projections. In addition, participants were guided through advanced techniques for market and competitor analysis, identification of gaps and emerging opportunities, design of innovative marketing strategies, and deployment of effective promotional mechanisms—culminating in the establishment of strategic networks and partnerships that significantly enhance the likelihood of entrepreneurial success. The training was delivered by Ms. Omaima Al-Taie, Head of the Career Development Division at the university, who holds an advanced certification in entrepreneurship following her participation in a specialized executive program. Her expertise enabled the delivery of a high-impact and practice-oriented program tailored to the evolving needs of students and graduates. This initiative forms part of an ongoing series of transformative programs launched by Al-Mustaqbal University to instill a culture of innovation and empower youth as pivotal contributors to sustainable economic and social development.

Al-Mustaqbal University (UOMUS), in collaboration with the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Excellence (Previously known as Riyada Initiative ), operating under the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, has launched an intensive five-day training programme in Business Plan Development, running from 13 to 17 July 2025. The programme is designed to prepare graduates and students to lead with purpose in the fields of innovation and enterprise. The course brings together 22 students and recent graduates from across disciplines. The programme was formally inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Mudhaffar Al-Zuhairy, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, who emphasised the value of embedding entrepreneurial education within Iraq’s evolving higher education landscape. Training is led by Ms. Omaima Al Taee, Head of Career Development Division, and a certified entrepreneurship trainer. Her sessions guide participants through key elements of business development including market analysis, financial planning, and strategic execution. This initiative forms part of UOMUS’s broader vision to empower youth not only to enter the workforce but to shape it—producing graduates capable of building solutions, launching ventures, and driving sustainable economic growth.

In alignment with the strategic directives of Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, and as part of the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with the labor market and empower graduates, Ms. Omaima Al-Taie, Head of the Career Development Division, participated in the inaugural virtual focus group meeting of the Youth Empowerment Project. The session was organized by the Business Center of the Iraqi Federation of Industries, in cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO – ITPO Italy) and Zest Group (Italy). The project aims to establish a specialized entity dedicated to empowering youth and supporting entrepreneurs. The meeting was attended by leading academic figures from various Iraqi universities, as well as the Federation’s President and Secretary-General. The agenda included a comprehensive presentation of the program’s strategic pillars and an in-depth look into Zest Group’s successful experience in nurturing innovative ideas, supporting startups, and integrating them into a sustainable and profitable economic ecosystem. Representatives from UNIDO and Mr. Matteo from Zest Group led the session, utilizing advanced digital tools to facilitate discussion, knowledge exchange, and real-time responses to participant inquiries. The dialogue emphasized the critical role Iraqi universities play in equipping youth with the necessary resources, technologies, and entrepreneurial skills to launch and sustain small and medium-sized enterprises. The meeting concluded with the exchange of insights and collaborative strategies to enhance youth empowerment and drive inclusive economic growth across Iraq.

It is considerable to note that Rehabilitation, Employment, and Follow-Up Division at Al-Mustaqbal University keeps on playing a pivotal role in supporting Students and enabling them to enter Labor Market by creating Job Opportunities that would match the various Academic Specializations. These efforts are deemed as part of a series of Strategic Partnerships that the Division has established with a selected group of Private Sector Companies across various fields, which include Medicine, Engineering, Telecommunications, Information Technology, Employment Services, and other vital sectors. Through this Initiative, the Division has aimed to strengthening Direct Communication between Students and Labor Market by providing a Unique QR Code for each Participating Company, allowing Students to access data and information related to available Services, Activities, as well as Job Opportunities. Thus, Students Professional Horizons shall be broadened, and meanwhile, gaining a closer understanding to Labor Market Demands. Besides, and part of this initiative, the Division has organized a Job Exhibition in collaboration with Partner Companies, during which a number of the University Students coming from different Programs have been employed. There is no doubt that this Practical Step shall lead to transforming Partnerships into Real Employment Opportunities. Accordingly, the Activity in question has received wide interest and participation from Students, due to creating tangible opportunities that would help Students and Graduates start their Careers in their Favorite Fields. Furthermore, it is considered a positive step toward equipping them with the Experiences and Skills needed while facing Labor Market Challenges. Finally, we should note that through this Initiative, Rehabilitation, Employment, and Follow-Up Division has been emphasizing its ongoing commitment to supporting Students Progress and developing their Abilities, in addition to effectively contributing in the establishment of a Sustainable Educational and Professional Environment that would keep pace with Modern Developments as well as meeting the needs of both Local and International Markets.