At Tetr College of Business, students don’t just study entrepreneurship, they live it. Founded by Pratham Mittal, the school’s hands-on model has drawn ambitious young founders from 50 countries, all learning to launch, scale, and sustain real companies while still in college. Here, Mittal tells us more about how students learn about setting up, running and scaling businesses.

Tell us about Tetr. How do you see your approach to entrepreneurship education setting you apart from traditional models?

Tetr was built as a new blueprint — a place where building businesses is the core pedagogy, because we believe the best way to learn business is by doing business. In practice, this means a cohort of students from 50 different countries literally learn the art of business by launching ventures across seven nations during their four-year journey.

At Tetr, we focus on learning by doing. Students aren’t measured by exams, but by real business outcomes — revenue, customer growth, and scalability. They launch ventures across seven countries, gaining global exposure, while learning from mentors at institutions like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Cornell. Our selective, diverse cohorts bring high-caliber talent and entrepreneurial experience, creating a learning environment that mirrors the real world, not just the classroom.

The Tetr model is based on practical application and entrepreneurship, which prepares students to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing global economy. We give students first-hand experiences, opportunities to build solutions to real problems, with access to diverse markets.

With your second cohort now underway, what changes or refinements have you introduced compared to the first, and what have you learned from the inaugural batch of entrepreneurs?

We recently launched our second cohort in Dubai, the class of 2029, which embodies a vibrant group of pioneers demonstrating innovation, resilience, leadership, and adaptability. This cohort brings together 206 students from 50 countries, doubling the size of last year’s inaugural group.

The cohort mirrors global diversity with 34 per cent from South Asia, 26 per cent from Central and Latin America, 21 per cent from the US and Europe, 11 per cent from MENA, and the remainder from Southeast Asia. Female participation stands at 35 per cent, with students from science, economics, commerce, and liberal arts backgrounds.

From our first batch of nearly 100 students, we learned that our “learning by doing” model is gaining traction globally. Some students left offers from top universities like UT Austin and Duke to join Tetr, which validates our approach. Building a multi-country institution from the ground up has been a remarkable learning experience that will help strengthen our programmes for the new cohort.

How does Tetr prepare students to not only launch but also sustain and scale businesses in this competitive landscape?

Students manage real ventures from day one, handling operations, revenue, and customers. Tetr’s curriculum covers scaling strategies, sustainability, fundraising, AI adoption, and navigating regional regulations. Exposure to the UAE ecosystem gives them practical insights into commerce, policy, and culture, while industry mentors help tackle real-world scaling challenges, preparing them to build sustainable, competitive businesses.

For example, in the very first semester, students launch a real e-commerce startup in Dubai with a $10,000 revenue goal instead of a mere grade. They also attend global technology exhibitions such as GITEX and gain mentorship from senior executives at leading startups and access to internships at DIFC.

What unique challenges do you see entrepreneurs in the region facing today, and how does Tetr’s curriculum or mentorship help address them?

Entrepreneurs in the Gulf face challenges such as funding gaps, regulatory complexities, talent shortages, and digital adoption barriers. Tetr addresses these by exposing students to both Gulf and global markets, providing mentorship from experts at Harvard, MIT, NASA, and leading corporations.

Our ventures align with regional priorities in AI, sustainability, and innovation, giving students hands-on experience in solving challenges that matter locally and globally.

Looking ahead, what are Tetr’s ambitions in terms of expanding influence —whether through partnerships, new programmes, or becoming a launchpad for startups in the region?

We aim to strengthen collaborations with UAE government and educational institutions, expand scholarship opportunities, and establish Tetr hubs across the GCC to support entrepreneurship and practical learning. Our alumni network will serve as a launchpad, providing mentorship, access to funding, and guidance for emerging startups.

Ultimately, we envision Tetr as a global platform for Gulf-based entrepreneurs, combining local relevance with international reach. Our focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and global collaboration aligns with the UAE’s vision of being a hub for talent and economic diversification.

In a rapidly evolving global economy, where AI and digital transformation are disrupting industries, how is Tetr integrating these trends into its teaching?

We’re living through one of the most exciting — and unpredictable — times in business. AI and digital technologies are changing everything, and at Tetr, we’re not just preparing students for that change — we’re putting them right in the middle of it.

Students don’t just study AI in theory —they use it to build things from day one. Whether launching an AI-driven startup, automating business workflows, or experimenting with prompt engineering, they’re constantly applying what they learn. They also gain exposure to global business hubs like Dubai, Berlin, and Singapore to see how different industries and cultures adapt to technology.

We also emphasize ethics, bias, and the long-term impact of automation — because it’s not enough to build fast; we need to build thoughtfully. We want our students to leave Tetr not just ready for the future — they should be able to shape it.

Many business schools focus on theory, but entrepreneurs need real-world problem solving. Can you share success stories from your alumni or current cohort that illustrate Tetr’s impact?

One example is ServeClub, a homegrown brand founded in 2024 by a diverse student team from the US, Cuba, Mexico, Germany, and India. They democratise access to premium sports gear in India, offering USAPA-certified pickleball paddles at roughly half the cost of leading alternatives. ServeClub also secured seed funding from prominent industry figures including myself.

Another is the 8 Billion Project (8BP), a student venture from India, Pakistan, Germany and Myanmar. They launched Peacewear, fashion that celebrates shared cultural heritage and channels proceeds into education for underserved communities. These ventures exemplify Tetr’s ethos: students applying classroom knowledge to create real, socially meaningful businesses.

If we fast-forward five years, what do you envision Tetr’s legacy to be in the Gulf — both as an academic institution and as a catalyst for entrepreneurship?

In five years, we hope Tetr is recognised as a leading global business school and a hub for socially responsible entrepreneurship in the Gulf. Over the next decade, we aim to rank among the Global Top 10 Business Schools. Our alumni will drive high-growth startups, contribute to UAE Vision 2031, and build a strong network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and policymakers, making entrepreneurship a core part of the region’s business education.

The UAE is emerging as a global leader in artificial intelligence literacy and adoption, with residents demonstrating higher engagement and confidence in AI than the global average, according to KPMG’s Trust in Artificial Intelligence Insights report.

The study, conducted by the University of Melbourne in collaboration with KPMG International, found that 97 per cent of UAE respondents use AI for work, study, or personal purposes — significantly ahead of global peers. Moreover, 89 per cent said they are already experiencing the benefits of AI, compared with 83 per cent globally, while two-thirds (66 per cent) confirmed that their organization has a generative AI policy in place, underscoring the UAE’s rapid institutional adoption.

The research positions the UAE as a regional benchmark for responsible AI use. Sixty-five per cent of respondents said they would rely on AI-generated information, and more than half (53 per cent) believed that the technology’s benefits outweigh its risks.

At the same time, the study reflects growing awareness of the importance of regulation and trust in AI systems. While 68 per cent of UAE respondents felt current laws are adequate for safe AI use — far above the global average of 43 per cent — many called for tighter safeguards, especially against misinformation. Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) said they were cautious about online content due to AI use, and 36 per cent were uncertain about identifying AI-generated misinformation.

Matin Jouzdani, partner, Data, Analytics and AI at KPMG Lower Gulf, said: “AI is rapidly changing the way we live and work. Our research reinforces an overwhelming acceptance of AI in the UAE, but there is also strong public support for appropriate AI regulation. As organisations in the UAE are rapidly deploying AI, it is imperative that they consider the structures necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical oversight. By implementing a strategy that combines AI training and literacy alongside responsible AI governance frameworks, organizations will be able to confidently capture the benefits of AI in a way that doesn’t slow down innovation.”

The report also found that 84 per cent of UAE respondents would be more willing to trust AI systems if assured of their ethical use, while 86 per cent agreed that news and social media platforms should clearly indicate when content is AI-generated. Respondents expressed the most trust in universities, healthcare institutions, and government bodies to develop and deploy AI responsibly.

Amazon UAE has launched a new recycling initiative aimed at helping customers across Dubai recycle packaging materials from their Amazon.ae deliveries more easily. Developed in collaboration with Enviroserve, a Dubai Municipality and Ministry of Environment-certified recycling partner, the programme establishes over 150 recycling drop-off points across the city.

Aligned with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 and Amazon’s commitment to reach net-zero carbon across its operations by 2040 under the Climate Pledge, the initiative enables customers to recycle all types of Amazon packaging materials — including cardboard boxes, plastic mailers, bubble-lined envelopes, and packing paper — at designated locations.

Customers can locate their nearest drop-off point by scanning a QR code printed on their Amazon.ae package, directing them to the Amazon Second Chance page. The page serves as the central hub for recycling guidance, offering instructions on packaging recycling, electronic waste disposal, and end-of-life programmes for products. The initiative supports circular economy goals by keeping materials in use and reducing landfill waste.

Drop-off stations have been strategically placed in residential and commercial areas across Dubai, with additional recycling infrastructure installed in community villas and townhouse developments to improve accessibility.

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Prashant Saran, director of operations, Amazon Middle East, Africa and Turkey, said, “This programme makes it easier for customers to recycle packaging while supporting the UAE’s sustainability goals. By pioneering this service in the UAE, we are creating the necessary infrastructure for more responsible practices in the UAE. Collaborating with Enviroserve helps process recycled materials efficiently, diverting packaging material from landfill and keeping it in use.”

Shashidhar Y S, board member and managing director at Enviroserve added, “Working with Amazon, we are making recycling more accessible to communities while supporting the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030. By ensuring packaging materials are responsibly collected and processed, we are helping to keep valuable resources in circulation and prevent landfill waste.”

This programme expands on Amazon’s broader sustainability measures, which include the use of machine learning models to optimise packaging size and reduce excess materials, as well as initiatives like Ships in Product Packaging that eliminate the need for additional delivery boxes.

By partnering with certified recyclers such as Enviroserve and creating an accessible network of community drop-off points, Amazon is advancing responsible waste management and reinforcing its long-term commitment to reducing packaging waste across its operations.

Saif Bin Darwish, one of the UAE’s leading construction and contracting firms, has acquired Gulf Precast, the nation’s largest precast concrete manufacturer.

The acquisition marks a strategic step toward integrating Saif Bin Darwish’s extensive experience in infrastructure projects—including roads, bridges, airports, and tunnels—with Gulf Precast’s advanced concrete manufacturing capabilities. The combined expertise will enhance the group’s ability to deliver complex, large-scale projects with greater efficiency and quality.

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Founded in 1982, Gulf Precast operates six factories across Dubai and Abu Dhabi with a daily production capacity of up to 1,500 cubic metres. The company has contributed to numerous residential, commercial, and infrastructure developments within the UAE and abroad, earning multiple awards for its work.

With this move, Saif Bin Darwish reinforces its commitment to supporting the UAE’s long-term vision for sustainable infrastructure development while strengthening its position as a leading force in the region’s construction sector.

In a significant milestone for blockchain innovation, Ultima Chain, the next-generation blockchain platform, has been named Disruptive Company of the Year at the prestigious Gulf Business Awards 2025. The recognition marks a powerful endorsement of the company’s mission to bring blockchain into daily life, and not just the hands of traders and developers.

“Yeah, this is very meaningful for us because with this technology we are pretty young, and to get this award means absolutely, yeah, very big recognition for us,” said Alex Reinhardt, founder and CEO of Ultima Chain. “It will create a very big impulse also in our community, in our company, and with our product. So we are very happy about this.”

Read more-How blockchain can overcome barriers, unlock growth in Islamic finance

While the recognition came as a surprise, Reinhardt believes the company’s aggressive growth and youthful energy likely influenced the decision.

“This was a very hard competition, and this was a pretty big surprise today,” he said. “I think because maybe we are young, we are very aggressive, we are very high growing, and maybe it was a key factor of the decision. But we are very, very happy about your decision.”

To fellow entrepreneurs aiming to make their mark, Reinhardt had one core message:

“Guys, never give up. Just follow your dream, follow your vision, go step by step to your goals. And we are pretty young technology in the market. And if we can achieve this, you can achieve it too. So just keep going, keep doing everything; all will be fine, you will win.”

What Is Ultima Chain?

Ultima Chain is a next-generation blockchain designed to integrate cryptocurrency into everyday life. Where many blockchains prioritise complexity and speculation, Ultima Chain focuses on real-world utility, simplicity, and inclusiveness.

“Ultima Chain is a next-generation blockchain built to bring crypto into everyday life,” said Reinhardt. “While many blockchains focus on speculation and complexity, Ultima Chain focuses on real utility, scalability, and accessibility.”

One of the standout capabilities of Ultima Chain is its ability to process thousands of transactions per second with very low fees, making it suitable for both individuals and businesses.

But the real differentiator, according to Reinhardt, is simplicity.

“You don’t need to be a developer or an investor to participate. Anyone can join, and benefit from the ecosystem.”

Ultima Chain blends decentralisation, security, and environmental sustainability through an energy-efficient consensus model.

“It’s built to be inclusive and environmentally friendly, using an energy-efficient consensus that supports mass adoption,” Reinhardt explained. “In short, Ultima Chain is a blockchain for people, not just for the tech world, fast, human-centered, and ready for the real economy.”

Fast, reliable, and easy transactions

The technology behind Ultima Chain is built with speed and user-friendliness at its core. It runs on an advanced Delegated Proof-of-Stake mechanism, generating blocks within seconds.

“Ultima Chain’s technology is built to make blockchain transactions feel effortless,” Reinhardt said. “The network runs on an advanced Delegated Proof-of-Stake mechanism that creates new blocks in just a few seconds. This makes transfers almost instant and highly reliable, even under heavy network load.”

To further enhance user experience, the platform includes tools like Fee Protector, designed to minimize and stabilise fees.

“While every transaction includes a small network fee, Ultima Chain introduces an additional layer of convenience through special tools like Fee Protector, which helps minimize and stabilize these costs for users.”

Designed with a mobile-first mindset, the interface is tailored for simplicity:

“Everything else happens automatically. The interface is clean, intuitive, and optimized for mobile devices, because we believe the future of blockchain is mobile-first.”

Ultima Chain’s goal is to make sending digital assets as easy as sending a message.

“Our mission is to make sending tokens on Ultima Chain as easy as sending a text message. The blockchain operates quietly in the background while users experience what really matters, fast, borderless transactions with complete control and security.”

UWallet and UCard: Bringing blockchain to the real world

Two cornerstone products of the Ultima Chain ecosystem, UWallet and UCard, are central to bridging blockchain technology with everyday utility.

“UWallet and UCard are the bridge between blockchain and the real economy. They turn digital technology into something people can use every day,” Reinhardt said.

UWallet is a secure application allowing users to store, send, and manage digital assets while accessing built-in features like splitting rewards.

“UWallet is a secure and easy-to-use application that allows users to store, send, and manage their digital assets. It also gives access to Ultima Chain’s reward features like splitting, so users can get profit directly from within the app without any technical knowledge.”

UCard, on the other hand, enables crypto-to-fiat transactions for both online and offline use.

“UCard extends that experience into the real world. It’s a crypto-to-fiat payment card that allows users to spend their digital assets at millions of locations, both online and offline. When a user pays, the conversion from crypto to local currency happens instantly, so the process feels just like using any regular card.”

Together, these tools offer a comprehensive lifestyle experience, not just a trading platform.

“With UWallet and UCard, users can truly live in the crypto economy every single day.”

The splitting feature: Everyday rewards without complexity

Ultima Chain’s “splitting” feature is one of its most accessible and innovative offerings, allowing users to earn rewards without engaging in trading or mining.

“Splitting is one of Ultima Chain’s most innovative technologies, a simple, transparent, and sustainable way for users to get rewards without trading, mining, or technical complexity,” Reinhardt said.

How it works:

• Users freeze their tokens for a selected duration
• This contributes to the network’s stability and liquidity
• Users receive daily bonuses from a dedicated reward pool
• Rewards are manually claimable anytime via UWallet

“All participants who take part in splitting are rewarded from a dedicated reward pool, which distributes daily bonuses proportionally among active users. These rewards can be claimed manually at any time through UWallet, giving users full control over when and how they collect their benefits.”

The key appeal is accessibility:

“Even a small contribution matters and helps users steadily grow their digital capital while supporting the entire ecosystem.”

Reinhardt reinforced the broader mission:

“Ultimately, splitting reflects our vision of blockchain as a technology that creates real, transparent value, simple, fair, community-driven, and built for people.”

What’s next for Ultima Chain?

With momentum from the Gulf Business Award, Ultima Chain is gearing up for the next phase: large-scale adoption.

“The coming year will be a turning point for Ultima Chain as we move from innovation to large-scale adoption. Our vision is to make Ultima Chain the backbone of a new, open ecosystem that is accessible to everyone,” said Reinhardt.

Key strategic initiatives ahead:

• Global fintech partnerships
• Merchant and service provider integrations for payments, rewards, and settlements
• NFT platform and marketplace
• Support for multiple coins/tokens within UWallet
• UCN token integration with UCard
• Advanced security upgrades and broader blockchain integrations

Ultima Chain is also prioritising education and community building through developer training, events, and ambassador programs.

“We want to empower developers, entrepreneurs, and everyday users to grow with us, through training, events, and ambassador programs that make blockchain knowledge accessible to all,” Reinhardt said.

In closing, he reinforced the company’s broader mission:

“In the long run, Ultima Chain is more than just technology, it’s a movement toward a new digital economy that values transparency, inclusivity, and independence. We believe the future of blockchain belongs to projects that solve real problems and give people real power. That’s exactly what Ultima Chain is built to do.”