From Classroom to Concept: UAE Students Pitch the Future of Tourism with The Sigmund Project

Now in its fourth semester, the HCT-Sigmund partnership continues to turn bright student ideas into real-world tourism innovations.

What if the next big tourism innovation wasn’t coming from a boardroom—but from a classroom?That’s exactly what played out this semester through the ongoing partnership between the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and The Sigmund Project. Now in its fourth consecutive term, the collaboration guides students from early ideation to final pitch—culminating in a live event where their concepts are presented to Sigmund’s leadership for real-time feedback.

“We’ve intentionally designed the process to be supportive and collaborative,” said Alan Elliott Merschen, founder of The Sigmund Project. “It’s like Shark Tank—but we want it to feel more like a koi pond. The students still get tough questions, but they leave the process with stronger ideas.”

This semester’s pitch session featured six inventive student-led ventures:

True Emirates 🏡
Aim: Enable authentic cultural exchange between travelers and locals.
Concept: Homestays, local tours, and a mobile app fostering meaningful connections.

EduTrip 🎓✈️
Aim: Make it easier for universities to plan and manage academic travel programs.
Concept: Practical platform helping universities organize educational trips—well-structured, with room to deepen financials.

ArtSpotter 🎨📍
Aim: Help travelers discover hidden street art while supporting local artists.
Concept: Visual, location-based app spotlighting street art—simple and engaging.

CityXplore 🕹️🗺️
Aim: Turn city exploration into a fun, gamified experience for tourists and locals alike.
Concept: Gamified travel app encouraging playful exploration of landmarks—broad market potential.

AI Smartwatch for Tourists ⌚🤖
Aim: Offer real-time travel assistance and information via wearable tech.
Concept: Wearable device providing helpful travel support—creative, though needs clearer user motivation.

Mood-Based Travel 😊🗺️
Aim: Personalize trip planning based on a traveler’s current mood.
Concept: Mood-driven itinerary builder—imaginative idea that needs a stronger business model.

“The students really impressed us with the visual strength of their pitches—great design, high-quality mockups, and tangible prototypes,” said Ally Stoltz LaBriola, Director at The Sigmund Project.

Each semester, the HCT-Sigmund collaboration integrates more live case studies, mentorship, and real-world expectations—helping students move beyond learning about tourism innovation to actively shaping it.

Learn more about the HCT partnership at:
https://thesigmundproject.org/hct

About The Sigmund Project
The Sigmund Project is the first digital not-for-profit dedicated to innovation in travel and tourism. Its Open • Source platform connects early-stage ideas with global collaborators—from students and startups to consultants and destination leaders. Since 2020, Sigmund has supported ventures in 80+ countries, launched the first AI-powered Travel & Tourism RFP Hub, and facilitated hundreds of cross-sector collaborations. Learn more: https://www.thesigmundproject.org

Media Contact
Ally LaBriola
ally@thesigmundproject.org
https://www.thesigmundproject.org