Supporting entrepreneurs with mentorship, structure and real-world validation.
The GCC is entering a new era of entrepreneurship, innovation and economic diversification, but turning a strong idea into a viable business requires more than ambition. It requires structure, mentorship, technical expertise, market understanding and, critically, the opportunity to build, test and refine.
This is the thinking behind Ideas Made Real (IMR), a GCC-focused entrepreneurship development program designed to help young GCC nationals transform early-stage ideas into practical, commercially credible ventures. Rather than focusing solely on pitching, IMR is built around a structured journey of development, assessment, mentorship and prototyping. The program is open to GCC nationals aged 18–30, with corporate national talent nominations potentially accepted up to 35 by exception, across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
Moving promising ideas from concept to tangible success
The philosophy is straightforward. Good ideas need more than a stage, they need a pathway to become real. IMR aims to identify promising entrepreneurs, strengthen their thinking, challenge assumptions, develop commercial understanding and provide the strongest participants with an opportunity to demonstrate what their ideas could become.
From Idea to Execution
The program is led by Avela Global, drawing on more than two decades of product development and supply-chain expertise. Founded by Gary Young, Avela has built a global network spanning the US, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, India and the UAE, with Dubai serving as its strategic Middle East hub.
Simon Lewis – Vistage International Chair, Eddie Rayner – Managing Director, TPG Media, Zhupar Teleubayeva – Managing Director, Avela Group Middle East and Gary Young – Founder and CEO, Avela Global
IMR unites the expertise of Avela Global, STRATEGISE™, Vistage UAE and tpg.media, providing end-to-end support spanning venture development, prototype execution, business planning, leadership, mentoring and governance, alongside the media and marketing capabilities needed to accelerate growth and market impact. The journey begins with applications, followed by independent assessment and the selection of 50 shortlisted candidates. Participants then progress through mentorship and refinement, with five finalists selected for prototype development ahead of the GCC showcase in January 2027.
Real prototypes, experienced mentors, marketing savvy and practical business support
For entrepreneurs, this creates an important distinction. IMR is not simply about delivering the most polished pitch. It is about identifying a meaningful problem, developing a credible solution, testing assumptions and demonstrating the ability to execute.
That emphasis on execution is particularly relevant as GCC economies continue to prioritize innovation, private-sector growth, local talent and diversified, knowledge-based economies. By connecting emerging entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders and practical expertise, IMR seeks to help bridge the gap between entrepreneurial ambition and commercial reality.
Building Beyond the Showcase
Importantly, the program does not end when the winner is announced. The champion receives a year of continued support covering legal and intellectual property, prototype development, PR and media, financial frameworks and Vistage CEO mentorship.
This longer-term approach reflects IMR’s underlying philosophy: entrepreneurship is not created through a single pitch or event. It is developed through progress, persistence, guidance and access to the right expertise.
Building the GCC’s next generation of entrepreneurial talent is critical
For the GCC, the opportunity extends beyond individual entrepreneurs. By creating a structured pathway for young nationals to develop ideas, build prototypes and gain exposure to experienced business leaders, IMR is seeking to strengthen the region’s wider entrepreneurial pipeline.
As Gary Young and the IMR team look to build the program across the GCC, the central question is no longer simply whether young entrepreneurs have great ideas. It is whether they have the support, expertise and environment needed to turn those ideas into something real.
Insights that help transform ideas into lasting business success
In this edition of Ideas Made Real, Saudi Projects sits down with Gary Young to explore the experiences, insights, and principles that have shaped his professional journey. From navigating change and driving growth to building resilience and fostering innovation, Gary shares valuable perspectives for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders alike. His story offers a compelling reminder that success often begins with a bold idea and the determination to bring it to life.
SAUDI PROJECTS: What prompted you to create Ideas Made Real, and what gap in the GCC entrepreneurial ecosystem were you seeking to address?
GARY YOUNG: It is a couple of things.
Throughout my career with product development and product sourcing, I have seen a lot of good ideas fade away due to lack of business and marketing experience. When Avela is approached with an idea, the first question we ask is; “can I see your business and marketing plan.” We then study how they propose to get to market. If they do not have these critical elements for success, I kindly tell them to come back once these things have been developed”. Most of the time I never hear from them again and the idea fades.
When Avela Global decided to open an office in Dubai, I kept hearing about 2030 vision and wanting to be the innovation center the world. I was instantly inspired by this ambitious vision. So naturally I thought … with my background, I think I can play a part in that. That got the creative juices flowing and with a LOT of help, here we are today with IMR.
SAUDI PROJECTS: You have spent more than two decades turning ideas into market-ready products. What have those experiences taught you about the difference between a good idea and a commercially viable business?
GARY YOUNG: Interesting question. There is a difference between a good idea and getting the price point to where people will actually pay for the product. And just as important, identifying and focusing on your market and getting your narrative right.
SAUDI PROJECTS: What do you believe young GCC entrepreneurs need most today to move from having an idea to actually building a business?
GARY YOUNG: Things are moving at sonic speed now, so young GCC entrepreneurs need support and knowledge or they get left behind. A slow burn will not make it to the finish line. That is what IMR is all about. In my opinion compressing the learning curve, this is critical.
SAUDI PROJECTS: IMR places significant emphasis on prototypes and execution rather than simply pitching. Why is that distinction so important?
GARY YOUNG: I think the answer to that question can be stated in one word. “Real”. A pitch is the “what” and “way”, and that is great. But the “HOW” is where the rubber meets the road and the “real” work begins. IMR is all about compressing the learning curve and getting to the “Real” fast!
SAUDI PROJECTS: How can IMR help entrepreneurs understand manufacturing, supply chains, commercial feasibility and the journey from prototype to market?
GARY YOUNG: It is a step by step process. Once the idea is fully developed, we will be visiting manufacturers and negotiating the deal. I can’t think of a better education that that. And in tandem, there is the fully developed narrative and marketing plan that supports the effort. When a manufacturer sees that plan, they are more likely to commit to the project and bring more to the table than an RFQ could ever do.
SAUDI PROJECTS: What role do you see Saudi Arabia playing in the future of GCC entrepreneurship and innovation?
GARY YOUNG: I think the word “support” paints with a big brush, but as a government and country, I think that is the correct role. At IMR, we want to turn that “support” into a dividend of success that the KSA can leverage and use to inspire more innovation and help create a sustained culture of innovation.
Entrepreneurship is about more than launching a business. It is about recognizing opportunities, embracing challenges, and turning ideas into meaningful outcomes.
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