On 14 October 2026, Persium took first place at the London Business School MENA Startup Competition final in Dubai, competing against nearly 100 applicants from across the Middle East and North Africa.

The competition, supported by the LBS Institute of Entrepreneurship and Private Capital (IEPC) and strategic partner MARIHUB, drew startups working across climate technology, health, and real estate. Ten finalists pitched for a share of a USD 45,000 non-dilutive prize pool, judged on business potential, early traction, founding team strength, and problem-solution fit.

Persium was recognised for its work building miniaturised environmental sensors and a digital twin platform that helps cities, airports, and infrastructure operators monitor air quality in real time, turning invisible pollution data into decisions that matter.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have won today,” said Alex Yousefian, CEO of Persium.

This win follows a period of significant growth for Persium, with deployments across London, Dubai, and Athens, and a growing pipeline of partnerships with governments, real estate developers, and transport operators who need accurate, hyperlocal environmental data to plan, build, and operate more responsibly.

We are grateful to the London Business School, the IEPC, MARIHUB, and the mentors who supported every team throughout the competition.