Latest news with #TIEC
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Cairo's Emerging Tech start-up Hub
Discover how Cairo is rapidly becoming a tech startup powerhouse in the MENA region, driven by government support, a young STEM-focused population, and strategic partnerships. What does the future hold for Egypt's digital transformation? Cairo's Rise in the MENA Startup Scene The Egyptian startup market has taken considerable strides in its growth and development, to the extent that Cairo has secured a 3rd place position in the MENA startup landscape according to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report of 2024. The notable ranking shows that Egypt has undergone rapid and conscious development to make the environment more user-friendly for venture capitalists to support the industry; this success is the joint efforts of the government in the form of new policies and regulations, investment/ funding schemes and mentorship opportunities in combination with creative individual entrepreneurs. Egypt has successfully become the largest startup hub in the Arab region with over 280 startups founded and funded since 2010. This is a result of initiatives from the Ministry of Information Technology and Communication playing an integral role in providing essential resources for startup entrepreneurs. An example of initiatives created is the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (TIEC) and CREATIVA Innovation Hubs. According to a Bloomberg report (in partnership with the Ministry of International Cooperation), 'Egypt's startup sector grew 176% in 2021 to register record-high venture capital funding of $491 million, accounting for 15% of transactions and 11% of deployed capital with e-commerce and fintech the most active fields'. Youth, Innovation, and Investment It is important to note that these figures are only the beginning of this tech transformation. It has been observed that young Egyptians are very interested in STEM subjects, there has also been a recent spark in growth sectors namely healthtech, biotech, and medtech. The major technological innovations paired with a youthful population strongly fuel the entrepreneurial Egyptian spirit, especially with over 300 000 graduates emerging from Egyptian universities each year aiding to make Egypt the regional powerhouse of digital economy. Connecting Through Events and Ecosystems Other factors contributing to the growing market are by hosting major tech startup events like the RiseUp Summit – one of the largest collections of innovators and entrepreneurs. Another event example is the Alexandria's Techne Summit which connects startups and innovators. These events give critical access to small startups to interact with larger, global ones. Other highly beneficial opportunities for startups is the initiatives from the Central Bank of Egypt called FinTech Egypt which successfully attracted $796.5 million in 2023. A second government program is Egypt Ventures, launched under the Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation designed to encourage young entrepreneurship through investment. Other features included under Egypt Ventures are supporting the early stage of startup businesses via mentoring and training. Egypt's Digital Future in a BRICS+ Context Egypt's growing digital transformation and ambitions are increasingly being framed within a broader BRICS+ context. A highly beneficial component to Cairo's tech startup ecosystem, is neighbouring state, the UAE and in 2024 it was ranked number one globally in digital development indicators including telecom infrastructure, BRICS+ digital governance, and digital content, according to its 2025 State of Digital Transformation Report. This showcases a potential model and partner for Egypt as it seeks to scale its own transformation efforts. All the developments in the tech startup industry are en route to fulfil the expectations set in Egypt Vision 2030 by introducing and implementing a digital transformation that aids in improving financial inclusion rates and achieving economic empowerment. By virtue of the TIEC, offering incubators and accelerator programs for startups it provides access to available technology so businesses can operate at a strong competitive level. Innovation hubs are very important and beneficial for businesses who require office space and support required for the business to thrive. Increased South-South cooperation with digitally advanced BRICS+ members like the UAE offers Egypt a chance to learn from established best practices. The UAE's rollout of over 1,400 digital public services and 460 federal-level digital projects demonstrates how digital governance can be integrated across sectors, from education and healthcare to logistics and environmental protection. For Egypt, strategic partnerships and knowledge-sharing with countries like the UAE could supercharge Cairo's goal to become a regional innovation capital. The continued success of Cairo tech startups depends on a variety of different stakeholders participating effectively and efficiently. Graduates must be equipped with the right skills to benefit the market and contribute effectively, while the government must continue to provide the ICT tools required for there to be a prosperous digital economy and society at large. In collaboration with BRICS+ partners, Egypt can harness not only capital and talent, but also frameworks for building a digitally sovereign and competitive economy. Egypt's success will soon be a model for neighbouring countries to follow. Written by: *Dr Iqbal Survé Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN *Banthati Sekwala Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group Egyptian & South African Specialist **The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL. ** MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE ** Follow @brics_daily on X/Twitter & @brics_daily on Instagram for BRICS+ updates.
Tahya Masr
22-05-2025
- Business
- Tahya Masr
ITIDA Launches 47th Round of Start IT Incubation Program with New Incentives to Boost Startup Readiness
The Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC), an affiliate of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), has announced the launch of the 47th round of its Start IT incubation program. Applications are open until May 24 , targeting early-stage startups with innovative ideas and ICT-based prototypes to help them transform their concepts into scalable and growth-ready startups. In line with its continued efforts to empower the entrepreneurial ecosystem, TIEC has unveiled an enhanced package of incubation benefits for this round. Key updates include a significant increase in the financial and in-kind support, reaching EGP 480,000 up from EGP 180,000, providing startups with stronger capabilities to execute development and scaling phases more efficiently. Additionally, cloud support from Amazon Web Services (AWS) has doubled to USD10,000 , reflecting TIEC's strategy to accelerate cloud readiness and adoption among startups by enabling access to cutting-edge infrastructure and services. This round also introduces the exclusive Start IT Perks platform, offering participants special discounts and benefits from TIEC partners, including InterAct and These partnerships provide startups with access to advanced technical tools and applications that enhance operational efficiency and foster business growth. To address talent acquisition challenges faced by early-stage ventures, the program now includes dedicated recruitment support through collaborations with specialized platforms such as Talents Arena , Sprints , and Techie Matters , enabling startups to build skilled and professional teams. Further, in response to the growing demand for AI-driven innovation, the new package features specialized support in Artificial Intelligence , including training programs and personalized consultancy sessions with experts. This is aligned with Egypt's digital transformation priorities and aims to raise AI readiness across the local startup ecosystem. 'The launch of the new round of the Start IT incubation program—enhanced with an expanded benefits package from our Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC)—reflects our continued commitment to supporting Egypt's tech startups innovation-driven entrepreneurship,' said Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA. 'Entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in accelerating economic growth and driving innovation, and ITIDA remains firmly focused on developing custom-tailored programs and initiatives that address the needs of startups and strengthen Egypt's entrepreneurship ecosystem at every stage.' Startups applying to the program will be assessed based on a set of technical criteria. Eligible projects must offer practical solutions to existing or anticipated market challenges and be backed by a functional ICT-based prototype. Projects should leverage technology either as a core product or as an enabling component of an innovative service. Key selection criteria also include economic viability, sustainability potential, scalability, and the ability to attract investment. Projects must be led by dedicated entrepreneurs fully committed to developing their ventures. Applications from teams with non-dedicated undergraduate students or projects incubated concurrently elsewhere will not be considered. Start IT is one of Egypt's leading startup support programs in the ICT sector, delivered quarterly by TIEC. Accepted startups benefit from a 12-month incubation period at TIEC centers across the country. These centers provide fully equipped workspaces, business and technical consulting, software and hardware support, and marketing services. Project evaluation considers several key factors, including product or service uniqueness, market analysis, competitive advantage, prototype maturity, and founding team expertise. Established in September 2010, the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC) has played a pivotal role in promoting innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship across Egypt. Through its comprehensive capacity-building programs, incubation services, and strategic initiatives, TIEC contributes to positioning Egypt as a regional hub for innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's ITIDA scales up tech startup incubation with AI-driven perks, EGP 480K funding, and $10K in AWS support
Cairo, Egypt – Egypt's Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC), an affiliate of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), has opened applications for the 47th round of its flagship Start IT incubation program, now offering its most extensive support package to date. Applications are open until May 24, targeting early-stage startups with scalable ICT-based solutions or tech-enabled prototypes that address real-world challenges. The enhanced round reflects ITIDA's broader strategy to strengthen Egypt's digital economy and empower its expanding startup ecosystem. 'The launch of the new round of the Start IT incubation program—enhanced with an expanded benefits package from our Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC)—reflects our continued commitment to supporting Egypt's tech startups innovation-driven entrepreneurship,' said Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA. 'Entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in accelerating economic growth and driving innovation, and ITIDA remains firmly focused on developing custom-tailored programs and initiatives that address the needs of startups and strengthen Egypt's entrepreneurship ecosystem at every stage.' Key updates to the program include: Increased support: The value of financial and in-kind benefits has risen from EGP 180,000 to EGP 480,000, enabling startups to fast-track product development and go-to-market execution. Cloud infrastructure credits: Amazon Web Services (AWS) support has doubled to USD 10,000, offering startups access to world-class cloud computing tools and infrastructure. Exclusive perks: The new Start IT Perks platform provides partner-led discounts and services from firms like InterAct and helping founders optimize costs and streamline operations. Talent acquisition support: In response to hiring challenges among early-stage ventures, TIEC has partnered with Talents Arena, Sprints, and Techie Matter to offer tailored recruitment services. AI-focused enablement: Startups will also gain access to expert-led AI training and personalized consultancy, aligning with Egypt's strategic priorities for digital transformation and tech capacity building. Startups applying to the program must demonstrate a working ICT-based prototype that addresses current or emerging market demands. Selection criteria include economic viability, sustainability, scalability, and the commitment of a full-time founding team. Projects led by part-time undergraduate students or those simultaneously incubated by other programs will not be eligible. Accepted startups benefit from a 12-month incubation period at TIEC centers across Egypt. Each center provides fully equipped workspaces, as well as access to technical and business mentorship, hardware/software support, and go-to-market resources. Since its establishment in 2010, TIEC has played a central role in cultivating Egypt's innovation landscape through a range of incubation, acceleration, and capacity-building programs. Its mission aligns with positioning Egypt as a leading regional hub for technology-driven entrepreneurship and digital innovation. For more information and to apply, visit [Start IT Application Portal].
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ITIDA launches 47th round of Start IT Incubation Program with new incentives to boost startup readiness
Cairo, Egypt: The Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC), an affiliate of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), has announced the launch of the 47th round of its Start IT incubation program. Applications are open until May 24, targeting early-stage startups with innovative ideas and ICT-based prototypes to help them transform their concepts into scalable and growth-ready startups. In line with its continued efforts to empower the entrepreneurial ecosystem, TIEC has unveiled an enhanced package of incubation benefits for this round. Key updates include a significant increase in the financial and in-kind support, reaching EGP 480,000 up from EGP 180,000, providing startups with stronger capabilities to execute development and scaling phases more efficiently. Additionally, cloud support from Amazon Web Services (AWS) has doubled to USD10,000, reflecting TIEC's strategy to accelerate cloud readiness and adoption among startups by enabling access to cutting-edge infrastructure and services. This round also introduces the exclusive Start IT Perks platform, offering participants special discounts and benefits from TIEC partners, including InterAct and These partnerships provide startups with access to advanced technical tools and applications that enhance operational efficiency and foster business growth. To address talent acquisition challenges faced by early-stage ventures, the program now includes dedicated recruitment support through collaborations with specialized platforms such as Talents Arena, Sprints, and Techie Matters, enabling startups to build skilled and professional teams. Further, in response to the growing demand for AI-driven innovation, the new package features specialized support in Artificial Intelligence, including training programs and personalized consultancy sessions with experts. This is aligned with Egypt's digital transformation priorities and aims to raise AI readiness across the local startup ecosystem. 'The launch of the new round of the Start IT incubation program—enhanced with an expanded benefits package from our Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC)—reflects our continued commitment to supporting Egypt's tech startups innovation-driven entrepreneurship,' said Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA. 'Entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in accelerating economic growth and driving innovation, and ITIDA remains firmly focused on developing custom-tailored programs and initiatives that address the needs of startups and strengthen Egypt's entrepreneurship ecosystem at every stage.' Startups applying to the program will be assessed based on a set of technical criteria. Eligible projects must offer practical solutions to existing or anticipated market challenges and be backed by a functional ICT-based prototype. Projects should leverage technology either as a core product or as an enabling component of an innovative service. Key selection criteria also include economic viability, sustainability potential, scalability, and the ability to attract investment. Projects must be led by dedicated entrepreneurs fully committed to developing their ventures. Applications from teams with non-dedicated undergraduate students or projects incubated concurrently elsewhere will not be considered. Start IT is one of Egypt's leading startup support programs in the ICT sector, delivered quarterly by TIEC. Accepted startups benefit from a 12-month incubation period at TIEC centers across the country. These centers provide fully equipped workspaces, business and technical consulting, software and hardware support, and marketing services. Project evaluation considers several key factors, including product or service uniqueness, market analysis, competitive advantage, prototype maturity, and founding team expertise. Established in September 2010, the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC) has played a pivotal role in promoting innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship across Egypt. Through its comprehensive capacity-building programs, incubation services, and strategic initiatives, TIEC contributes to positioning Egypt as a regional hub for innovation and digital entrepreneurship. For more information and to apply, visit [Start IT Application Portal].
TECHx
17-04-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Egypt Launches Invest-IT to Support 15 Promising Tech Startups
Fifteen Egyptian tech startups unveiled their innovations during the launch of Invest-IT, a new national program led by the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC). TIEC is affiliated with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA). The program is launched in collaboration with Flat6Labs, a leading early-stage venture capital firm in the MENA region. Invest-IT is designed to support startups in the Seed and Pre-Series A stages. The goal is to boost investment readiness and help entrepreneurs across Egypt secure funding and grow their businesses. The program also aims to drive economic development through innovation. The launch event gathered key stakeholders from Egypt's tech ecosystem. Among them were Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA, and Hany Al-Sonbaty, Founder of Flat6Labs. Also present were Dina El-Shenoufy, Chief Investment Officer at Flat6Labs, Lamiaa El Rashidy, Incubation Manager at TIEC, and the founders of the selected startups. According to El-Zaher, Invest-IT marks a significant step in empowering startups to attract investment. He emphasized ITIDA's commitment to building a resilient tech ecosystem through education, infrastructure, and access to funding. Al-Sonbaty highlighted the importance of combining capital with mentorship and long-term support. The selected startups cover a wide range of sectors, including AI, fintech, logistics, proptech, insurtech, and smart energy. This diversity reflects Egypt's growing innovation potential. Startups in the Seed group include: The White Guard (cybersecurity and PPE) Dragify (AI for financial services) HNDL (logistics tech) Turuq (packaging and shipping solutions) Skoolix (digital learning tools) KENNAH (proptech) Atoms AI (semiconductor inspection) PhotonSmart (smart energy devices) The Pre-Series A group features: Valify (AI-based identity verification) Mrkoon (waste management platform) Qubefyn (AI data intelligence) Venu (event venue booking) Amanleek (insurtech solutions) LyRise (enterprise AI) Hoopoe Digital (location-based Wi-Fi services) The Invest-IT program runs in two phases. In Phase One, startups join workshops and receive tailored mentorship. In Phase Two, they connect with potential investors through curated matchmaking opportunities. Overall, Invest-IT aims to accelerate startup growth and strengthen Egypt's position as a regional innovation hub.
