Startup launchpad programme for Egyptian tech startups launches

One of the leading organisations in Egypt, the IT Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) has collaborated with AUC Venture Lab to create Startup Launchpad.

The Startup Launchpad is an eight-week programme that assists Egypt-based candidates who show an interest in technology and entrepreneurship. The programme provides training, networking, and skill development to build sustainable technology startups. 

 Startup Launchpad programme applications close 3 January 2021

The Startup Launchpad programme, powered by ITIDA, will be presented by AUC Venture Lab. 

Startup Launchpad is a capacity-building programme that focuses on building the ICT industry by empowering Egyptian entrepreneurs to launch tech-driven startups.

Startup Launchpad programme

The programme is structured to help Egyptian entrepreneurs identify innovative solutions, gaps within the market industry, and address challenges faced in the ecosystem. 

The programme will provide entrepreneurs with introductory training focusing on the basics of entrepreneurship, the different growth stages of startups, and the principles of marketing and finance. 

In the second week of the Startup Launchpad programme, participants will develop their business ideas and begin creating a prototype of their business model.

Entrepreneurs will be guided by mentors with expertise in related fields throughout the programme. Mentors will assess and support participants’ innovative business ideas and perform market experiments with real-life customers to ensure business sustainability and scalability. 

Startup Launchpad will prepare entrepreneurs for a pitch day to be hosted in March 2021, where they will present their innovative solutions and ideas to potential investors. 

Throughout the programme, entrepreneurs will build on their presentation and communication skills to increase the possibility of securing investments.

Participants will receive certificates from ITIDA and AUC Venture Lab once they have completed the Startup Launchpad programme.

Interested entrepreneurs can apply to the Startup Launchpad programme here.

Tech startup ecosystem in Egypt

The tech startup ecosystem in Egypt has reportedly accelerated over the last few years. As a result, the Egyptian government is supporting technologically innovative solutions nationwide.

Egyptian startups have reportedly received the largest amount of investment in the Middle East and North Africa in the first half of 2020. The startups are attracting international venture capitalists and driving the Egyptian tech startup ecosystem. 

The capital of Egypt, Cairo was positioned in the top 10 global ecosystems for affordable talent in 2020 and ranked in the top 10 Africa and middle eastern ecosystems in funding. 

The 2020 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) identified Cairo as the perfect test bed for innovation and an attractive market for scalability.

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Featured Image: Štefan Štefančík via Unsplash