Egypt Launches Aswan Bootcamp Series to Empower Tech Startups

H.E. Dr. Amr Talaat, Egypt's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, inaugurated the Aswan Bootcamp Series, a new initiative aimed at empowering Upper Egypt's entrepreneurs and supporting the region's tech-driven growth. The launch event, held at the Creativa Innovation Hub in Aswan, also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and Plug and Play Egypt, marking a collaborative effort with USAID and the global innovation platform Plug and Play Tech Center to foster a thriving startup ecosystem in the region.

The Aswan Bootcamp Series, supported by ITIDA and USAID in partnership with global innovation platform Plug and Play, will enhance economic development in Upper Egypt by preparing startups with vital skills and services in market development, financial management, product-market fit, and scalability. The program aims to bridge resource and network gaps in Aswan's emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem, positioning it as a potential regional tech hub.

Dr. Amr Talaat, Egypt's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, highlighted the ministry's launch of the Digital Egypt Innovation Hubs (Creativa) initiative, which aims to establish a center in each governorate to foster a supportive environment for digital innovation and entrepreneurship. Dr. Talaat explained that the project initially prioritized governorates in Upper Egypt, with six centers already established, including four in Upper Egypt, such as Creativa Aswan. He commended the strong engagement from Aswan's youth and their interaction with diverse programs aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing digital skills, and preparing youth for freelance careers. He emphasized that this success results from diligent work, knowledge, training, and determination. He also noted that universities were selected as hosts for the Digital Egypt Innovation Hubs to ensure accessibility for young people.

Dr. Talaat also referenced the partnership between MCIT and Plug and Play, which manages the Cairo Digital Egypt Innovation Hub to help startups attract investment and compete in regional and international markets. This program will expand to Aswan, offering specialized training to 60 tech startups to support their growth and equip them with skills in target market identification, competitive analysis, customer outreach, and product pricing. He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to continued collaboration with global leaders to leverage their expertise in supporting entrepreneurs, freelancers, and participants in the ministry's training programs.

ITIDA CEO Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher expressed pride in the agency's achievements with the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Aswan through the Creativa Innovation Hub since its launch in 2020. He noted that ITIDA has provided diverse services to over 9,000 youth, entrepreneurs, and teams, resulting in 52 startups securing investments totaling approximately EGP 75 million. El-Zaher announced that ITIDA is entering a new phase of success and partnership with a global leader in open innovation and startup enablement by launching Aswan Bootcamp Series which is a unique program designed to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem and create new job opportunities in Upper Egypt. He emphasized ITIDA's belief in the vast potential of Upper Egypt's young and innovative entrepreneurs, reaffirming the agency's commitment to empowering them to transform their ideas into successful, competitive ventures.

Deputy Mission Director to USAID Egypt, Ritu Tariyal attended the launch. USAID Mission Director in Egypt, Sean Jones commented saying:

"USAID is thrilled to be partnering once again with ITIDA to expand the Plug and Play program to the Aswan CREATIVA Innovation Hub. This new venture will bring world-class mentorship, coaching, and investment networking opportunities to Upper Egypt, making entrepreneurship more accessible and inclusive."

"Upper Egypt represents a scalable market and a wealth of talent. We are aware and confident about the opportunities it offers—not only as a VC but also an enabler," said Karima El Hakim, Country Director for Egypt at Plug and Play Tech Center. "Supporting the founders of this emerging ecosystem by providing hands-on guidance, essential tools, and meaningful business and funding opportunities has always been a goal of ours, especially following our success with our Smart Cities Accelerator located in Cairo. We are equally committed to empowering Upper Egypt's enablers through knowledge transfer and access to Plug and Play's extensive network, helping them drive accelerated growth. Our ambition is to build stronger, longer bridges from Aswan to the rest of the world—without needing a pitstop in the capital."

"We would also like to express our gratitude to ITIDA and USAID for their trust and partnership, which has enabled us to expand our footprint nationwide. Their support has been instrumental in our mission to unlock potential across Egypt, empowering entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable growth in new regions."

The Aswan Bootcamp Series comprises five eight-day in-person bootcamps that will guide tech-enabled startups through workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions with experienced mentors and founders. The program targets startups in sectors such as agri-tech, health- tech, e-commerce, gov-tech, and tourism. Leveraging Plug and Play's global network of experts to support participants in key areas including financial management, product-market fit, scalability, and commercialization. More than 60 startups are expected to gain the skills and knowledge needed for sustained growth and good governance.

Following the bootcamp, founders will benefit from continued mentorship and networking opportunities with potential investors and experienced mentors. They will also gain exposure to Cairo's established entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping them build a network that could lead to future collaborations and essential resources.

The Aswan bootcamp series is an initiative aiming to position Aswan as a rising tech hub in Upper Egypt, leveraging the city's cultural and historical backdrop to create a platform for global engagement. A flagship event during the series will showcase innovative solutions to regional challenges and highlight Aswan's potential as a key player in the global tech ecosystem. The program will also cover the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation to the youth of Upper Egypt, with a hackathon aimed at university students, recent graduates, and young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 will have an opportunity to learn and network within a supportive environment. Additionally, the program will also focus on knowledge transfer to the local ecosystem, with local enablers shadowing the bootcamps and gaining insights into the program's methodology and structure to sustain similar programs in the future.

To learn more about the program, please visit  https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/innovation-services/challenge-offerings/aswan- bootcamp-series

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