ITIDA Boosts Tech Startup Incubation with AI Tools, EGP 480K Funding, and USD 10K AWS Support

Egypt's Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC), a part of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), has launched applications for the 47th round of its prominent Start IT incubation program, now offering its most comprehensive support package yet.

Applications for this round will be accepted until May 24, targeting early-stage startups with scalable ICT-based solutions or tech-enabled prototypes designed to address real-world challenges. This enhanced program is part of ITIDA's broader strategy to bolster Egypt's digital economy and support its growing startup ecosystem.

Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA, stated that the expanded benefits package in the new Start IT round reflects their continued commitment to fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship among Egyptian tech startups. He emphasized the pivotal role of entrepreneurship in accelerating economic growth and driving innovation, reiterating ITIDA's dedication to developing tailored programs that meet startup needs and strengthen Egypt's entrepreneurial ecosystem at every stage.

Program Enhancements
Key updates to the Start IT program include:

Increased Financial and In-Kind Support: The value of benefits has significantly risen from EGP 180,000 to EGP 480,000, aiming to accelerate product development and market entry for startups.
Doubled AWS Cloud Credits: Support from Amazon Web Services (AWS) has increased to USD 10,000, providing startups with access to essential cloud computing tools and infrastructure.
Exclusive Perks Platform: A new "Start IT Perks" platform offers discounts and services from partners like InterAct and Tuba.ai, designed to help founders optimize costs and streamline operations.
Tailored Talent Acquisition Support: To address hiring challenges faced by early-stage ventures, TIEC has partnered with platforms such as Talents Arena, Sprints, and Techie Matter to offer specialized recruitment services.
AI-Focused Enablement: Startups will receive expert-led AI training and personalized consultancy, aligning with Egypt’s strategic goals for digital transformation and building tech capabilities.
Eligibility and Incubation Details
Startups applying for the program must present 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. The program does not accept projects led by part-time undergraduate students or those already participating in other incubation programs.

Accepted startups will undergo a 12-month incubation period at TIEC centers located across Egypt. These centers provide fully equipped workspaces, along with access to technical and business mentorship, hardware/software support, and resources for market entry.

Since its inception in 2010, TIEC has been instrumental in cultivating Egypt's innovation landscape through various incubation, acceleration, and capacity-building initiatives. Its core mission is to position Egypt as a leading regional hub for technology-driven entrepreneurship and digital innovation.