Startup Launchpad Program to Boost More Tech Startups in Egypt

A partnership between Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and the American University in Cairo Venture Lab (AUC VLab) have been announced to present the Startup Launchpad program in Egypt that focuses on building the ICT industry by empowering Egyptian entrepreneurs to launch tech-based startups.

The eight-week Startup Launchpad program aims to support and inspire Egypt’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, by offering extensive nationwide training offering to tech entrepreneurs. It also provides networking and skills development opportunities, to help tech entrepreneurs effectively develop business ideas and increase their startups’ chances of survival and success.

The ITIDA-powered program will be delivered by the AUC Venture Lab, a member of the Babson Collaborative for Entrepreneurship Education, founded by Babson College, the leading US-based global educational institute in the field of entrepreneurship.

Startup Launchpad is designed for individuals who are passionate about technology and have an interest in entrepreneurship, Startup Launchpad will help participants validate their innovative solutions. The program, which will start in January and end with a pitch day in March, will also help them identify market gaps, as well as how to overcome other challenges that tech startups tend to face in Egypt, such as scaling globally and navigating the ecosystem.

An introductory two-week training session will commence the program, featuring information on the basics of entrepreneurship, the different growth stages of startups, and the principles of marketing and finance. During the second week, entrepreneurs will start developing and prototyping their business ideas.

Over the following weeks, participants will receive guidance and expert mentorship while they validate their solutions, perform market experiments with real-life customers and identify the appropriate product/market fit. This will ensure that their ideas have the potential to become scalable successful ventures.

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 program, entrepreneurs will master the art of pitching their startups and build on their presentation and communication skills to increase the possibility of securing investments.

Entrepreneurs can apply to join the program till the 3rd of January 2020, Participants will receive certificates from ITIDA and AUC Venture Lab upon the program’s completion.

• Interested entrepreneurs can apply to the Startup Launchpad program here.

Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash