Entlaq, a leading organization for entrepreneurship, celebrated the graduation of its inaugural group of startups from the Business Accelerator program. The event, held under the theme “Entrepreneurship in Egypt … Between Historical Roots and Future Prospects,” marked a significant milestone in Egypt’s entrepreneurial landscape.
The ceremony, which took place at Abdeen Palace, received Minister of Planning , Dr. Hala El-Said, Chairperson of the Egyptian Post Authority, Sherif Farouk, Advisor to the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Chairperson of the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC), Hussam Osman, as well as Chairperson of Sawari Ventures, Ahmed Al Alfi.
El-Said stated that Entlaq as a pioneering Egyptian experience and a highly admired model in the local market. She expressed her belief that events like these, focused on entrepreneurship and startups, always foster positive energy. She emphasized Entlaq’s pivotal role in transforming mindsets towards entrepreneurial thinking among the youth, in collaboration with the government, private sector, and international development institutions.
The CEO of Entlaq, Mohamed Ehab, outlined the company’s vision to position Egypt as a regional hub for innovation by establishing an entrepreneurship sector based on three key principles: innovation, inclusivity, and impact. Ehab stressed the importance of fostering cooperation among all stakeholders in the sector, including incubators, accelerators, governmental entities, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Co-founder and Head of the Entlaq Business Accelerator sector, Aya Ismail, revealed that the first batch of startups to graduate from the program consisted of nine companies spanning various sectors such as green technology, manufacturing, healthcare technology, agricultural technology, and deep technology. Ismail disclosed that over 120 companies were registered in the accelerator, and the selected startups offered innovative solutions to society with substantial growth potential.
Ismail elaborated on the comprehensive four-month training program implemented by Entlaq, which encompassed training sessions, consultations, conferences, and events within the entrepreneurship community. The program also provided investment opportunities, media support, and success stories showcased across various media platforms. At the culmination of the training program, Entlaq pledged to invest up to $50,000 in each winning company.
The ceremony featured a screening of a documentary chronicling Egypt’s entrepreneurship journey, tracing its historical roots to the present day. Additionally, a panel discussion titled “How the Egyptian Entrepreneurship Sector Has Thrived Over the Decades” showcased prominent figures in the Egyptian entrepreneurship sector since the 1990s.
Among the companies in the Entlaq accelerator were EGIKE, specializing in eco-friendly transportation means; AKOUB, focused on agricultural production increase technology and palm pollination; Solar Solutions, operating in the renewable energy field, particularly solar energy; Sadaarah, specializing in software and data management; Farahy, the first platform for weddings in Egypt; Estbn, a platform for selling all car needs; Tayar, the pioneering platform creating sustainable job opportunities for pilots; Dajin, a leading platform in poultry trading, and Qubx 3D, utilizing technology to enhance the healthcare sector’s radiology system.
Established in February 2023, Entlaq aims to offer a fresh perspective on the entrepreneurship sector by leveraging data to meet the decision-making needs of governmental entities, investors, businessmen, and startups. Its services include business acceleration for startups, public policy consultations, government relations, support for foreign companies expanding into the Egyptian market, sector diagnostic reports, and research.
The graduation ceremony aimed to showcase the rich history and depth of the Egyptian entrepreneurship sector, one of the oldest in the region. It also underscored Entlaq’s strategic approach, which involves partnerships with all entities operating in the Egyptian entrepreneurship sector to create an integrated environment that accelerates growth. From the era of Talaat Harb to the present day, Entlaq seeks to illuminate this strategy and highlight the sector’s historical significance.
With the successful graduation of its first batch of startups, Entlaq has solidified its position as a catalyst for Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. As the nation looks toward the future, Entlaq remains committed to nurturing and empowering the next generation of Egyptian entrepreneurs.
