Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem in Upper Egypt is getting a significant boost with the launch of a new Bootcamp Series. This comes as Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) introduces the Aswan Bootcamp Series, a major initiative aimed at supporting tech startups and fostering innovation in Upper Egypt.
The program, inaugurated by Minister H.E. Dr. Amr Talaat, is designed to equip entrepreneurs in the region with the skills and resources needed to thrive in competitive markets.
Hosted at the Creativa Innovation Hub in Aswan, this program reflects a collaborative effort by the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and global innovation platform Plug and Play Tech Center.
Central to the launch was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ITIDA and Plug and Play Egypt. Supported by USAID, this collaboration aims to strengthen Upper Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and expertise needed to scale their ventures.
The Aswan Bootcamp Series is designed to address gaps in resources, expertise, and access to networks for startups in the region. With a focus on skills like market development, financial management, and scalability, the program targets over 60 tech-enabled startups operating in sectors such as agri-tech, health-tech, e-commerce, gov-tech, and tourism. By leveraging Plug and Play’s global network, these startups will receive mentorship and guidance to achieve sustainable growth and commercial success.
The program’s structure includes five intensive eight-day bootcamps, where participating startups will benefit from workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and exposure to potential investors. In addition, participants will receive guidance on key business aspects like financial management, market development, scalability, and product-market fit. The program also includes mentorship opportunities and exposure to Cairo’s well-established startup ecosystem, helping founders build networks and attract potential investments.
Minister Talaat highlighted MCIT’s commitment to nurturing innovation across Egypt, particularly in underserved regions like Upper Egypt. He praised the Creativa Innovation Hub’s success in engaging thousands of youth through training programs that develop entrepreneurial and digital skills. Talaat noted that such efforts are part of a larger strategy to establish hubs across the country, particularly in university settings, ensuring accessibility for young talent.
ITIDA CEO Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher expressed pride in the achievements of the Creativa Innovation Hub in Aswan since its launch in 2020. Over the years, the hub has served more than 9,000 youth and helped 52 startups secure investments worth approximately EGP 75 M (~USD 1.5 M). El-Zaher emphasized that this new partnership with Plug and Play marks a significant step forward in enabling startups to compete on regional and global levels.
USAID Mission Director Sean Jones also commended the program, emphasizing its role in making entrepreneurship more inclusive and accessible for Upper Egypt’s youth. Karima El Hakim, Country Director for Plug and Play Egypt, also spoke about the region’s vast potential, pledging support for startups through mentorship, funding access, and connections to Plug and Play’s global network.
The program extends beyond startup training. It includes knowledge transfer to local enablers who will shadow the bootcamps, learning methodologies to sustain similar initiatives in the future. Additionally, a hackathon targeting young innovators between the ages of 18 and 35 will offer university students and recent graduates an opportunity to develop ideas and connect with mentors.
By positioning Aswan as a rising tech hub, the Aswan Bootcamp Series seeks to leverage the region’s cultural and historical significance while building a platform for global innovation. This collaborative effort reflects the shared vision of MCIT, ITIDA, USAID, and Plug and Play to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of Upper Egypt, paving the way for sustainable growth and greater global engagement.
