Championing Entrepreneurship: The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge
A Partnership for Progress
ExxonMobil Egypt has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering youth entrepreneurship by partnering with the Misr El-Kheir Foundation for the fourth edition of the "Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge." With a focus on Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, this initiative aims to support the next generation of innovators who are poised to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
A Celebration of Innovation
Recently, graduating teams from this year’s challenge were honored at an event that highlighted their hard work and dedication. This collaboration with the GESR incubator, part of Misr El-Kheir’s Scientific Research and Innovation sector, underscores both organizations’ shared mission: to empower youth and drive sustainable development through innovative solutions.
Prioritizing Key Sectors
This year’s challenge specifically targets five main areas: Content Management, E-commerce Software, Digital Asset Management, Website Development, and E-Payment Gateways. The aim is to equip startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Visionary Support
Eng. Youssef Hafez, Board Member and Public & Government Affairs Manager at ExxonMobil Egypt, emphasized the importance of supporting young talent during the ceremony. "Our partnership with Misr El-Kheir is crucial in allowing youth to unleash their creative energies," he remarked. Hafez expressed growing confidence in the innovative spirit of Egyptian youth and the transformative potential of their ideas.
Capacity Building Through Collaboration
Eng. Amal Mobadda, CEO of Resource Development at Misr El-Kheir Foundation, echoed Hafez’s sentiments. She highlighted the alignment of the GESR program with Misr El-Kheir’s mission to promote scientific research and entrepreneurship. The collaboration with ExxonMobil Egypt serves as a model of cooperation between the private sector and community institutions, aimed at uplifting young people and driving sustainable community development.
Innovative Solutions from Emerging Talent
The winning projects from this year’s challenge exemplify the innovative spirit that the program seeks to nurture. One standout project, Albootcamp, has launched an Arabic online platform designed to facilitate collaborative learning across the MENA region. The platform provides a range of services, including affordable course booking and quality evaluation, aimed at enhancing the learning experience.
Dameg has introduced a smart tool tailored for individuals with disabilities, fostering greater independence in daily life. Meanwhile, Board Pins developed an integrated e-commerce platform connecting merchants with service providers, which facilitates SME expansion into broader markets, including Africa.
Other noteworthy projects include Merkato, an industrial platform that leverages advanced technologies like virtual reality to market SME products effectively. Lastly, Reffurn stands out with its online marketplace focused on refurbished furniture, promoting sustainability through offering diverse new, used, and redesigned pieces.
A Growing Legacy
Since its inception in 2021, the "Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge" has successfully supported 20 entrepreneurial teams tackling vital issues across sectors such as energy, education, and technology. This success trajectory reflects the growing recognition of the importance of fostering innovation in Egypt.
About ExxonMobil Egypt
ExxonMobil Egypt has a longstanding reputation for providing high-quality fuels and lubricants. With a robust network of over 350 service stations, the company has contributed significantly to the local economy. Their commitment to community initiatives extends beyond fuels and lubricants; they are dedicated to educational programs and development projects that benefit various segments of society.
About Misr El-Kheir GESR
GESR Misr El-Kheir serves as a technological incubator focused on addressing Egypt’s social challenges across multiple sectors. Its strategic pillars include transforming ideas into prototypes and connecting startups with potential investors. The incubator has seen impressive participation, receiving applications from over 2,000 entrepreneurs across 13 governorates, nurturing nearly 60 startups and creating hundreds of jobs.
A Bright Future
With ongoing support from ExxonMobil and Misr El-Kheir, the future looks promising for Egypt’s young entrepreneurs. Their projects not only aim to drive economic growth but also strive to solve critical community challenges. As this partnership continues to evolve, it sets a precedent for collaborative efforts in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
