Egypt has emerged as a major player in the global startup ecosystem, establishing itself as a vibrant center of innovation and entrepreneurship. Egypt has a distinct edge in attracting both investors and entrepreneurs due to its geographical location as a bridge between Africa and the Middle East. A big and youthful population, government attempts to stimulate entrepreneurship, and a rising pool of creative individuals all contribute to Egypt's startup environment. This ecosystem is strengthened further by the availability of financing possibilities, incubators, and accelerators, all of which provide critical assistance to startups. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of startup incubators and accelerators in Egypt. They have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation', 'launch', or 'growth' stages, so whichever stage you're in, you would be able to find a program that suits you!
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN EGYPT
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Egypt
The complete list of ideation phase startup incubators in Egypt:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Icealex is a community-driven digital innovation space in Alexandria, Egypt, with a comprehensive program to assist entrepreneurs and companies, including mentorship, coaching, and guidance activities. Icealex aspires to build a socially responsible and self-sufficient community of innovative individuals and businesses focused on co-creating long-term solutions to local problems.
In addition to their mentoring and coaching activities, Icealex also offers services related to the Maker Movement and Social Entrepreneurship. This includes quick prototyping, workshops, and coworking spaces, which provide an atmosphere in which people may interact and invent together.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Social and Environmental Impact
Launched with the goal of transforming Alexandria into a vibrant entrepreneurial hub, the Startups of Alex program offers budding entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and mentorship required to turn their unique ideas into profitable enterprises. Through a series of workshops, training sessions, and networking events, Startups of Alex equips participants with essential skills in areas such as business development, marketing, finance, and technology. The program also offers access to a network of experienced mentors and industry experts who provide guidance and support throughout the startup journey.
In addition to the educational component, Startups of Alex also provides seed funding opportunities and connects startups with potential investors, enabling them to secure the necessary capital to launch and scale their businesses.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Social Impact
StartEgypt is a fantastic effort aimed at empowering and elevating Egyptian entrepreneurs in the areas of social innovation. Established as a pre-acceleration incubator initiative, StartEgypt inspires and supports millions of budding entrepreneurs across Egypt. They provide a comprehensive support structure and opportunities to help entrepreneurs through the hurdles of beginning and developing their firms.
StartEgypt works with a variety of groups to provide mentorship, training, network access, and financing possibilities. Through the initiative, StartEgypt aspires to promote a thriving ecosystem of social innovation in the country, generating good change and sustainable development in all areas of society.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Nahdet El Mahrousa is a social organization dedicated to creating a positive and long-term influence on the cultural, social, economic, and environmental development of the country.
Nahdet El Mahrousa supports a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment through its network of social entrepreneurs, inventors, and organizations.
They collaborate closely with social entrepreneurs and innovators, providing them with the tools and resources they need to create, validate, and scale their social companies. Nahdet El Mahrousa's incubator assists social innovators and entrepreneurs in creating and expanding their businesses by providing services such as funding, capacity-building programs, business assistance, content and information production, and access to a co-working space.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Water, Energy, Food/Agribusiness, Health, Education, AI, IOT
Launched in 2013, the GESR program is an initiative aimed at encouraging innovators and technology startups that address societal concerns in the disciplines of science and engineering. The program is overseen by Misr El Kheir Foundation, Egypt's leading charitable organization.
The initiative assists social entrepreneurs with hardware/IoT inventions at all phases of the innovation cycle, from concept to prototype, from prototype to market-fit product, and from market-fit product to matching funding opportunity. Participants also have access to a network of industry experts and potential investors, who provide guidance and support throughout the development of their projects.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Egypt
The complete list of launch phase incubators and accelerators in Egypt:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: FinTech
The 1864 Accelerator by Flat6Labs is a pioneering business accelerator program that focuses on financial technologies. It is the country's first of its type, highlighting their commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the local FinTech ecosystem. The program's goal is to offer startups the tools, coaching, and support they need to build their businesses and make a significant difference in the financial sector.
The company sponsoring the 1864 Accelerator, Flat6Labs, is a well-established entity recognized for its commitment to encouraging innovation in the MENA region. They offer a variety of active and inactive programs and funds that help a variety of industries, including agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: FinTech
EFG EV Fintech is a leading business accelerator and early-stage venture capital firm in Egyot. The accelerator's objective is to create an agile financial ecosystem in the country by offering a platform for ambitious entrepreneurs to succeed. They provide extensive assistance to businesses in the early phases of their journey through their accelerator program. The accelerator offers a variety of tools and mentorship possibilities, allowing businesses to enhance their business models and grow their operations.
EFG EV Fintech is a unique collaboration between EFG Hermes, a leading financial services corporation, and Egypt Ventures, a prominent entity in entrepreneurship. By leveraging the combined expertise and networks of EFG Hermes and Egypt Ventures, EFG EV Fintech offers a unique platform for fintech startups in Egypt to accelerate their growth and make a significant impact in the industry.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: FinTech
Startupbootcamp Fintech Cairo is a premier accelerator program located in the heart of Egypt's bustling capital city. This accelerator, which is part of the worldwide Startupbootcamp network, focuses on growing and assisting early-stage fintech firms.
Startupbootcamp Fintech Cairo provides a unique forum for companies to meet with industry experts, mentors, and investors, with the objective of empowering entrepreneurs to build new solutions in the financial industry. The accelerator's intense three-month program provides startups with key resources such as office space, cash, and access to a large network of industry partners.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Gov-Tech, Supply Chain, Healthcare, Internet of Things, Energy & Sustainability, Mobility, Fintech, Insurtech
Plug and Play Egypt is a platform that promotes digital transformation and entrepreneurship in Egypt. As part of the worldwide Plug and Play network, it acts as a bridge to foster cooperation and innovation between entrepreneurs, companies, investors, governments, and universities. The platform intends to establish Egypt as a regional hub for innovation-driven entrepreneurship in the MENA region.
Plug and Play Egypt provides a variety of programs and initiatives to assist entrepreneurs and enterprises on their path to innovation. This initiative provides mentorship, strategic alliances, and exposure to startups through Plug & Play's broad worldwide network.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Information and Communication Technology and Electronics
Formed in 1997, the EiTESAL Business Nurturing Initiative (EBNI) is a non-profit incubation organization with the goal of assisting businesses in the fields of Information and Communication Technology and Electronics. As the Middle East's first incubation program focused on IoT hardware, EBNI offers full financial, technical, and administrative assistance to entrepreneurs. EBNI's worldwide network allows entrepreneurs to expand their presence and gain access to global markets, allowing them to build and scale their businesses.
EiTESAL also intends to develop incubation programs financed by other entities in addition to its present services. EBNI intends to extend its footprint and cover all regions in Egypt, further fostering and enabling the startup ecosystem in the country.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
Athar Accelerator is a startup accelerator situated in Upper Egypt that is committed to developing and helping entrepreneurs in the region. Athar provides critical resources, funding, contacts, and coaching to budding entrepreneurs, with a special focus on activating and developing the local business ecosystem. Their extensive programs and efforts seek to stimulate innovation and generate long-term growth in Upper Egypt's startup scene.
The Athar Climate Action Hackathon is one of Athar Accelerator's core activities. The goal of this hackathon is to inspire participants to offer unique solutions for combating climate change. The event also provides the exciting possibility to win cash prizes, encouraging participants to submit their innovative solutions to a more sustainable future.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
Nilepreneurs is an innovative Egyptian platform that promotes entrepreneurship and assists prospective company owners. Their website acts as a portal to a thriving community of entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to prosper in the business scene. Nilepreneurs provides a variety of services, including business training programs, networking events, and funding options.
Nilepreneurs is not just a platform for individuals to launch their businesses, but also a community where entrepreneurs can collaborate and learn from each other. Their website acts as a knowledge-sharing platform, with articles, blogs, and videos covering anything from marketing techniques to financial management.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
MINT Incubator, situated in Giza, Egypt, is a renowned incubator business devoted to promoting the growth and success of companies in Africa and Egypt. The business provides a comprehensive incubation program developed exclusively for Egyptian entrepreneurs, providing them with important tools, coaching, and networking opportunities to help them grow and thrive.
MINT Incubator is proud of its strategic alliances with well-known organizations such as EG Bank and Alex Angels. These relationships allow MINT Incubator to provide a rigorous and highly competitive incubation program by utilizing its partners' experience and resources.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
The Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC) in Egypt is a dynamic institution dedicated to encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. Their comprehensive program includes a number of efforts customized to various stakeholders.
TEA, their technological entrepreneurship accelerator program, is a standout among their projects. The TEA program comprises a series of seminars and mentorship sessions designed to provide entrepreneurs with the knowledge and support they need to turn their ideas into sustainable enterprises.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Backed by the Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperation and Egypt Ventures, Falak Startups seeks to uncover and foster exceptional and ambitious seed-stage tech startups, allowing them to succeed in the region's fast-changing terrain.
Falak Startups aids startups in many phases of their growth path by providing a complete variety of support services. They provide crucial guidance in terms of enhancing product-market fit, refining business models, growing client base, and attracting follow-on investments. Equity investment, growth hacking tactics, networking possibilities, mentorship programs, and training sessions are all available through the accelerator.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
AUC Venture Lab (V-Lab) is Egypt's first university-based business accelerator and incubator of the American University in Cairo. Founded in 2013, V-Lab provides early-stage and growth-stage entrepreneurs with various programs and opportunities, including training, mentorship, and access to AUC's world-class facilities and knowledge base.
One of AUC V-Lab's primary strengths is its ability to link entrepreneurs with AUC's enormous alumni network and industry partners. This network offers invaluable assistance and counseling to entrepreneurs, assisting them in navigating the hurdles of the startup environment.
Growth Stage Accelerators in Egypt
The complete list of growth stage startup accelerators in Egypt:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
INNO101 is a startup incubator and consulting firms that strives to provide entrepreneurs and innovators with the tools they need to make a major impact on the world. Founded on December 12, 2012, INNO101 offers a complete 101-day journey that equips prospective entrepreneurs with the information, tools, and support they need to convert their ideas into successful enterprises.
With a team of experienced experts, INNO101 provides consultation services to help startups refine their business strategies, develop effective marketing plans, secure funding, and navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial journey.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
NU TechSpace is Egypt's premier technology-focused program and the country's first technology incubator specializing in Cognitive Technologies. Their objective is to assist startups with a high-tech components, such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Deep Learning. With a strong dedication to nurturing entrepreneurs and helping them start their own businesses, NU TechSpace offers a range of valuable resources and support. They provide financial assistance, collaborating with the ASRT to offer 150,000 EGP to kickstart startups.
Aside from financial assistance, NU TechSpace focuses on improving entrepreneurs' skills and expertise. They help entrepreneurs improve their product and business models and provide coaching from their seasoned team. Furthermore, NU TechSpace offers free office and conference space for 8 months.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team / Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The 500 Global Scale Up Program in Egypt is a comprehensive program aimed at empowering Egyptian businesses in the Pre-Series A or Series A stages. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Egyptian Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), provides essential tools and support to participating firms. Startups can gain access to strategies, experimental methodology, and individualized coaching through the program, speeding their growth and boosting their chances of success.
In addition to these advantages, the Scale Up Program provides participants access to 500 Global's wide network of partners and stakeholders. This network gives companies with crucial contacts and access to potential investors, assisting them in obtaining the necessary funding for future growth.
Closing Thoughts on Joining a Startup Accelerator or Incubator in Egypt
Egypt has developed as a prominent startup hotspot, with a dynamic ecosystem backed by a diverse spectrum of accelerators and incubators. These organizations play an important role in developing and mentoring young firms by providing them with the resources, coaching, funding, and networking opportunities that they require. With the assistance of startup incubators and accelerators, these startups are poised to make a significant impact on the economy and drive innovation in the country.