The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) has concluded the Aswan Bootcamp Series program,successfully supporting 61 tech startups in Upper Egypt, several of which have collectively secured investments estimated at EGP 200 million, underscoring growing investor confidence in Egypt’s entrepreneurial talent and innovative tech startups.
The closing event was held at the Digital Egypt Innovation Hub Creativa in Aswan, attended by Engineer Amr Lashin, Governor of Aswan; Engineer Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of ITIDA; ProfessorLoya Saad El-Din Nasrat, Acting President of Aswan University; and Ms. Karima El Hakim, Partner at Plug and Play Africa, alongside a distinguished group of entrepreneurs, startup founders, and key stakeholders from the innovation ecosystem.
Empower Youth
The program comes within the framework of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s (MCIT) strategy to foster entrepreneurship and empower youth across Egypt’s governorates, while advancing efforts to expand beyond Cairo and build a robust and integrated innovation ecosystem in Upper Egypt.
Supporting Startups
Launched by ITIDA in November 2024 in partnership with Plug and Play and in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the program aimed to support around 60 technology startups through a series of specialized bootcamps.
During the implementation period, shifts in international development cooperation led to the suspension of funding; however, the program had already attracted more than 150 startups from across Upper Egypt and had successfully completed three phases.
In response, ITIDA stepped in to fund and complete the program, reaffirming its commitment to supporting high-potential startups across Upper Egypt and its confidence in their growth prospects.
Training
Through an intensive program combining technical training and mentorship delivered by a select group of industry experts, 61 startups from Aswan and other Upper Egypt governorates were supported. The program delivered tangible outcomes, with several participating startups successfully securing investments estimated at EGP 200 million, reflecting the increasing maturity of Egypt’s startup ecosystem and the ability of these ventures to scale and attract funding.
Empower Young Entrepreneurs
Engineer Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of ITIDA, stated: “What we are witnessing today in Aswan is not merely the conclusion of a program, but a practical model of MCIT and ITIDA’s efforts to support and empower young entrepreneurs across Egypt, particularly in Upper Egypt, which holds significant potential for building startups capable of scaling, exporting, and competing regionally and globally.”
He added: “Supporting tech startups/ and IT enabled is an integral part of ITIDA’s strategy to develop Egypt’s ICT industry. These startups serve as key drivers of sustainable innovation and a cornerstone for sector growth and enhanced competitiveness.”
ElZaher further highlighted that the program’s success underscores the importance of effective partnerships with the private sector and global accelerators, foremost among them Plug and Play, in transferring expertise and connecting startups to markets and investors.
Partnership
For her part, Ms. Karima El Hakim, Partner at Plug and Play Africa, said: “We are proud of our partnership with ITIDA in delivering this program, which represents a successful model of public-private collaboration to support startups in Upper Egypt. The notable progress demonstrated by participating startups reflects the immense potential of Egyptian entrepreneurs, and we look forward to continuing to support them and connecting them to global investment networks.”
Financial Systems
The closing event of “The Aswan Bootcamp Series” featured a series of specialized panel discussions, most notably a session titled “Building Inclusive Financial Systems through Technology and Regulation” The session explored how technology-driven solutions and enabling regulatory environments can be leveraged to advance financial inclusion and support the growth of startups.
A number of participating startups also showcased their success stories, highlighting the challenges they encountered, their journey throughout the program, and the key benefits gained, particularly in refining their business models and enhancing their readiness for growth.
The event concluded with a panel discussion titled “Cairo Founders” which shed light on entrepreneurs’ experiences in building their ventures, their perspectives on scaling, navigating market challenges, and attracting investments.
Leading Hub
ITIDA continues to operate under a clear vision to position Egypt as a leading hub for technology and innovation by offering a comprehensive ecosystem that supports startups across all stages of their growth journey. This includes promoting an entrepreneurial mindset through programs such as InnovEgypt, providing incubation and acceleration opportunities, and enabling companies to scale while facilitating connections with investors and new markets.
ITIDA delivers its services through a nationwide network of Digital Egypt Innovation Hubs Creativa, which comprises 24 centers, including 19 fully operational hubs across various governorates. These centers serve as direct access points for entrepreneurs, contributing to youth empowerment and strengthening linkages with local and global markets.
Efforts
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the innovation ecosystem, ITIDA has also launched the revamped EgyptInnovate platform, a digital gateway that connects startups with investors and ecosystem enablers, while facilitating access to funding opportunities, knowledge resources, and market insights.
Building on the success of the Aswan Bootcamp Series, ITIDA reaffirmed its commitment to expanding similar initiatives and programs to new geographies, with plans underway to launch dedicated programs supporting startups in the Deltagovernorates. This expansion aligns with the agency’s broader vision to further position Egypt as a leading regional hub for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
