Egypt has strengthened its push to decentralise innovation and empower regional entrepreneurs, as the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) concluded its Aswan Bootcamp Series, supporting 61 startups across Upper Egypt with investments estimated at EGP 200 million.
The programme, delivered in partnership with Plug and Play Tech Center, marked a significant milestone in efforts to extend Egypt’s technology ecosystem beyond Cairo and into underserved regions.
The closing ceremony, held at the Digital Egypt Innovation Hub (Creativa) in Aswan, brought together key government officials, academic leaders, investors, and founders to celebrate the programme’s impact and chart the next phase of growth.
From Pilot to Proven Impact
Launched in November 2024 in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development, the initiative was designed to support around 60 tech startups through intensive bootcamps, mentorship, and technical training.
Despite disruptions in international funding, ITIDA stepped in to fully finance the programme, ensuring its successful completion—a move that underscores growing institutional confidence in the entrepreneurial potential of Upper Egypt.
More than 150 applications were received, with 61 startups ultimately selected from Aswan and neighbouring governorates.
Startups Attract EGP 200 Million
The results have been tangible. Participating startups have collectively secured investments estimated at EGP 200 million, reflecting rising investor confidence and the increasing market readiness of ventures emerging outside traditional tech hubs.
According to ITIDA CEO, Ahmed El-Zaher, the programme represents more than just a training initiative.
“This is a demonstration of a broader national direction—placing startup growth and entrepreneurial empowerment at the heart of economic development, especially in Upper Egypt,” he said.
He added that startups remain a core pillar in Egypt’s strategy to build a globally competitive ICT sector, driving innovation and long-term economic resilience.
Public–Private Collaboration Driving Growth
For her part, Karima El Hakim, Partner for Africa at Plug and Play, described the bootcamp as a strong example of effective public–private collaboration, noting that many of the startups are now well-positioned to attract global investors.
Panel discussions at the event explored critical themes such as financial inclusion, regulation, and scaling strategies, while founders shared real-world experiences of building startups outside major urban centres.
Expanding Egypt’s Innovation Footprint
The bootcamp forms part of a broader strategy led by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to build a more inclusive innovation economy across the country.
Through a nationwide network of Digital Egypt Innovation Hubs and platforms like EgyptInnovate, ITIDA is working to support startups at every stage—from ideation to scale—while bridging regional gaps in access to funding, mentorship, and markets.
What’s Next
Building on the success in Aswan, ITIDA has announced plans to expand similar programmes to the Nile Delta, reinforcing its long-term vision of positioning Egypt as a geographically inclusive hub for technology and innovation.
With a fast-growing startup ecosystem, increased venture capital activity, and a youthful, tech-driven population, Egypt continues to emerge as one of the region’s leading destinations for high-growth technology investment.
