Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in partnership with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and global innovation platform Plug and Play, has launched the Aswan Bootcamp Series—an initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and empowering startups in Upper Egypt. The program is supported by USAID and was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, at the Creativa Innovation Hub in Aswan.
The bootcamp series seeks to address gaps in resources, mentorship, and networks in Aswan’s emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over 60 startups across sectors such as agri-tech, health-tech, e-commerce, gov-tech, and tourism will receive intensive training on financial management, product-market fit, scalability, and commercialization.
“The Aswan Bootcamp is a testament to our commitment to positioning Upper Egypt as a regional hub for innovation,” said Dr. Talaat. “With six Digital Egypt Innovation Hubs established in Upper Egypt, including Creativa Aswan, we are providing young entrepreneurs with the skills and tools they need to thrive in the digital economy.”
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between ITIDA and Plug and Play Egypt, expanding their successful collaboration from Cairo to Aswan. This partnership aims to attract investment and provide startups with access to global networks and mentorship opportunities.
“Since 2020, the Creativa Innovation Hub in Aswan has served over 9,000 young entrepreneurs, resulting in 52 startups securing EGP 75 million in funding,” said Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA. “The Aswan Bootcamp represents a new phase of growth, unlocking even more potential in Upper Egypt.”
Karima El Hakim, Country Director of Plug and Play Egypt, highlighted the importance of expanding to Aswan:
“Upper Egypt is a scalable market with immense talent. Our goal is to build bridges from Aswan to global markets, providing startups with essential tools, mentorship, and investment opportunities.”
USAID reaffirmed its support for the initiative, emphasizing its dedication to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship in Upper Egypt.
“This partnership with ITIDA and Plug and Play will bring world-class mentorship and investment opportunities to Upper Egypt,” said Sean Jones, USAID Mission Director in Egypt. “We are excited to help unlock the potential of Aswan’s entrepreneurs.”
The Aswan Bootcamp Series consists of five intensive, eight-day programs that include:
- Workshops on business development, competitive analysis, customer outreach, and product pricing.
- One-on-one mentorship sessions with experienced founders and industry experts.
- Networking opportunities with investors and access to Cairo’s established entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Following the bootcamp, startups will continue to receive mentorship and support, positioning them for long-term success. The program will culminate in a flagship event showcasing innovative solutions to regional challenges and highlighting Aswan’s potential as a global tech hub.
The initiative also focuses on youth engagement, with a hackathon designed for university students, recent graduates, and young professionals aged 18 to 35. Participants will gain hands-on experience, network with industry leaders, and learn from successful entrepreneurs.
By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, the Aswan Bootcamp Series aims to transform Upper Egypt into a vibrant, self-sustaining startup ecosystem, ready to compete on a global scale.