The first edition of Startup Weekend Women – Aden has officially launched, marking a significant milestone for the city’s entrepreneurial landscape. The initiative aims to support and empower young women entrepreneurs by connecting them with the global innovation ecosystem.
The event is organized by Global Shapers Aden in partnership with the German International University – Aden. It is part of the global series of events licensed by the international Techstars network, held concurrently in cities worldwide to celebrate International Women’s Day.
A Platform For Innovation and Growth
Over three days of intensive workshops and collaboration, participants will compete to develop innovative project ideas and transform them into viable business models. The journey will be supported by a dedicated team of mentors and experts from the entrepreneurship field.
The event will culminate in a final pitch session where teams present their projects to a judging committee, which will select the winning ventures. Mohammed Jaafar Saad Al-Furaiji, Advisor to the Governor of Aden for Youth Affairs, emphasized that such initiatives open new horizons for youth and women in innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing to the discovery of promising talent and strengthening women’s role in economic development.
A Gateway To Global Opportunities
Heba Fahim Haidar, Head of Global Shapers Aden and the event’s lead organizer, stated that hosting this global event in Aden sends a message that the city is still capable of producing ideas and ambitions despite its challenges.
“The winning team in Aden will get the opportunity to apply for the global startup pitch competition organized by Techstars next May,” Haidar added. “Winning teams from various cities around the world will compete to present their projects to an international committee, in an opportunity that could open doors to a global network of investors and experts.”
Academic Partnership And Future Vision
The German International University – Aden plays a key role as a strategic partner. Dr. Abdul-Fattah Al-Saidi, the university’s president, affirmed its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation to economically empower youth and women. He noted that the university operates with a modern vision that links education to the job market.
Dr. Al-Saidi also revealed the university’s plans to establish a business incubator to support entrepreneurial projects from its students and graduates. “The current stage requires us to promote a culture of initiative and innovation among young people,” he stated. “Yemen and the region are in dire need of entrepreneurial projects capable of creating new opportunities and providing innovative solutions to economic and developmental challenges.”
About Startup Weekend Women Aden
Startup Weekend Women – Aden is an interactive event that combines hands-on training, teamwork, and professional mentorship. As part of the global Techstars Startup Weekend movement, it is designed to build a new generation of female entrepreneurs capable of transforming creative ideas into impactful community projects and successful businesses.
Source: Aden Time
