The first edition of the Mediterranean Network of Technological and Social Entrepreneurs Forum has launched from Qena, Egypt, establishing a new regional network aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs in Upper Egypt. The event, held at the “Creativa Qena” digital innovation center, focuses on fostering innovation tied to sustainable development and the revival of cultural heritage and crafts.
Quick Facts
- Over 150 entrepreneurs from Upper Egypt attended.
- The initiative focuses on heritage-tech and sustainability.
- A startup competition awarded EGP 50,000 in prizes.
Bridging Upper Egypt and the Mediterranean
The forum brought together more than 150 students, graduates, and entrepreneurs from the governorates of Qena, Luxor, and Aswan. It operates under the Community Entrepreneurs Network initiative, which is backed by the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation and the European Union. The core mission is to connect entrepreneurs in Upper Egypt with their counterparts across the Mediterranean, creating a supportive environment for knowledge exchange and regional collaboration.
During the opening session, speakers emphasized the importance of investing in youth and linking innovation to local cultural identity. The forum’s management outlined its objectives and implementation stages, showcasing field activities already carried out in Upper Egypt in cooperation with local development institutions.
Fostering Ideas Through Workshops and Competition
The event featured a series of panel discussions addressing the common challenges and opportunities for young people in Mediterranean countries. Sessions highlighted successful social entrepreneurship models and the role of innovation in transforming traditional crafts into sustainable economic opportunities. Other discussions explored how civil society, technology, and media can bolster the local entrepreneurial environment.
A key component was a startup competition where 30 projects pitched their ideas. After being narrowed down to 10 finalists, three winning teams were awarded prizes totaling EGP 50,000. The forum also included interactive workshops focused on developing business ideas in heritage crafts, with practical applications tailored to the resources available to entrepreneurs in Upper Egypt.
What’s Next for MED TEN
Anas Al-Masry, founder of the forum, stated that the event produced several significant outcomes, including heightened awareness of heritage-linked entrepreneurship and new networking channels with experts from across the Mediterranean.
“The forum has also opened up training and incubation opportunities for participants through 2026, alongside the official announcement of the MED TEN initiative’s services and the opening of applications for its future programs,” Al-Masry noted.
Islam Fikry, the forum’s general coordinator, explained the strategic choice of location. “Choosing Qena to launch this initiative reflects our belief in the capabilities and innovative potential of Upper Egypt’s youth,” Fikry said. “Linking local heritage with technology presents a real opportunity to achieve sustainable economic and social development.”
About the MED TEN Initiative
The Mediterranean Network of Technological and Social Entrepreneurs (MED TEN) is a regional initiative supported by the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation and the European Union. It is designed to connect and empower young tech and social entrepreneurs in Upper Egypt with their peers across the Mediterranean, with a core focus on sustainable development and reviving cultural heritage through business innovation.
Source: Besraha
