Egypt’s Electronics Research Institute (ERI) has concluded its two-day forum focused on supporting startups in the renewable energy sector, announcing a dozen winning projects that tackle challenges in green technology. The event, held in Cairo on May 10-11, brought together innovators, experts, and institutional leaders from across the MENA region.
Quick Facts
- What: A forum for renewable energy startups.
- Where: Electronics Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt.
- Outcome: 12 winning tech projects were announced.
Pan-Arab Gathering Fosters Greentech Collaboration
The forum, organized by ERI in partnership with the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, served as a platform for startups and researchers to present innovative solutions using AI and modern tech to address energy and environmental issues.
The event saw participation from experts and entrepreneurs from Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, Palestine, the UAE, Lebanon, and Iraq. Discussions centered on the role of Arab institutions in building regional and international partnerships to support digital entrepreneurship and empower young innovators.
Addressing the Greentech Funding Gap
A key session tackled the critical issue of financing for early-stage companies. Chaired by Dr. Sami Krishan, the panel explored the role of investment institutions in backing deep tech and renewable energy projects.
Dr. Bilal Al-Naqati, a strategic planning expert at the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), highlighted the existing gap between innovative ideas and available funding sources in the Arab world. Meanwhile, Dr. Amr Al-Awamry, CEO of Sanabel for Research and Development, introduced the concept of “venture studios” as an effective model for incubating and financing deep tech companies in the region.
Winning Innovations Take Center Stage
After two days of presentations and evaluations, the judging committees announced the winning projects. The innovations spanned solar power efficiency, green hydrogen production, and energy storage.
Top winners from the first day included:
- First Place: A project for manufacturing a rechargeable CR-2032 lithium-ion battery cell (ERI).
- Second Place: An AI-based system for inventory control and power saving (ERI).
- Third Place: An innovative device for water distillation using thermoelectric generators and renewable energy (ERI).
Top winners from the second day included:
- First Place: A project on the synthesis and characterization of thin films for dye-sensitized solar cell applications (ERI).
- Second Place: A solar-powered grass-cutting machine (Delta Technological University).
- Third Place: An innovative V-grooved solar collector designed to improve efficiency and reduce costs (Delta Technological University).
Other winning projects focused on green hydrogen production from algae, hybrid solar-thermal desalination, and an EV charging station powered by solar energy.
About The Electronics Research Institute (ERI)
The Electronics Research Institute is a Cairo-based institution operating under Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. It focuses on applied research and technological development in electronics, communications, and information technology. The institute also plays a role in fostering innovation and supporting technology startups through its Science and Technology City for Electronics Research and Industry. The forum’s conclusion coincided with ERI’s official inclusion in ALECSO’s list of specialized Arab research centers for renewable energy for the 2025–2026 term.
Source: Mobtada
