Benha National University has concluded its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum, awarding four innovative projects a total of EGP 2 million in funding. The event, held in the presence of leaders from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Innovators and Geniuses Care Fund, highlights a growing commitment to fostering grassroots innovation within Egypt’s academic institutions.
Fostering Innovation Through Funding and Mentorship
The forum culminated in four winning projects being selected from a competitive pool of 36 participants. Each winning team was awarded EGP 500,000, provided by the Innovators and Geniuses Care Fund, a key governmental body supporting youth-led innovation.
Dr. Tamer Samir, President of Benha National University, emphasized that the university’s support extends beyond financial backing. “The university is not only providing financial support but is also keen on honoring and motivating the winners, opening avenues for collaboration between them and industry leaders and companies,” he stated. This approach aims to ensure project sustainability and accelerate the transition from idea to market-ready product.
A Culmination of Intensive Training
The forum was the final stage of a rigorous program that included a four-day training camp and a series of intensive workshops. Dr. Mahmoud Shakl, Vice President for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the university, explained that the program was designed to develop creative thinking skills and build robust business models.
“The strong competition among the participating projects reflects a high level of awareness among students about the importance of entrepreneurship,” Dr. Shakl noted. He added that the four winning projects were chosen after a thorough evaluation by specialized scientific and industrial committees, which assessed technological aspects, economic feasibility, and practical application opportunities.
Bridging Academia and Industry
A core pillar of the university’s strategy is to create a seamless link between its academic environment and the industrial sector. The initiative ensures that each winning project is integrated into a network of strategic partners, including corporations and industry veterans.
This integration is designed to provide invaluable opportunities for training, product development, and marketing support. According to the university, this vital step embodies its philosophy of merging academic education with practical application, aligning with Egypt’s national strategy for a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy and boosting the chances of these projects evolving into competitive startups.
About Benha National University
Benha National University is a modern Egyptian academic institution established to provide advanced educational programs aligned with the demands of the local, regional, and international labor markets. The university focuses on fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical skills among its students to contribute to Egypt’s economic and social development.
Source: Al-Masry Al-Youm
