In a strategic move to bolster its knowledge-based economy, Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced the launch of a new awards program designed to recognize and support startups emerging from the nation’s universities and research centers. The initiative aligns with Egypt’s National Policy for Sustainable Innovation 2030, aiming to transform academic research into commercially viable ventures.
The awards target startups founded by faculty members, researchers, current students, or recent graduates within three years of their graduation.
Bridging Research and Commercialization
Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education, stated that the awards are a practical translation of the state’s vision to support innovation as a cornerstone of sustainable development. He emphasized that the initiative is designed to foster a culture of entrepreneurship within Egyptian universities and connect scientific research outputs directly with the national economy.
“This initiative is about transforming our universities into intellectual incubators for pioneering projects that will lead the future of development in Egypt,” said Dr. Ashour. “Young people are the main engine of creativity, and these awards aim to تحفيز an environment that turns research ideas into products and services with added value.”
Award Categories and Eligibility
The program is structured across three main tracks to accommodate startups at different stages of their lifecycle. To be eligible, companies must have been founded between January 1, 2021, and March 31, 2025.
The tracks include:
- Foundation Stage: For companies up to 18 months old.
- Early Growth Stage: For companies between 18 and 36 months old.
- Growth Stage: For companies over 36 months old.
In a significant step to promote diversity in the ecosystem, a dedicated award will also be presented to the best startup founded by a female entrepreneur, reinforcing support for women in innovation and business.
Evaluation and Recognition
Dr. Hossam Osman, Deputy Minister for Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, and Entrepreneurship, outlined the application and evaluation process. Nominations from universities, institutes, and research centers are due by Sunday, November 23, 2025.
“The winning companies will be announced during the upcoming Higher Education and Scientific Research Forum for Entrepreneurship, which will serve as a national platform to enhance the integration between scientific research and the knowledge economy,” Dr. Osman explained.
Startups will be evaluated based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including the volume of intellectual property, investment raised, team size, revenue, industrial partnerships, the value-add of their product or service, business model, growth rates, and future expansion plans.
In addition to the main award winners, all nominated startups that receive an evaluation score above 50% will be officially recognized and honored during the forum.
About the Higher Education and Scientific Research Awards for Startup Excellence
The Higher Education and Scientific Research Awards for Startup Excellence is an Egyptian government initiative designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the academic community. The program aims to identify, reward, and support outstanding startups founded by faculty, researchers, and students, thereby accelerating the transition of scientific research into impactful commercial enterprises that contribute to Egypt’s national economy.
Source: Shorouk News
