Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced a period of significant activity for its Innovators Support Fund (ISF), highlighting an EGP 100 million investment that supported the creation of dozens of new tech startups emerging from universities across the country during the 2025/2026 fiscal year. The fund’s efforts signal a strategic push to transform academic research and student ideas into commercially viable businesses, strengthening Egypt’s knowledge-based economy.
Quick Facts
- EGP 100 million in funding for 53 teams via GEN Z program.
- 37 new startups registered, with 7 more in progress.
- Launched national challenges for digital innovation and smart sensors.
From Campus to Company
The cornerstone of the fund’s recent activity is its GEN Z incubation program, which directed up to EGP 100 million towards 53 student and youth-led teams. This initiative has already yielded tangible results, with 37 companies officially registered, seven others nearing completion of the registration process, and another seven identified as candidates for international expansion.
Dr. Abdelaziz Qonsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasized the program’s strategic importance. “Support for entrepreneurs and innovators is a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development,” he stated, noting that the ministry’s strategy aims to build an environment that fosters innovation and empowers youth to turn their ideas into impactful economic projects.
Building a Multi-Faceted Innovation Pipeline
Beyond the GEN Z program, the ISF rolled out a series of targeted initiatives to cultivate innovation across different segments. The fund launched the fifth cycle of its “Researchers to Entrepreneurs” (R2E) program and a new initiative, “Your Project… Your Startup,” designed to support entrepreneurial graduation projects.
The ISF also focused on inclusivity by launching the “Create… Go” program to support entrepreneurs with disabilities. To protect local innovation, the fund ran three cycles of its “Hemaya” (Protection) initiative, aimed at helping inventors and entrepreneurs register their intellectual property. Additional programs included the GSS scholarship program, which provided 45 new grants in collaboration with nine Egyptian universities, and the “Mentor Online” program, connecting young founders with industry experts and investors.
Showcasing Egyptian Talent on the Global Stage
The fund’s support extended to helping student teams compete in both local and international competitions. Notably, the ISF backed Egyptian university teams participating in the Shell Eco-Marathon 2026 in Qatar. The Menoufia Racing Team from Menoufia University secured second place globally in the telemetry category with a smart, AI-powered measurement system, making it the only Arab team to win in a major category.
Dr. Tamer Hamouda, Executive Director of the ISF, confirmed the fund’s commitment to these efforts. “The fund continues its efforts to empower tech startups and maximize the benefit from research outputs, turning them into promising projects capable of growth and competition,” he commented.
About Innovators Support Fund (ISF)
Established in 2019 by the Egyptian government, the Innovators Support Fund (ISF) is a state-backed entity operating under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Its primary mission is to foster a knowledge-based economy by discovering, supporting, and funding promising innovators, students, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The fund provides financial grants, incubation programs, mentorship, and IP registration support to help transform innovative ideas into successful startups.
Source: Twasl News
