Cairo-based deep tech and life sciences startup Nawah Scientific has announced the closure of a significant $23 million funding round. The deal, led by Life Ventures Holding, saw participation from a consortium of investment funds, banks, and angel investors, signaling strong confidence in the company’s specialized scientific research model.
Dr. Omar Sakr, Founder and CEO of Nawah, stated that the new capital will fuel the company’s regional and international expansion plans and enhance its research and technological infrastructure. “Closing this round confirms the ability of Nawah’s research-driven model to achieve sustainable, long-term growth and transform science into a tangible economic value,” he said.
A New Chapter of Regional Expansion
The funding will directly support a major expansion of Nawah’s research infrastructure. Key plans include establishing a new world-class research center in Rwanda and doubling the size of its existing laboratory facilities in Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This strategic expansion aims to solidify Nawah’s position as a leading regional and international hub for applied scientific research in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and deep tech.
A Hybrid Round for a Deep Tech Vision
The funding was structured as a hybrid deal, combining both equity and debt. The round attracted investors with a keen interest in the deep tech and life sciences sectors, including Dean Ventures, Empire M, Averroes Ventures, and Al-Suwaidi, alongside several banks and angel investors.
The announcement was made during a ceremony celebrating Nawah Scientific’s 10th anniversary, held under the patronage of Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
A National Model for the Knowledge Economy
The event was attended by prominent figures including Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), who praised Nawah’s journey.
“Nawah Scientific represents an inspiring national model that successfully links scientific research with the requirements of economic development,” Heiba commented. He added that over the past decade, the company has proven the Egyptian private sector’s capacity to invest seriously in science and turn it into an engine for growth, aligning with the state’s vision for a value-added, innovation-based economy.
Heiba also noted that Nawah’s regional expansion, while maintaining its research roots in Egypt, enhances the country’s status as a regional center for research and innovation.
A Decade of Scientific Milestones
Over the past ten years, Nawah has invested nearly $7 million into the scientific research sector, supporting innovation in the medical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries. The company’s facilities span approximately 20,000 square meters, with a current presence in Cairo, Riyadh, the UAE, and Poland, and near-term expansion planned for Rwanda and South Africa.
Nawah holds the distinction of being the first African research center to receive accreditation from the US Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) and was recently named to the YASR30 list of the 30 most promising African startups.
About Nawah Scientific
Founded in 2015, Nawah Scientific is a pioneering deep-tech company that provides on-demand, high-quality scientific and analytical services through its cloud-based platform. It serves researchers and various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and agriculture, by offering access to advanced research facilities and expertise, effectively creating a virtual R&D hub for the MENA region and Africa.
Source: Arab Founders
