Gemini Africa has concluded the third edition of its incubator program for startups in Upper Egypt, culminating in a Demo Day that celebrated a new cohort of entrepreneurs. The event, supported by the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development and Mars-Galaxy, showcased 19 finalists competing for a prize pool of EGP 210,000.
Quick Facts
- 111 startups participated from Upper Egypt.
- 54% of founders were women.
- EGP 210,000 awarded to three winners.
From 600 Applicants to 19 Finalists
The third cycle of the program attracted significant interest from entrepreneurs across six Upper Egypt governorates: Minya, Assiut, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, and Aswan. From over 600 applications, 111 startups were selected to join the specialized training program, which focuses on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises with a strong social impact.
A notable feature of this cohort was the strong female presence, with women making up 54% of all participants, reflecting the program’s goal to bolster economic empowerment for women in the region. After months of training and mentorship, 19 startups advanced to the final Demo Day, where they were evaluated on innovation, social impact, and scalability.
Meet the Winners: EdTech, Waste Management, and AI-Powered Pottery
Three startups were selected by the judging panel for their innovative solutions and growth potential.
Insight Learn claimed first place for its inclusive education project. The startup uses patented 3D models to help visually impaired and sighted children learn numbers and letters through an interactive, tactile approach.
In second place was iBIKIA, a tech-driven waste management startup. Its mobile application aims to simplify recycling for households, using digital solutions to encourage and streamline participation in the circular economy.
Pottery Hub secured third place for its work in revitalizing Upper Egypt’s traditional pottery industry. The startup integrates AI-powered design tools to help artisans enhance product quality, while its partnerships with local workshops reduce costs and boost production capacity.
Building an Ecosystem from Within Upper Egypt
Launched in 2021 as “Uplift for Upper Egypt,” the program is a partnership between Gemini Africa and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development. It has since grown into a comprehensive platform for social entrepreneurship in the region.
Laila Hosny, Executive Director of the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, stated, “We believe in the power of social entrepreneurship to create innovative solutions that meet market and community needs. Empowering entrepreneurs locally, especially in economically and geographically marginalized groups, is crucial for breaking market entry barriers.”
Adly Thoma, Managing Director of Gemini Africa, added, “Since launching this program, our vision has been clear: to empower social entrepreneurs, especially youth and women in Upper Egypt, to be real drivers of change in their communities. We are not just supporting startups; we are building an integrated system that drives development from within by connecting entrepreneurs and creating sustainable local networks.”
Representing Mars Egypt, General Manager Sally El Gendy commented on their support, saying, “Empowering women is a key pillar of Mars’s sustainability strategy. Through the Galaxy brand, we aim to enable female entrepreneurs in Upper Egypt to achieve their dreams and expand their projects.”
About Gemini Africa’s Upper Egypt Incubator
The program, initiated in 2021 as “Uplift for Upper Egypt,” is a collaboration between Gemini Africa and the Sawiris Foundation. It has evolved into a key developmental initiative supporting social entrepreneurship across Upper Egypt by providing training, mentorship, and access to funding and markets. The current edition is also supported by Mars-Galaxy as part of its global commitment to empowering women in business.
Source: El Taameer
