As part of Algeria’s national vision to build a diversified, knowledge-based economy, local business incubators are emerging as strategic pillars for transforming innovative ideas into productive enterprises. In the eastern province of Tebessa, the Inovest business incubator is playing a pivotal role in fostering a culture of innovation and empowering young entrepreneurs to launch their ventures with confidence. In a recent interview, Dr. Ibrahim Khalil Boughambouz, General Director of Inovest, shared insights into the incubator’s achievements, its focus on regional strengths, and its vision for a sustainable local economy.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
Inovest operates as a dedicated hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, guiding founders through the entire startup journey from concept to market launch. According to Dr. Boughambouz, the incubator’s support extends beyond basic training. It provides crucial mentorship, technical and administrative guidance, and access to a broad network of experts and partners to ensure that promising ideas are nurtured into viable businesses that contribute to the local economy.
A Track Record of Growth
Since its inception, Inovest has built an impressive track record. The incubator has successfully supported the establishment of 37 startups and has trained over 300 young men and women through various national and international programs. These efforts have also provided Algerian entrepreneurs with global exposure through participation in events in Tunisia, Qatar, the United States, China, Germany, and Italy. The startups emerging from Inovest are already creating a tangible impact by introducing innovative solutions in smart agriculture, recycling, digital services, and educational technology.
Tapping into Tebessa’s AgriTech Potential
The province of Tebessa possesses a promising economic climate, particularly within the agricultural and technology sectors. Dr. Boughambouz highlighted this as a fertile ground for startups in the AgriTech space. Inovest is actively working to support young innovators in this field, helping them develop projects that can generate added value and create employment opportunities. This strategic focus aligns with the goal of leveraging regional strengths to build a resilient and diversified local economy.
Navigating Ecosystem Challenges
While celebrating the growing entrepreneurial spirit among the youth in Tebessa, Dr. Boughambouz acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead. He emphasized the need for the Algerian ecosystem to shift from a focus on the quantity of startups to the quality of ventures, prioritizing those with real economic and social impact. He also stressed the critical importance of equitable funding, calling for the national startup financing fund to provide consistent and balanced support across all provinces to ensure the sustainability and success of new projects.
About Inovest
Inovest is a business incubator located in the province of Tebessa, Algeria. It is dedicated to supporting innovators and idea-holders by providing comprehensive guidance, training, and mentorship to help them transform their concepts into established startups. The incubator actively contributes to Algeria’s national economic goals by fostering entrepreneurship and building a sustainable local innovation ecosystem.
Source: El Hiwar
