The resilience and creativity of the Lebanese tech ecosystem took center stage as the 2025 President’s Innovation Challenge (PIC) concluded at the Beirut Digital District. Organized by the Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park, the event brought together founders, investors, and government officials to celebrate a new cohort of startups addressing critical global needs. Against a backdrop of cautious optimism following the formation of a new government, the challenge underscored a shared commitment to rebuilding the nation’s economy through technology and entrepreneurship.
Celebrating Resilience In Tech
The event served as more than just a competition; it was a rallying point for the local innovation community. High-level attendees, including H.E. Kamal Shehadi, Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, emphasized the vital role of the private sector in shaping the country’s future. Minister Shehadi noted that the gathering represented the “best of Lebanon,” bringing together talent and capital under one roof. Mouhamad Rabah, CEO of Beirut Digital District, reinforced this sentiment, stating that such events are essential for “reinforcing confidence in Lebanon’s ability to create, solve problems, and move forward despite ongoing challenges.”
The 2025 Winning Innovations
After a rigorous selection process involving 3-minute pitches and jury scoring, four startups emerged as winners across different categories.
- Advanced Stage Winner: Impersonas took the top spot for its AI-driven identity platform, which reimages how digital personas are managed and secured.
- Early Stage Winner: Dermatine was recognized for its breakthrough in health tech, developing a non-invasive skin patch that enables continuous kidney health monitoring.
- Social Innovation Award: Beaver Edu won for its commitment to education, creating safe and eco-friendly tools that empower children to learn through hands-on building.
- People’s Choice Award: nuwatt.co captured the audience’s vote with its digital platform focused on renewable energy and sustainability solutions.
A Diverse Portfolio Of Solutions
The 2025 cohort reflected the increasing maturity of the Lebanese ecosystem, with ventures spanning deep tech, sustainability, and infrastructure. Beyond the winners, the challenge showcased a wide array of promising startups. These included Bilo, an AI-powered platform simplifying out-of-home advertising; ModularCx, offering scalable customer experience solutions; and Floating Hydrogen Ports, a clean energy infrastructure innovation. Other notable participants like Axi-Kit, ChromaTwin, IGT Optima, and Oramala presented solutions ranging from digital twins for data decision-making to smart hardware for rapid product development.
About Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park
The Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park is a leading entrepreneurship hub affiliated with the American University of Beirut. It is dedicated to supporting students, alumni, and faculty in transforming innovative ideas into profitable, scalable startups. By providing incubation, mentorship, and access to a global network of experts and investors, the Innovation Park plays a crucial role in fostering the next generation of business leaders in Lebanon and the MENA region.
Source: Beirut Digital District
