A new Euro-Mediterranean initiative has been launched to empower young entrepreneurs across the region, with significant participation from Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt. The YIELD project, short for Youth Innovation Entrepreneurship Launchpad in Deep-Tech, held its inaugural meeting from December 3-4, 2025, in Arta, Greece, marking the official start of a program aimed at fostering innovation in sustainable economies.
Funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED program, YIELD is designed to support the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs in the Mediterranean.
A €1M Boost For Mediterranean Deep-Tech
The YIELD project operates with a total budget of €1,001,483.50, with a substantial 90% contribution of €901,335.15 from the European Union. Its core mission is to support individuals aged 18–30 who are developing innovative solutions within the blue, green, and circular economies.
The initiative places a special emphasis on leveraging advanced, deep-tech applications to create sustainable environmental and economic impact. The long-term objective is to facilitate the creation of at least five new deep-tech startups, thereby generating sustainable economic opportunities and enhancing the role of youth in regional development.
MENA’s Role In The YIELD Consortium
In Palestine, the project’s activities will be executed by Leaders International, an organization dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs and integrating them into the regional innovation ecosystem. The program will offer specialized training, expert mentorship, business model development, and access to regional and international partnerships.
The consortium also includes key partners from across the MENA region, including the Jordan University of Science and Technology from Jordan and the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology from Egypt. This collaboration ensures a blend of academic expertise, practical entrepreneurship, and technological innovation.
Empowering The Next Generation Of Innovators
The kickoff meeting solidified the commitment of all partners to build a robust and sustainable support framework for youth entrepreneurship. Initial steps agreed upon include a thorough analysis of regional needs and challenges, the development of shared training tools, and preparations for an upcoming open call for youth teams to join the project.
The YIELD project is a collaborative effort between institutions from six countries. Alongside the MENA partners, the consortium includes the University of Ioannina and KiNNO from Greece, and VITECO from Italy. The project is led by the Knowledge and Intelligent Computing Laboratory at the University of Ioannina.
About The YIELD Project
YIELD (Youth Innovation Entrepreneurship Launchpad in Deep-Tech) is an EU-funded initiative under the Interreg NEXT MED program. It aims to empower youth aged 18-30 in the Mediterranean by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the blue, green, and circular economies. With a focus on deep-tech solutions, the project seeks to create sustainable economic impact and support the launch of new startups through training, mentorship, and regional collaboration.
Source: Ma’an News Agency
