The business incubator Intersect, the entrepreneurial arm of the Bank of Palestine Group, has celebrated the graduation of 12 startups from the seventh cohort of its flagship incubation program, Startups In Residence (STIR 7). The event, held in the presence of H.E. Dr. Inas Al-Attari, the Minister of Labour, showcased the innovative ideas of the graduating companies.
By the Numbers
- 12: Startups graduated from the seventh cohort.
- 7th: The edition of the STIR incubation program.
A Showcase of Palestinian Innovation
The graduation event provided a platform for the 12 startups to present their final pitches and innovative solutions developed during the months-long incubation period. The ceremony was attended by a distinguished audience of investors, supporters, and entrepreneurs, including representatives from Ibtikar Fund, the Higher Council for Innovation and Excellence, and the Innovative Private Sector Development (IPSD) project.
A Collaborative Effort for Empowerment
The STIR 7 program was held in a strategic partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). In her speech, Dr. Al-Attari emphasized that Palestine is not only a land of resilience but also a land of innovation and creativity. She reaffirmed the Ministry of Labour’s commitment to supporting every initiative that opens doors for Palestinian youth, facilitating the legal and institutional environment for entrepreneurial projects, and providing training and financing.
Leadership on Building a Resilient Ecosystem
Ratib Al-Rabi, CEO of Intersect, praised the efforts of the incubator’s teams in enhancing the capabilities of the entrepreneurs. “We are proud today to graduate this elite group of startups that have proven their ability to innovate and compete despite the challenges,” he said. Hassan Al-Saadi, Incubation and Partnerships Manager at Intersect, explained that the STIR program is an integrated platform that empowers founders to develop their ideas into projects capable of competing locally, regionally, and globally.
About the Partners
- Intersect: The entrepreneurial arm of the Bank of Palestine Group, with incubators in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, and Gaza, dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs in Palestine.
- International Rescue Committee (IRC): A global humanitarian aid, relief, and development organization that partnered on this initiative to empower young entrepreneurs.
Looking Ahead
The graduation of the seventh cohort from the STIR program reaffirms the strength of the Palestinian entrepreneurship ecosystem. The event also highlighted the “Taqat” project in Gaza, which supports programmers and entrepreneurs and will host the next cohort of the STIR program, ensuring the continued effort to foster innovation across Palestine.
Source: Sada News
