Global innovation platform Plug and Play has launched the first cohort of its “Venture Ready” program in Alexandria, Egypt. The initiative is designed as an investment readiness program to support and scale early-stage startups across the country’s underserved Delta and Canal governorates.
Quick Facts
- Program: Venture Ready
- First Cohort Location: Alexandria, Egypt
- Number of Startups: 17
- Key Partners: GIZ Egypt, MCIT, ITIDA
Expanding Beyond Cairo
In a strategic move to foster innovation outside of the capital, the Venture Ready program is a collaboration between Plug and Play Egypt, GIZ Egypt, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), and its executive arm, the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA). The Creativa innovation hubs will also provide on-the-ground support.
The program will be delivered across three sequential cohorts in Alexandria, Menoufia, and Ismailia, aiming to reach founders in these hubs and their neighboring governorates. The inaugural cohort in Alexandria gathers 17 startups from across the Delta region.
Inaugural Kick-Off in Alexandria
The official launch took place at the Creativa Innovation Hub in Alexandria. The event featured opening remarks from Hania Tarek, Country Manager of Plug and Play Egypt; Maie El-Mahdy, Digital Transformation and Innovation Advisor at GIZ; and Tarek Badr, Project Manager at ITIDA.
A key part of the kick-off was a Founders’ Circle session with Ibrahim Hassan, founder of Plug and Play portfolio company Digified. Hassan shared his entrepreneurial journey and key lessons with the new cohort, providing direct insights from a founder who has successfully navigated the startup landscape.
Meet the Alexandria Cohort
The 17 startups selected for the first cohort include:
BlinkBot, Naffes CRM, STEMers, DATAGENX.AI, SuperOne, MetaExpo, Indstrz, Tech Care, Ghadwa app, PetConnect, Re-Lease, Carbonera, Lendo, Grade Gain, itqan, Sputnik Academy, and MEDGRAM.
About Venture Ready
Venture Ready is an investment readiness program designed by Plug and Play Egypt and its partners to support startups across Egypt’s Delta and Canal governorates. The program aims to equip founders with the necessary skills, mentorship, and network access to prepare them for investment and growth.
Source: Plug and Play Egypt
