Starz Program Graduates First Cohort Of Socially-Conscious Startups in Egypt

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The inaugural cohort of the “Egyptian Stars – Starz” training program has successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in a collaborative effort between the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Hayah Karima Foundation, and Creativa innovation hubs. The program, operating under the National Alliance for Civil Development Work, culminated in a closing ceremony at Benha National University where participants showcased the innovative ventures they developed.

Fostering a New Generation of Entrepreneurs

The Starz program is designed to empower Egyptian youth by providing an integrated pathway that combines national awareness, practical skill development, entrepreneurship training, and social responsibility. The initiative aims to equip participants with the tools to transform innovative ideas into viable business plans complete with feasibility studies, marketing strategies, and financial models, all while embedding principles of sustainability.

During the closing ceremony, Dr. Marwa El-Wakil, Head of the Academic Research Sector at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, noted the program’s success in attracting university students across five different governorates. She highlighted the comprehensive curriculum, which covered topics ranging from Egyptian heritage and identity to innovation, sustainable development, and economic empowerment.

Spotlight on Sustainable and Social Ventures

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of several startups, demonstrating the participants’ professional growth and focus on creating impactful solutions. The showcased projects included:

  • Green Cycle: A venture promoting sustainability and recycling concepts.
  • Chocotini: An innovative entrepreneurial idea in the food products sector.
  • Green Key: An environmental initiative supporting sustainable practices.
  • TechCare: A tech-focused project offering smart solutions for community service.
  • Biochar by Waste: An environmental project to produce biochar from waste to support sustainable agriculture.
  • Sanable: A project aimed at adding value in the field of community development.
    Eng. Tarek Badr, Project Manager at Creativa Innovation Hubs, commented that all the presented projects reflected a clear commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community service.

A Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for National Development

The program’s success is rooted in the strong partnership between its organizing bodies. Dr. Bothaina Mostafa, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hayah Karima Foundation, emphasized that the program’s ultimate goal extends beyond creating entrepreneurs.

“Starz aims to prepare a generation that is conscious of its national role, understands the meaning of development, and is capable of delivering projects that achieve both an economic return and a societal impact simultaneously,” stated Dr. Mostafa.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony for the participants and an acknowledgment of the trainers and partners, reinforcing the commitment to continue the program for future cohorts to support Egypt’s ongoing development journey.

About The Starz Program

The “Egyptian Stars – Starz: Steps Towards Real Success” program is a collaborative training initiative in Egypt run by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Hayah Karima Foundation, and Creativa. It focuses on empowering youth by building their intellectual and practical capabilities through a comprehensive curriculum covering national awareness, skill development, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility, with the goal of fostering ventures that have both economic and social value.

Source: Twasl News

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