Applications are now officially open for the SYNC Startup Competition, a major two-day event to be held in Damascus for early-stage Syrian founders. The initiative, organized by SYNC and Startup Syria, is designed to accelerate the journey of new ventures and offers outstanding startups the chance to showcase at GITEX Dubai 2025.
By the Numbers
- 2-Day: The duration of the intensive bootcamp and pitch competition in Damascus.
- July 28, 2025: The final deadline for all applications.
- August 8-9, 2025: The dates of the main competition and bootcamp event.
A Launchpad for Syrian Startups
This competition provides a unique launchpad for Syrian tech startups, whether they are based in Syria or led by Syrians abroad. The program’s core mission is to provide founders with the expert mentorship, investor access, and visibility needed to level up from a local venture to a regional competitor. The event is supported by key ecosystem partners, including the Syrian Alliance of Incubators and Accelerators (SAIA).
What Participants Will Win and Gain
The program offers a wealth of benefits for all finalists, along with significant prizes for the top winners.
Prizes:
- Cash prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
- The chance for the most outstanding startups to win a trip to showcase at GITEX Dubai 2025, one of the world’s largest tech events.
Benefits for All Finalists:
- Expert Mentorship: Intensive coaching on pitching, gaining traction, and investor readiness.
- Investor Access: The opportunity to pitch live to a curated audience of VCs, diaspora investors, accelerators, and corporate partners.
- Media Spotlight: Gaining visibility and regional recognition.
- Exclusive Network: Joining an exclusive network of Syrian entrepreneurs.
The Intensive Two-Day Agenda
The main event in Damascus is a two-day immersive experience:
- Day 1 (Bootcamp): Features workshops on building a global-ready startup, fundraising essentials, a fireside chat with successful Syrian founders from abroad, and one-on-one rotating mentorship sessions.
- Day 2 (Competition Day): Includes workshops on legal structuring and regional expansion, speed mentoring, and culminates in the final Startup Pitch Competition and Award Ceremony.
Who Should Apply?
- Syrian founders or co-founders.
- Early-stage startups with at least a prototype (an MVP or early traction is ideal).
- Founders building a tech startup in Syria or led by Syrians abroad.
Key Dates and How to Apply
- Application Deadline: July 28, 2025
- Shortlist Announcement: August 1, 2025
- Main Event in Damascus: August 8-9, 2025
- How to Apply: Interested founders must submit their application here
About the Organizers
- SYNC: A high-impact platform connecting Syrian talent with international experts, investors, and academics to create high-skilled jobs.
- Startup Syria: A community-powered initiative dedicated to supporting Syrian entrepreneurs and startups with resources, networking, and growth opportunities.
Source: SYNC
