Southern Egypt's startups are set to receive a boost, as the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) launches the Aswan Bootcamp. This initiative aims to empower these businesses and foster entrepreneurship in the region.

The Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has unveiled the Aswan Bootcamp Series, an innovative initiative aimed at supporting tech startups and fostering innovation in Southern Egypt.

The five-part series, held at the Creativa Innovation Hub in Aswan, targets over 60 tech-driven startups in sectors such as agri-tech, health-tech, e-commerce, gov-tech, and tourism. The programme, inaugurated by Minister H.E. Dr. Amr Talaat, is a collaborative effort involving the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the global innovation platform Plug and Play Tech Center.

The Aswan Bootcamp Series offers a unique opportunity for young innovators aged 18 to 35, including university students and recent graduates, to network with like-minded individuals and gain access to valuable resources. The programme includes intensive eight-day bootcamps, workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and access to potential investors.

Entrepreneurs participating in the series will receive guidance on critical business areas such as financial management, market development, scalability, and product-market fit. Through Plug and Play's global network, these startups will gain mentorship and guidance to drive sustainable growth and commercial success.

Minister Talaat emphasised MCIT's dedication to fostering innovation in underserved areas like Upper Egypt. The Creativa Innovation Hub in Aswan has already supported over 9,000 young people and helped 52 startups secure investments totaling around EGP 75 million (~USD 1.5 million).

In addition to the Aswan Bootcamp Series, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between ITIDA and Plug and Play Egypt to enhance Upper Egypt's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The collaboration aims to expand founders' networks, attract potential investments, and establish Aswan as an emerging tech hub, harnessing the region's cultural and historical significance.

The Aswan Bootcamp Series also incorporates knowledge transfer to local enablers for sustaining similar initiatives. Although the specific names of additional organisations involved in the collaboration are not yet clear, it is evident that the initiative is a testament to the collective efforts of various entities to support Egypt's tech startups and encourage innovation.

Southern Egypt's startups are set to receive a boost, as the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) launches the Aswan Bootcamp. This initiative aims to empower these businesses and foster entrepreneurship in the region.