Egypt’s TIEC Launches Enhanced Start IT Incubation Program for Startups
Cairo, Egypt – The Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC), an affiliate of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), has opened applications for the 47th round of its flagship Start IT incubation program. This latest round offers the most extensive support package to date, targeting early-stage startups with scalable ICT-based solutions or tech-enabled prototypes addressing real-world challenges.
The enhanced program reflects ITIDA’s broader strategy to strengthen Egypt’s digital economy and empower its expanding startup ecosystem. Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s tech startups and innovation-driven entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in accelerating economic growth and driving innovation,” El-Zaher said, highlighting ITIDA’s focus on developing tailored programs for startups at every stage.
Key Updates to the Program
The latest round of Start IT includes significant enhancements:
- Increased Support: The value of financial and in-kind benefits has risen from EGP 180,000 to EGP 480,000, enabling startups to accelerate product development and go-to-market execution.
- Cloud Infrastructure Credits: Amazon Web Services (AWS) support has doubled to USD 10,000, providing startups with access to world-class cloud computing tools and infrastructure.
- Exclusive Perks: The new Start IT Perks platform offers partner-led discounts and services from firms like InterAct and Tuba.ai, helping founders optimize costs and streamline operations.
- Talent Acquisition Support: TIEC has partnered with Talents Arena, Sprints, and Techie Matter to offer tailored recruitment services, addressing hiring challenges among early-stage ventures.
- AI-Focused Enablement: Startups will gain access to expert-led AI training and personalized consultancy, aligning with Egypt’s strategic priorities for digital transformation and tech capacity building.
Eligibility and Benefits
Startups applying to the program must demonstrate a working ICT-based prototype addressing current or emerging market demands. Selection criteria include economic viability, sustainability, scalability, and the commitment of a full-time founding team. Projects led by part-time undergraduate students or those simultaneously incubated by other programs are not eligible.
Accepted startups benefit from a 12-month incubation period at TIEC centers across Egypt, which provide fully equipped workspaces, technical and business mentorship, hardware/software support, and go-to-market resources.
Since its establishment in 2010, TIEC has played a central role in cultivating Egypt’s innovation landscape through various incubation, acceleration, and capacity-building programs. Its mission aligns with positioning Egypt as a leading regional hub for technology-driven entrepreneurship and digital innovation.
For more information and to apply, visit the [Start IT Application Portal](link to be replaced).
