Under the patronage of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation and the Dutch Embassy, 100 Startups Graduated from the 'Orange Corners' Program from the 2025 Delta Cohort
In this context, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, noted that empowering entrepreneurs by promoting innovation and creating new job opportunities is one of the main pillars of Egypt's economic development model, which is based on increasing private sector participation in development. The graduation of 100 startups within the Orange Corners program, is a real example of how international cooperation and private sector partnerships can create opportunities at the local level and contribute to inclusive growth in vital sectors such as agritech, education, and climate smart solutions.
Among the graduating startups in the program's first cohort, 52 are led by women, reflecting the program's strong commitment to women's empowerment and inclusive economic growth. The program ensures that women constitute over 50% of total participants, in affirmation of its belief in the importance of integrating women into the economic development process and enabling them to build prosperous professional futures.
This specific cohort was characterized by its focus on vital sectors that affect the future of the national economy, including smart agriculture, innovation in the food industry, sustainable technological solutions, green entrepreneurship, education, health, and creative industries.
The program is a comprehensive platform that supports young entrepreneurs by providing specialized business development training, career guidance and mentorship, access to networks and investment opportunities, and the necessary support to establish viable and sustainable businesses.
It is expected that the program will support around 130 startups during 2025, including 100 companies in the Delta region across the governorates of Alexandria, Beheira, Kafr El-Sheikh, Dakahlia, and Menoufia, in addition to 30 companies in Upper Egypt in the governorates of Assiut and Luxor. Each graduating project is estimated to create between two to five new jobs, which means the program has the potential to create more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.
It is worth noting that the 'Orange Corners' program was launched in 2021 as part of a global initiative by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and is implemented locally by Outreach Egypt Foundation, with the support of key partners at Al Qatta. The program aims to empower young people between the ages of 18 and 35 in marginalized areas and turn their ideas into innovative, scalable projects, in line with Egypt's Vision 2030 and five key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 5, 8, 9, and 13). The program contributes directly to supporting inclusive growth, entrenching a culture of innovation, and promoting the principle of sustainability, based on a firm belief that youth are the key drivers of Egypt's future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Ministry of Economy and Tourism and Government Development Office launch the third edition of ‘Future100' initiative
Applications are open for the 2025 'Future100' list, recognizing the fastest-growing, most innovative companies in new economy sectors like space, edtech, and AI Interested projects can check eligibility and apply by visiting Selected companies gain financing, market expansion support, and access to a global investor network Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Economy and Tourism and The Government Development and the Future Office announced the launch of the third edition of the 'Future100' initiative, in the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism; and H.E. Ohood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future. The latest edition will, for the year 2025, honor the 100 fastest-growing and most innovative companies and projects in the new economy sectors, either headquartered in the UAE or conducting operations from it. To qualify for the list, these companies must successfully pass the evaluation process and meet the required conditions and standards. Applications are currently open through the initiative's website and will close next October. H.E. Bin Touq said: 'Thanks to the directives of its wise leadership, the UAE has made significant strides in transitioning toward a future economy driven by knowledge and innovation. The country has adopted forward-looking strategies and initiatives to support the growth of innovative projects and encourage the adoption of modern technologies across vital economic sectors. The launch of the third edition of the 'Future100' initiative affirms the continued commitment to national efforts and collaboration in this regard. It aims to enhance the competitiveness of the entrepreneurial environment, solidifying the UAE's position as an attractive destination for future projects and a leading hub for creativity and innovation.' His Excellency added: 'The initiative aims to provide all the opportunities and support that talents and entrepreneurial projects need to develop successful ideas and expand into new economy sectors. It facilitates effective dialogue with a broad network of investment funds and global investors. Additionally, it enables talents to stay informed about the latest practices and trends in financing mechanisms for small and medium enterprises.' Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, emphasized that the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global platform for developing government work methodologies and shaping the future. This progress is driven by the vision of its proactive leadership and a comprehensive innovation ecosystem that nurtures talents and ideas, transforming them into pioneering economic solutions. She noted that empowering startups is key to the future development framework and ensuring full readiness to navigate global market shifts. Her Excellency added that the 'Future100' list for the year 2025 goes beyond highlighting inspiring national success stories. It serves as a strategic tool to empower entrepreneurs who possess the passion and ability to drive change. This contributes to supporting efforts to diversify the economy while enhancing its flexibility and readiness for the future. Now in its third edition, the initiative is accepting nominations from companies and projects operating in new economy sectors. These include advanced industries, agri-tech, biotechnology, creative industries, cybersecurity, edtech, food technology, fintech, health technology, HR technology, smart mobility, legal tech, property technology, renewable energy, space, and other fields related to sustainability and the environment. The Future100 initiative continues to strengthen its ecosystem through strategic partnerships across multiple sectors. With 38 partners now on board, the program has built an impressive network spanning government entities, innovation funds, technology firms, financial and banking institutions, business accelerators and incubators, and venture capital funds. Key partners include strategic ally Majra-National CSR Fund; the business accelerator partners at Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; the Dubai Future District Fund; Emirates NBD; the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund; Investopia; Microsoft; MEVP; Careem; EY; Eurasia Capital; In5; Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence; FTI Consulting; and the DIFC Innovation Hub. Companies that make it to the 'Future100' list for 2025 will enjoy a range of competitive advantages. Beyond receiving the initiative's coveted brand recognition, selected companies will gain access to funding opportunities, market expansion support, specialized workforce development training programs, and a suite of services designed to accelerate growth. The program also offers exclusive participation in international trade missions, providing invaluable exposure to regional and global investor networks and capital markets. Furthermore, past selected companies have made a remarkable impact on the economic landscape, participating in over 15 trade delegations to prestigious economic events both within the UAE and internationally. They have also received extensive coverage in leading local and international media. Since the initiative's launch, venture capital partners have invested nearly $100 million in more than 40 listed companies. Launched in 2022 as a joint national initiative by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Government Development and the Future Office, the 'Future100' initiative serves as a key platform for empowering selected projects, particularly those operating in future-oriented industries and new economy sectors. The initiative offers these companies opportunities to connect with investors and entrepreneurs, secure exclusive incentives and facilities, and strategic partnerships, strengthening their commercial success, business growth, accelerated digital transformation, innovation, and expansion into new markets.
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
China's Trinasolar unit delivers 300MWh BESS in Egypt ahead of schedule
Trina Storage, a subsidiary of China-based solar photovoltaics manufacturer Trinasolar, has delivered a 300MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Egypt ahead of its scheduled commercial operation date. The BESS facility, owned by Dubai-headquartered AMEA Power, is an extension of the company's operational 500 megawatt (MW) solar PV plant in Aswan governorate, Egypt, which was commissioned in December 2024. The 300MWh BESS is Egypt's first utility-scale solar and storage integrated facility, designed to enhance grid stability and support the country's clean energy transition. Trina Storage supplied its advanced Elementa 2 platform, covering the full scope from in-house LFP battery cells and DC compartments to the AC side, enabling connection to the national grid. 'Faced with the extremely high temperatures and complex power grid environment in the Middle East and North Africa, we completed the 300MWh energy storage project from equipment installation to grid connection and delivery in just 60 days,' said Vincent Wu, Global Sales Vice President and MEA MU Head at Trinasolar. AMEA Power was awarded the BESS project in September 2024. (Writing by P Deol; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
AJi Group advances 21 places to rank among Top 100 in ENR's Top 225 International Design Firms
AJi Group powered its way up through its commitment to sustainability, innovation and creating long-term value for its clients Dubai, UAE: AJi Group, the region's leading architecture, construction, engineering and consultancy group committed to designing smart and building better, has achieved a significant milestone by advancing 21 spots to be ranked among the Top 100 International Design Firms in Engineering News-Record's (ENR) prestigious Top 225 list for 2025. Ranking 86th in the global list that developers and investors turn to, AJi Group was recognized for its significant focus on investments in technology, climate resilience and energy transition. Aligning with the global trends in sustainability, ESG (environmental, social and governance) integration, artificial intelligence and resilient and adaptive infrastructure systems, AJi Group has been at the forefront in "reimagining its business model, enhancing operational efficiency and improving the return on investment for clients," said Eng. Hamzeh Awwad, CEO. "We are honoured to be recognized among the Top International Design Firms, a testament to the 60-year legacy of our organisation, the commitment of our talented professionals, and our focus on reshaping the future of infrastructure in the MENA region," said Eng. Awwad. "As a trusted partner to some of the region's most ambitious projects, we see this recognition as an acknowledgement of the remarkable advancements that the MENA region has made in redefining modern architecture, design and infrastructure development. The vision of our clients enables us to push our boundaries to deliver on their priorities, especially in promoting sustainable built environments and embracing advanced technology,' he added. With close to half the projects coming from repeat clients, AJi Group is regarded as a go-to-partner for government entities, developers and investors in the MENA region. Under Eng. Awwad's leadership, the company has demonstrated exceptional performance across key metrics in recent years, with revenues surging 210% in 2024, and its talented professional base growing by 35%. The Group's ascent in the ENR rankings also underscores its strategic expansion across the MENA region, where it operates through 13 regional offices, including four in Saudi Arabia and three in the UAE. The Group has contributed to reshaping the MENA region's skyline by delivering monumental projects through its six verticals: Urban Environment, Wellness and Healthcare, Utilities and Environment, Mobility and Transportation, Eco-Futurism and Advisory and Solutions. In its report, ENR particularly highlighted AJi Group's focus on tackling market challenges by embracing a transformation mindset. "As the region transforms, so must we," observed Eng. Awwad, in the 2025 report, adding that the Group focused on "empowering local talent, embedding sustainability and driving cross-border collaboration." AJi Group's landmark projects include the Riyadh Municipality EPMO and AFMO, OSUS Eye – the first 'ten-minute' city in Riyadh, Green Riyadh's projects across four neighborhoods and the Cleveland Clinic Expansion in UAE. Committed to innovation and sustainability, AJi Group recently published its first GRI-certified ESG report and has also secured ISO 19650 certification for Building Information Modelling. Earlier this year, the Group achieved the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for Information Security and Cybersecurity, granted by MQA UK. The company's specialised subsidiaries, including HDP Overseas, focused on the healthcare sector, and QHC AJI, dedicated to infrastructure development in the UAE, continue to strengthen their project pipelines. Other accolades won by the Group include Consultant of the Year at the Design Middle East Awards 2024, Project Management Company of the Year, and Best Mixed-Use Project at the Construction Innovation Awards KSA 2025 for the OSUS Eye project. About AJi Group AJi Group is the region's premier architecture, construction, engineering and consultancy group, operating through 13 offices across the MENA region. With a 60-year legacy and a professional team of 1,300 employees across 25 markets, the Group delivers services through six verticals: Urban Environment, Wellness and Healthcare, Utilities and Environment, Mobility and Transportation, Eco-Futurism and Advisory and Solutions. The Group's vision is centred around three core pillars: strengthening its legacy, nurturing talented professionals, and partnering in shaping the region's future. With sustainability and innovation at its core, AJi Group specialies in developing sustainable communities where environmental, social, and governance principles help build an inclusive future.
