"Innovation Village" Launched to Showcase National Talent, Advance Knowledge Economy - Jordan News

06-08-2025

"Innovation Village" A major national initiative aimed at advancing entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic modernization was launched on Tuesday with the inauguration of the "Jordanian Innovation Village" Conference and Exhibition, held at the Jordan International Exhibition Center in Amman. اضافة اعلان The event was officially opened by Samira Al-Zoubi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, who emphasized the government's ongoing commitment to empowering youth-led innovation, expanding access to funding opportunities, and strengthening the ecosystem for entrepreneurial development. Organized by the Academia-Industry Integration Platform (JAIP), in collaboration with the Association of Retired Military Engineers and the Jordanian Association for Scientific Research, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity, and supported by Al-Rawae International for Exhibitions and Conferences, the two-day event runs in parallel with the 18th International Jordan Build Exhibition, which focuses on construction technology, engineering industries, and energy. Designed as a national platform, the Innovation Village seeks to bridge the gap between academia, entrepreneurship, and industry. Its objectives include marketing high-potential startup projects, fostering synergy between innovation and production sectors, and enhancing cooperation between public and private institutions. The initiative also aligns with the broader Economic Modernization Vision, which positions innovation and entrepreneurship as foundational pillars of Jordan's future economy. Mohammad Al-Rifa'i, President of the Association of Retired Military Engineers, described the initiative as a reflection of Jordan's strategic pivot toward a knowledge-based economy, driven by creativity and scientific advancement. Rida Khawaldeh, President of the Jordanian Association for Scientific Research, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity, noted that the event is part of a national response to His Majesty King Abdullah II's vision of an innovation-led economy, and supports Crown Prince Hussein's directive to empower youth and establish Jordan as a regional center for entrepreneurship. He added that the Innovation Village represents more than an exhibition space it serves as a national platform for connecting innovators, entrepreneurs, and institutional partners. Of 120 submitted startup projects, 20 standout ventures were selected based on rigorous criteria that measured innovation, feasibility, sustainability, and alignment with modernization priorities. The exhibition also includes four dedicated innovation showcases hosted by the University of Jordan's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Center of Excellence for Creative Projects at Jordan University of Science and Technology, the Innovation and Development Center at the Public Security Directorate, and the Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB). Khawaldeh further highlighted the association's work since its founding in 1999 to institutionalize a culture of scientific research across Jordanian society. Speaking at the event, Khaled Khreisat, Chair of the Conference and Founder of the organizing platform, praised the initiative as a replicable model for national entrepreneurship promotion. He pointed to Jordan's strong international performance in early-stage entrepreneurship, ranking second globally in the latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report, alongside a noticeable rise in participation among women and youth aged 18–34 in launching startups. During the opening ceremony, Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Samirat toured the exhibition and engaged with the selected entrepreneurial teams, highlighting the government's interest in scalable, innovation-driven ventures that align with Jordan's long-term development objectives. The conference and exhibition are open to the public free of charge for two days, offering a space for knowledge-sharing, networking, and showcasing Jordan's emerging generation of innovators and startup founders. (Petra)

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Jordan News

16 hours ago

Jordan News

Amman Stock Exchange Posts Record Highs, Reaches Largest Market Value Since 2010 - Jordan News

Amman Stock Exchange Posts Record Highs, Reaches Largest Market Value Since 2010 Average daily trading volumes up more than 83% compared to 2024 levels All exchange indices record historic growth Positive results reflect government efforts to improve investment climate and boost investor confidence اضافة اعلان Market capitalization of listed companies jumps to JD 22.3 billion Market cap grows 26% in seven months, with industrial sector leading the surge Market and regulatory factors drive capital market boom Positive outlook for continued growth supported by economic stability and development plans The Jordan Securities Commission announced Saturday that the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) has registered record-breaking performance, its best in more than 15 years. From late 2024 through mid-2025, the bourse's market capitalization surged by 26.31%, while average daily trading volumes grew by 83.15%, alongside strong improvements across all major sector indices. According to the Commission, the total market capitalization of listed companies reached JD 22.3 billion at the end of July 2025, compared to JD 17.65 billion at the end of 2024—its highest level since 2010. Data showed the industrial sector posted the strongest gains, with market value climbing around 42% to JD 9.19 billion, supported by solid performance from extractive mining companies, particularly phosphate and potash producers. The financial sector's market cap grew by more than 21% to JD 10.45 billion, driven by banks and investment firms, while the services sector rose 4.16% to JD 2.64 billion. Trading activity also rose sharply, with average daily turnover hitting JD 7.58 million in 2025, up from JD 4.14 million in 2024, an increase of 83.15%. The industrial sector saw the most notable rise at nearly 130%, followed by financials at 76.24%, and services at 66.20%. This uptick boosted market liquidity, increased revenues for brokers and financial service providers, and positively reflected on overall market performance. In terms of indices, the ASE General Index (ASEGI) nearly doubled—up about 92% from its lowest levels in recent years—reaching 2,914.79 points by the end of July 2025, compared to 1,551.37 in November 2020. This marks the highest point since 2009, with the industrial sector serving as the main growth driver, the financial sector maintaining steady upward momentum, and services showing stable performance. The Securities Commission affirmed that these positive results reflect government measures to enhance the investment environment and strengthen investor confidence. Initiatives include updating financial services licensing regulations, setting new solvency standards, tightening oversight of public company disclosures, and implementing Economic Modernization Vision projects such as e-wallet systems and encouraging institutional investment. Improved corporate performance and stronger financial results of listed firms also played a key role, fueled by rising regional demand for Jordanian industrial exports and investor interest in dividends. Looking ahead, the Commission expects the market's positive momentum to continue in the near term, supported by macroeconomic stability, ongoing market infrastructure development, and diversification of financial instruments and services. It stressed that Jordan's capital market will remain a central platform for financing companies, spurring economic growth, attracting investment, creating jobs, and supporting government revenues. --(Petra)

New season of 'The Voice' begins filming in Jordan

Roya News

2 days ago

Roya News

New season of 'The Voice' begins filming in Jordan

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Heatwave drives surge in demand for affordable air conditioners

Ammon

3 days ago

Ammon

Heatwave drives surge in demand for affordable air conditioners

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