Latest news with #AhmedEl-Zaher
Tahya Masr
22-05-2025
- Business
- Tahya Masr
ITIDA Launches 47th Round of Start IT Incubation Program with New Incentives to Boost Startup Readiness
The Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC), an affiliate of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), has announced the launch of the 47th round of its Start IT incubation program. Applications are open until May 24 , targeting early-stage startups with innovative ideas and ICT-based prototypes to help them transform their concepts into scalable and growth-ready startups. In line with its continued efforts to empower the entrepreneurial ecosystem, TIEC has unveiled an enhanced package of incubation benefits for this round. Key updates include a significant increase in the financial and in-kind support, reaching EGP 480,000 up from EGP 180,000, providing startups with stronger capabilities to execute development and scaling phases more efficiently. Additionally, cloud support from Amazon Web Services (AWS) has doubled to USD10,000 , reflecting TIEC's strategy to accelerate cloud readiness and adoption among startups by enabling access to cutting-edge infrastructure and services. This round also introduces the exclusive Start IT Perks platform, offering participants special discounts and benefits from TIEC partners, including InterAct and These partnerships provide startups with access to advanced technical tools and applications that enhance operational efficiency and foster business growth. To address talent acquisition challenges faced by early-stage ventures, the program now includes dedicated recruitment support through collaborations with specialized platforms such as Talents Arena , Sprints , and Techie Matters , enabling startups to build skilled and professional teams. Further, in response to the growing demand for AI-driven innovation, the new package features specialized support in Artificial Intelligence , including training programs and personalized consultancy sessions with experts. This is aligned with Egypt's digital transformation priorities and aims to raise AI readiness across the local startup ecosystem. 'The launch of the new round of the Start IT incubation program—enhanced with an expanded benefits package from our Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC)—reflects our continued commitment to supporting Egypt's tech startups innovation-driven entrepreneurship,' said Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA. 'Entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in accelerating economic growth and driving innovation, and ITIDA remains firmly focused on developing custom-tailored programs and initiatives that address the needs of startups and strengthen Egypt's entrepreneurship ecosystem at every stage.' Startups applying to the program will be assessed based on a set of technical criteria. Eligible projects must offer practical solutions to existing or anticipated market challenges and be backed by a functional ICT-based prototype. Projects should leverage technology either as a core product or as an enabling component of an innovative service. Key selection criteria also include economic viability, sustainability potential, scalability, and the ability to attract investment. Projects must be led by dedicated entrepreneurs fully committed to developing their ventures. Applications from teams with non-dedicated undergraduate students or projects incubated concurrently elsewhere will not be considered. Start IT is one of Egypt's leading startup support programs in the ICT sector, delivered quarterly by TIEC. Accepted startups benefit from a 12-month incubation period at TIEC centers across the country. These centers provide fully equipped workspaces, business and technical consulting, software and hardware support, and marketing services. Project evaluation considers several key factors, including product or service uniqueness, market analysis, competitive advantage, prototype maturity, and founding team expertise. Established in September 2010, the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC) has played a pivotal role in promoting innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship across Egypt. Through its comprehensive capacity-building programs, incubation services, and strategic initiatives, TIEC contributes to positioning Egypt as a regional hub for innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
Tahya Masr
20-05-2025
- Business
- Tahya Masr
Testing the Future: AI Turns Heads at Egypt's Software Testing Flagship Event
As the global software industry evolves with AI-driven development and DevOps acceleration, Egypt is carving out a reputation as a hotspot for cutting-edge software quality and testing expertise. Marking a key milestone, the country's flagship conference, Software Testing Day, has officially joined the ISTQB® Global Conference Network, placing Egypt among a select group of countries shaping global software testing standards. Hosted under the auspices of Egypt's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the third edition of Software Testing Day drew over 500 industry experts, engineers, and global leaders to Cairo. Organized by the Software Engineering Competence Center (SECC)—an affiliate of ITIDA, Egypt's IT Industry Development Agency—the conference spotlighted how AI is transforming software quality practices and how Egypt's tech talent is stepping up . Egypt as a Trusted Global QA Destination 'We see software testing not just as a technical function, but as a strategic asset in Egypt's digital economy,' said Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA. 'Through AI, DevOps, and global certifications, Egypt is becoming a trusted offshoring destination for software quality services. That's reflected in the growing number of global companies choosing Egypt for digital services and software testing operations.', ITIDA CEO added. Egypt's software engineering community is growing rapidly—and formally. SECC, the sole Egyptian Software Testing Board (ESTB) Examination Institute/Certification body for the ISTQB® certificates in Egypt, has now certified over 9,000 professionals and issued more than 13,600 certificates across in-demand testing specializations like mobile applications, security, artificial intelligence, and automotive software systems . These certifications, aligned with global standards, have become a core pillar of Egypt's strategy to meet global demand for skilled testing professionals. Dr. Haitham Hamza, Acting Chairman of SECC, emphasized: 'Being part of the ISTQB® Global Conference Network is not just an endorsement; it's a commitment. Egypt is not only investing in certifications but also in setting global benchmarks.' In a keynote address, Dr. Klaudia Dussa-Zieger, President of the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB®), remarked: 'It's truly an honor to be part of such a beautifully organized conference. The venue, the parallel sessions, and the overall atmosphere foster meaningful exchange between the software testing industry and academia. The blend of local and international speakers, combined with the energy and enthusiasm of the young testing community, makes this event both brilliant and exceptional.' In her session titled 'ISTQB and AI – How Do the Two Go Together?', Dr. Dussa-Zieger explored the evolution of the ISTQB Certification Scheme in response to the growing impact of artificial intelligence in software testing. Software Testing Day 2025 showcased how AI and DevOps are transforming testing practices. Experts discussed using large language models and AI agents for generating test cases, analyzing system behaviors, and ethical model evaluation. Leaders from Microsoft, Deloitte, Expleo, and DXC shared insights on integrating AI-driven automation with CI/CD pipelines to boost quality and speed. The event featured live demos from 10 companies highlighting intelligent testing tools, secure coding, and AI validation. Key sessions included Joel Oliveira, ISTQB Governance Chair, in 'Will AI Take Your Job?', emphasizing that testers who master AI will lead the future; and Erik van Veenendaal, TMMi Management Executive, in 'Test Process Improvement in the Era of AI and DevOps,' exploring how maturity models adapt to agile and AI workflows. Both stressed that embracing AI is essential for success in modern software testing . Looking Ahead 'Through this conference and our strategic collaborations with global institutions, we're not just fostering technical excellence—we're positioning Egypt as a global hub for trusted, world-class digital solutions. At ITIDA, we're committed to empowering our talent and elevating our software industry to meet the highest international standards.' — stressed Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA. With global demand for secure, reliable software on the rise, Egypt's approach—blending certification, innovation, and regional collaboration—offers a blueprint for emerging markets aiming to play a larger role in the global software lifecycle.
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt showcases digital ambitions at AmCham Investment Conference
Cairo, Egypt — Egypt is strengthening its position as a global hub for digital business services and technology innovation. At the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt's Investment Conference, held on April 29, Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), participated in a high-level panel discussion titled 'A Hub for Digital Innovation: Untapped Opportunities.' During the session, El-Zaher underscored Egypt's expanding role in the global offshoring landscape, citing its strategic geographical location, multilingual and cost-effective talent pool, and continued public investment in digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystems. 'Egypt offers an exceptional platform for investors and technology companies aiming to scale regionally and globally,' said El-Zaher. 'With over 760,000 university graduates annually—including 50,000 in ICT, approximately 171,000 in finance and accounting, and 28% in STEM fields—combined with 80% foreign-language proficiency among the workforce, Egypt stands out in the global services market.' He added that Egypt delivers cost savings of up to 68% in outsourcing operations —across contact centers, business process services, IT, engineering R&D, and embedded software—compared to traditional outsourcing destinations. A Mature Destination for Services Delivery El-Zaher also emphasized ITIDA's strategic priorities: attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), accelerating digital skills development, and advancing Egypt's IT offshoring ecosystem. 'Egypt is already home to more than 205 global service delivery centers—cementing its position as a leading offshoring destination and a rising hub for high-value digital services,' he said. Scaling Egypt's Digital Talent Pipeline ITIDA CEO spotlighted key government-led programs aimed at equipping youth with market-ready digital skills. These initiatives, driven by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and delivered through affiliated institutions such as the Information Technology Institute (ITI) and the National Telecommunication Institute (NTI), aim to train 500,000 individuals in 2024–2025. 'Our 'Train-to-Hire' model ensures talent isn't just trained—it's job-ready,' El-Zaher noted. 'Through close collaboration with institutions like ITI and NTI, we're closing the gap between education and industry demands.' A High-Profile Industry Dialogue The panel featured an influential lineup of speakers: Mr. Ahmed Yehia, CEO of Fintech and Digital Lifestyle at e& Egypt Ms. Amal Enan, Managing Partner at 500 Global Mr. Todd Wilcox, Co-Chair of AmCham's Banking Committee and CEO and Deputy Chair of HSBC Mr. Mohamed Refaie Ahmed, Global Enterprise Networking Services Practice Leader at IBM The discussion was moderated by Mr. Hossam Seifeldin, Co-Chair of AmCham's Digital Transformation Committee and CEO of Capgemini Egypt. Towards Resilient Growth Held under the theme 'Towards Resilient Growth: Egypt's Future as an Investment Hub', the AmCham conference brought together a distinguished audience of policymakers, business leaders, and global investors. The event explored Egypt's growing competitiveness as a destination for foreign capital and innovation-driven investment.
TECHx
17-04-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Egypt Launches Invest-IT to Support 15 Promising Tech Startups
Fifteen Egyptian tech startups unveiled their innovations during the launch of Invest-IT, a new national program led by the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC). TIEC is affiliated with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA). The program is launched in collaboration with Flat6Labs, a leading early-stage venture capital firm in the MENA region. Invest-IT is designed to support startups in the Seed and Pre-Series A stages. The goal is to boost investment readiness and help entrepreneurs across Egypt secure funding and grow their businesses. The program also aims to drive economic development through innovation. The launch event gathered key stakeholders from Egypt's tech ecosystem. Among them were Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA, and Hany Al-Sonbaty, Founder of Flat6Labs. Also present were Dina El-Shenoufy, Chief Investment Officer at Flat6Labs, Lamiaa El Rashidy, Incubation Manager at TIEC, and the founders of the selected startups. According to El-Zaher, Invest-IT marks a significant step in empowering startups to attract investment. He emphasized ITIDA's commitment to building a resilient tech ecosystem through education, infrastructure, and access to funding. Al-Sonbaty highlighted the importance of combining capital with mentorship and long-term support. The selected startups cover a wide range of sectors, including AI, fintech, logistics, proptech, insurtech, and smart energy. This diversity reflects Egypt's growing innovation potential. Startups in the Seed group include: The White Guard (cybersecurity and PPE) Dragify (AI for financial services) HNDL (logistics tech) Turuq (packaging and shipping solutions) Skoolix (digital learning tools) KENNAH (proptech) Atoms AI (semiconductor inspection) PhotonSmart (smart energy devices) The Pre-Series A group features: Valify (AI-based identity verification) Mrkoon (waste management platform) Qubefyn (AI data intelligence) Venu (event venue booking) Amanleek (insurtech solutions) LyRise (enterprise AI) Hoopoe Digital (location-based Wi-Fi services) The Invest-IT program runs in two phases. In Phase One, startups join workshops and receive tailored mentorship. In Phase Two, they connect with potential investors through curated matchmaking opportunities. Overall, Invest-IT aims to accelerate startup growth and strengthen Egypt's position as a regional innovation hub.
Tahya Masr
16-04-2025
- Business
- Tahya Masr
ITIDA Launches 'Invest-IT' to Accelerate Startup Investment Readiness Across Egypt
Fifteen promising Egyptian tech startups unveiled their breakthrough innovations during the launch of the first edition of Invest-IT, a nationwide program led by the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC)—an affiliate of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA)—in collaboration with Flat6Labs, the MENA region's leading seed and early-stage venture capital firm. Designed to enhance investment readiness for tech startups in the Seed and Pre-Series A stages, Invest-IT targets emerging entrepreneurs across various Egyptian governorates, aiming to help them secure funding, expand operations, and drive sustainable economic growth through innovation. The launch event brought together key stakeholders in Egypt's tech ecosystem, including Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA; Hany Al-Sonbaty, Founder and Chairman of Flat6Labs; Dina El-Shenoufy, Chief Investment Officer at Flat6Labs; Lamiaa El Rashidy, Incubation Manager at TIEC; along with the founders of the participating startups. "The Invest-IT program represents a pivotal milestone in our efforts to empower Egyptian startups during their most critical phase—investment readiness. At ITIDA, we are deeply committed to building a resilient and inclusive technology ecosystem that not only nurtures innovation but also equips startups to scale and compete on a global stage." — Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA He added: 'Our strategy is holistic—starting from igniting a culture of innovation within universities, scaling up our nationwide Digital Egypt Innovation Hubs (Creativa), and delivering future-ready digital skills, all the way to facilitating access to essential funding and investment for scaling through strategic private-sector partnerships.' From AI and fintech to logistics, proptech, and smart energy solutions, the diversity of startups participating in Invest-IT showcases Egypt's rapidly maturing innovation landscape and its potential to become a regional startup powerhouse. Featured Startups The Seed Funding group includes: The White Guard: cybersecurity and high-quality PPE manufacturing Dragify: AI solutions for the financial services sector HNDL: fleet management tech in the logistics domain Turuq: technology-driven packaging and shipping services Skoolix: smart digital learning tools KENNAH: proptech for underutilized real estate assets Atoms AI: AI-powered semiconductor inspection PhotonSmart: energy-efficient smart home devices for hospitality and residential sectors The Pre-Series A cohort features startups with mature business models, such as: Valify: AI-based digital identity verification Mrkoon: digital platform linking waste management suppliers and retailers Qubefyn: AI-powered data intelligence solutions Venu: venue-booking and management platform for events Amanleek: insurtech for individuals and businesses LyRise: affordable enterprise AI solutions Hoopoe Digital: location-based digital services powered by large-scale Wi-Fi data Hany Al-Sonbaty, Founder of Flat6Labs and Managing Director of Sawari Ventures, emphasized: 'Invest-IT represents a model of integrated collaboration—bringing together resources, capital, and mentorship to empower startups with both technical know-how and purpose-driven leadership. At Flat6Labs, we believe entrepreneurship is not only about funding, but about people, values, and creating lasting impact.' Program Structure The Invest-IT program is structured in two distinct phases designed to accelerate startup growth and investment readiness. In Phase One, startups receive intensive workshops, personalized mentorship, and access to essential resources aimed at strengthening their business models and investment fundamentals. Phase Two focuses on investor engagement, where participants are connected with a curated network of investors through targeted matchmaking opportunities to facilitate funding and growth.
