Latest news with #ITIDA
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.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's ITIDA scales up tech startup incubation with AI-driven perks, EGP 480K funding, and $10K in AWS support
Cairo, Egypt – Egypt's 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, now offering its most extensive support package to date. Applications are open until May 24, targeting early-stage startups with scalable ICT-based solutions or tech-enabled prototypes that address real-world challenges. The enhanced round reflects ITIDA's broader strategy to strengthen Egypt's digital economy and empower its expanding 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.' Key updates to the program include: Increased support: The value of financial and in-kind benefits has risen from EGP 180,000 to EGP 480,000, enabling startups to fast-track product development and go-to-market execution. Cloud infrastructure credits: Amazon Web Services (AWS) support has doubled to USD 10,000, offering startups access to world-class cloud computing tools and infrastructure. Exclusive perks: The new Start IT Perks platform provides partner-led discounts and services from firms like InterAct and helping founders optimize costs and streamline operations. Talent acquisition support: In response to hiring challenges among early-stage ventures, TIEC has partnered with Talents Arena, Sprints, and Techie Matter to offer tailored recruitment services. AI-focused enablement: Startups will also gain access to expert-led AI training and personalized consultancy, aligning with Egypt's strategic priorities for digital transformation and tech capacity building. Startups applying to the program must demonstrate a working ICT-based prototype that addresses 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 will not be eligible. Accepted startups benefit from a 12-month incubation period at TIEC centers across Egypt. Each center provides fully equipped workspaces, as well as access to 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 a range of 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 [Start IT Application Portal].
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ITIDA launches 47th round of Start IT Incubation Program with new incentives to boost startup readiness
Cairo, Egypt: 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. For more information and to apply, visit [Start IT Application Portal].
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
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Testing the future: AI turns heads at Egypt's software testing flagship event
'Software Testing Day' joins ISTQB® Global Conference Network GenAI is the skill software testers can't afford to ignore, experts stress Cairo, Egypt – 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.
