Latest news with #InnovationVillage
Jordan News
06-08-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
"Innovation Village" Launched to Showcase National Talent, Advance Knowledge Economy - Jordan News
"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)
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Government makes unprecedented $500 million move to jumpstart power supply: 'Game-changer'
According to an Innovation Village report, Nigeria may be heading toward a cleaner and brighter future. The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) is partnering with several sustainability-focused groups to launch the $500 million Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Nigeria Fund. This initiative aims to fund and expand Nigeria's distributed renewable energy projects through customized financial instruments, including investments from the private sector and domestic investments like funds from insurance companies and pensions. While Nigeria is rich in renewable energy resources, financial and regulatory hurdles have impeded development. Through the DRE Nigeria Fund, the NSIA and its collaborators hope to address these challenges and create a more sustainable financial ecosystem for clean energy projects in the country. Nigeria holds significant potential for clean energy solutions, yet over 85 million people in the country don't have access to electricity, according to the World Bank. The initiative will focus on investing in renewable energy projects like mini-grids, energy storage technologies, and solar home systems to make power more accessible and reliable for Nigerian residences and businesses. "With the DRE Nigeria Fund, we are creating a scalable model to attract global investments, drive industrial development, and enhance energy access for millions of Nigerians and Africans at large," said Aminu Umar-Sadiq, managing director and CEO of NSIA. The DRE Nigeria Fund is just the beginning. Similar country-specific funds are also expected to be established under the broader DRE Africa Platform. Inspired by the Nigeria fund, it aims to promote the growth of renewable energy projects in multiple nations across the African continent. The DRE Nigeria Fund and DRE Africa Platform both align with the global shift toward sustainable, resilient energy solutions. With the success of these initiatives, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in Africa's transition to clean energy. This can get the attention of global investors who see the long-term profitability of supporting sustainability-focused projects. What does this mean for investors? As the world transitions to a cleaner economy, more investment and growth opportunities for individual investors and the U.S. market emerge. Investors are already beginning to recognize the potential of clean energy and that sustainability-focused businesses are outperforming dirty fuel stocks in long-term growth. Despite past criticisms of ESG investing as greenwashing, clean energy solutions like this one show that the clean economy remains strong and financially smart. "This is a strong partnership with solid partners that can be a game-changer in accelerating investment in distributed renewable energy across Africa," said Africa50 CEO Alain Ebobisse, per Innovation Village. Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
