Under the patronage of Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chairman of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, and within the framework of the Ministry’s support for the innovation ecosystem and technological entrepreneurship, as well as the enhancement of applied scientific research in renewable energy and the transition toward a green economy, in a manner that contributes to achieving sustainable development goals and building a knowledge- and technology-based economy.
The activities of the “Supporting Innovative Startups in Renewable Energy Fields” Forum were launched. The forum is organized by the Electronics Research Institute and the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, in cooperation with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), with broad participation from experts, specialists, entrepreneurs, researchers, and youth from various Arab countries, including Tunisia, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Morocco. The forum is being held at the Institute’s headquarters over May 10–11.
The forum was inaugurated by Dr. Sherine Mohamed Abdelkader Moharram, President of the Electronics Research Institute; Dr. Rami Magdy, Assistant Secretary-General for ALECSO and ICESCO Affairs at the National Commission, representing Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister and Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector and Supervisor of the National Commission for Education, Science and Culture; and Dr. Mohamed Sand Abu Darwish, Director of the Science and Scientific Research Department at ALECSO.
In her speech during the opening of the first day, Dr. Sherine Mohamed Abdelkader Moharram affirmed that investing in innovation and youth represents one of the key pillars for building a knowledge- and technology-based economy. She emphasized the Institute’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for applied scientific research and entrepreneurship, contributing to transforming innovative ideas into applicable projects capable of achieving sustainable economic and developmental impact.
She explained that organizing the forum aims to maximize the efforts of the Electronics Research Institute in supporting the innovation and technology transfer ecosystem through the development of applied research, support for startups and technological projects, qualification of young talents, and linking scientific research with industry and development needs, in addition to its role in renewable energy, smart systems, digital transformation, and advanced technologies.
Dr. Sherine Moharram also noted that the forum reflects Egypt’s pioneering role in establishing an Arab platform that combines scientific research, practical expertise, and investment in youth capabilities, contributing to building a more sustainable and innovative future for the Arab region in cooperation with institutions supporting innovation, renewable energy, and technological entrepreneurship.
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Sand Abu Darwish, Director of the Science and Scientific Research Department at ALECSO, emphasized the importance of strengthening joint Arab cooperation in scientific research, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship, and supporting initiatives aimed at empowering Arab youth and enhancing their innovative and technological capacities.
Within the framework of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture’s support for innovation and entrepreneurship efforts, and on behalf of Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister and Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector and Supervisor of the Egyptian National Commission, Dr. Rami Magdy delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of integration among academic and research institutions and Arab and international organizations supporting innovation, contributing to building cadres capable of leading the future of development and technology in the Arab region.
He pointed out that universities and research centers fulfill their mission when they align with the labor market to serve the objectives of linking scientific research with industry, in line with the Ministry’s strategy and the principles of Egypt Vision 2030. He added that the forum goes beyond being merely another event on the agenda, serving instead as a bridge for the practical implementation of ideas and placing youth at the center of this equation as the driving force of change and makers of the future. He also highlighted ALECSO’s distinguished initiatives, foremost among them the Innovation and Creativity Award for Young Researchers in the Arab World.
The first day included a scientific session entitled “Building and Developing Innovative Startups in Renewable Energy: Mechanisms and Tools,” which addressed the future of innovation in the renewable energy sector, emerging technologies, digital twinning, green financing, and successful Arab experiences in supporting entrepreneurship ecosystems and technology startups.
The forum also featured presentations of several startup projects and innovative youth ideas in renewable energy fields, reflecting an advanced level of creativity and awareness of environmental and energy challenges, in addition to the utilization of modern technologies and artificial intelligence to provide practical and sustainable solutions that are applicable and scalable.
A distinguished group of experts and specialists from various Arab countries participated in evaluating the projects and mentoring participating teams, reaffirming the forum’s commitment to providing a genuine platform for learning, development, professional networking, and exchange of expertise among youth, experts, and entrepreneurs.
The forum also included an interactive workshop entitled “The Future of Entrepreneurship in Renewable Energy in the Arab World,” which discussed the most prominent opportunities and challenges facing startups in the energy sector and the importance of building effective Arab partnerships that support innovation and accelerate the growth of green technology projects.
The first day concluded with a specialized session on research-based entrepreneurship and technology transfer, during which participants discussed the importance of transforming scientific knowledge into products and services with economic and developmental value, and strengthening linkages between research centers, industry, and markets to support the knowledge economy and achieve sustainable development.
