Egypt unveiled “Egypt Innovate”, a national digital platform powered by artificial intelligence that aims to connect startups, investors and public institutions within a unified innovation ecosystem, officials said.
The platform, described by authorities as the country’s first fully integrated national hub for entrepreneurship, was launched in Cairo during the AI Everything Middle East & Africa exhibition at the Egypt International Exhibition Center, with delegations from more than 30 countries in attendance.
Developed and operated by a consortium led by Entlaq, alongside partners Robusta and Kamelizer, the initiative establishes a public-private partnership intended to streamline collaboration across Egypt’s startup landscape.
The platform brings together startups, investors, incubators, universities, research centres and government entities within a single digital interface designed to improve coordination and access to funding. Authorities say it forms part of a broader national strategy to transition towards a knowledge-based economy driven by technology and innovation.
Ahmed ElZaher, chief executive of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), said the platform leverages data and advanced digital tools to support sustainable economic growth. By centralising information on emerging companies, it aims to make it easier for investors to identify opportunities and assess business models.
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According to officials, Egypt Innovate features a dynamic database showcasing startups’ value propositions and sector focus, enabling more efficient matchmaking between entrepreneurs and potential funders. It also seeks to raise the international visibility of Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, which authorities describe as one of the most active in the Middle East and Africa.
A key component of the platform is its emphasis on Arabic-language content. Policymakers argue that expanding access to technical and entrepreneurial resources in Arabic is critical to digital inclusion and local skills development. By offering guidance, training materials and advisory services in founders’ native language, officials say the initiative lowers barriers to entry and broadens participation in the innovation economy.
Following a pilot phase, the platform now connects 780 entities, including startups, investors, incubators and research institutions. It hosts more than 3,700 pieces of sector-specific content and has attracted over 81,000 registered users, supported by a network of expert advisers, according to organisers.
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The system incorporates a suite of AI-powered tools, including a digital assistant, an interactive ecosystem map and an automated matching mechanism linking startups with relevant investors. A learning centre provides access to training modules, mentorship opportunities and entrepreneurial simulations designed to strengthen business capabilities.
To enhance data accuracy, the platform includes a self-verification mechanism that allows registered entities to update and manage their own profiles. Officials say this approach ensures that information remains current while reducing administrative bottlenecks.
Egypt Innovate joins a series of recent measures aimed at structuring and financing the country’s startup sector. In 2025, Egyptian startups secured nearly $614 million in venture capital and debt financing, according to the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation. Authorities view the figure as evidence of growing investor confidence in the market.
Against this backdrop, the new platform is intended to consolidate data, improve transparency and facilitate access to capital in an increasingly competitive environment. By strengthening links among public institutions, private investors and entrepreneurs, officials say Egypt Innovate will help position the country as a regional hub for innovation and technology-driven growth.
The government has signalled that further digital initiatives are planned as part of its long-term economic reform agenda, with innovation and entrepreneurship identified as central pillars of sustainable development.
Egypt has positioned artificial intelligence as a central pillar of its digital transformation strategy over the past decade, embedding AI within broader economic reform and technology-driven development plans.
The government formally outlined its ambitions with the launch of the National AI Strategy in 2021, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). The strategy set out a framework for governance, capacity building, research, data infrastructure and international cooperation, aiming to deploy AI across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, energy, public services and smart cities.
To coordinate implementation, Egypt established the National Council for Artificial Intelligence, bringing together representatives from government, academia and the private sector. The council is tasked with overseeing policy alignment, regulatory standards and ethical guidelines, as well as promoting partnerships with global technology firms and multilateral institutions.
Egypt’s AI push is closely tied to its broader “Digital Egypt” agenda, which seeks to expand high-speed connectivity, digitise government services and foster a competitive ICT industry. The country has invested in data centres, cloud infrastructure and digital skills training to support these ambitions. Universities have also introduced specialised AI programmes to address talent shortages and develop local expertise.
Public-sector applications have been a particular focus. Authorities have explored AI-powered systems to improve traffic management, automate administrative processes, enhance tax compliance and optimise resource allocation. In healthcare, pilot projects have examined the use of AI in diagnostics and medical imaging, while in agriculture the technology is being tested to boost crop yields and manage water use more efficiently.
Egypt has also sought to position itself as a regional hub for AI innovation in Africa and the Middle East. It has hosted international forums and technology exhibitions in Cairo, including the AI Everything Middle East & Africa, to showcase domestic initiatives and attract foreign investment. Partnerships with global technology companies have aimed to expand research collaboration and knowledge transfer.
On the regulatory front, policymakers have emphasised responsible AI development. Ethical guidelines highlight data protection, transparency and human oversight, reflecting global debates over algorithmic bias and privacy. Egypt’s approach seeks to balance innovation with safeguards, though detailed enforcement mechanisms continue to evolve.
The private sector has played an increasingly prominent role. Egyptian startups are developing AI-based solutions in fintech, e-commerce, logistics and education technology. Venture capital activity has grown in recent years, with investors backing data-driven platforms and automation tools tailored to local and regional markets.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Experts point to gaps in advanced research capacity, uneven digital infrastructure outside major cities and the need for sustained investment in STEM education. Access to high-quality, structured data essential for effective AI deployment is another ongoing constraint.
Nonetheless, officials view AI as a strategic lever for economic diversification, job creation and productivity gains. By integrating artificial intelligence into public administration and private enterprise, Egypt aims to strengthen its competitiveness and reduce reliance on traditional sectors.
The launch of new digital platforms and innovation hubs in 2026 builds on this trajectory, reflecting Cairo’s determination to embed AI at the core of its long-term development model.
