Jordan's Najahnna Program Awards Grants to 20 Startups from National Hackathon
The Najahnna program for youth economic empowerment in Jordan has awarded financial grants to 20 promising startups. This marks a key milestone in a strategic partnership between Plan International, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, and Orange Jordan, aimed at fostering local innovation.
By the Numbers
20: Startups selected to receive financial grants and incubation.
JOD 13,000: The maximum value of the financial grant awarded to each startup.
100: The number of projects that initially qualified from the national hackathon.
4: Key national priority sectors targeted, including AgriTech and EdTech.
A Collaborative Push for Jordanian Entrepreneurship
The 20 selected startups were chosen from a pool of 100 projects that qualified from the national "Entrepreneurship Hackathon," which was launched by the Ministry of Digital Economy in 2024 as part of its public policy for entrepreneurship. The selection was made by specialized committees representing local institutions, the private sector, and established entrepreneurs.
Comprehensive Support for Early-Stage Ventures
The winning projects will receive comprehensive support to help them develop and scale. This includes:
Financial Grants: Each startup will receive a grant of up to JOD 13,000.
Incubation: The startups are currently being incubated at the Orange Digital Center.
Technical & Mentorship Support: The program provides ongoing training, mentorship, networking, and logistical support, as well as legal and technical guidance tailored to each project's needs.
The ultimate goal is to help these early-stage ventures develop a viable prototype ready for the market.
A Focus on National Priority Sectors
The supported startups operate in various sectors that are considered national priorities for Jordan, including AgriTech, Education, Renewable Energy, and Tourism. Of the selected projects, 60% are at an advanced stage, while 40% are at the idea stage, ensuring a balanced approach to ecosystem development.
Looking Ahead
Orange Jordan emphasized its belief in youth as the primary driver of economic growth and digital transformation. This initiative, as a core component of the "Najahnna" program, confirms a collective commitment to investing in young talent. By providing Jordanian entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and resources, the program aims to help them build innovative solutions that create sustainable jobs and contribute to local development.
Source: Jordan Zad