Top 20 Upcoming Startup Opportunities for MENA Entrepreneurs
Hey MENA entrepreneurs!
Ready to elevate your startup to new heights?
Then dive into our curated list of 20 top programs tailored just for you.
From incubators and accelerators to competitions and pre-accelerator programs, we've gathered the best opportunities to help you turn your innovative ideas into successful ventures.
Let's get started!
Incubator Programs
Orange Corners - Erbil Startup Incubator
Type: Incubator Program
Industry: General
For Who: Aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative startup ideas
Location: Erbil, Iraq
The Orange Corners Erbil Startup Incubator offers a four-month proprietary entrepreneurship training program. The program includes practical training sessions focused on three tracks: "Design," "Build," and "Lead." Participants will emphasize "Design" initially, integrate "Build" throughout, and focus on "Lead" in the latter stages. The incubator will accept 20 to 24 participants, supporting the best startup ideas in the region to help them launch and become market-ready.
Learn more about the Orange Corners Erbil Startup Incubator
The Dubai Food Incubator Program 2024
Type: Incubator Program
Industry: Food and Beverage, Gastronomy
For Who: Aspiring restaurateurs and food entrepreneurs
Location: Dubai, UAE
The Dubai Food Incubator Program 2024 seeks innovative minds in the gastronomy sector. If you are an aspiring restaurateur with a groundbreaking idea in food delivery or Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), this program is for you. Join us to transform your culinary vision into the next big thing in the food industry.
Learn more about The Dubai Food Incubator Program 2024
Accelerator Programs
Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst Program
Type: Accelerator Program
Industry: Early Childhood Development
For Who: Startups focused on families and children aged 0-8
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Anjal Z Program, in partnership with Techstars, is designed for startups addressing early childhood development. The program aligns with ECA's pillars: Health & Nutrition, Early Care & Education, Child Protection, and Family Support. It offers two tracks: the Ignite Track for early-stage startups and the Launch Track for more established startups. Selected startups in the Launch Track can receive up to $270,000 in equity-free funding and an all-expenses-paid trip to Abu Dhabi. This opportunity allows them to collaborate with local entities and deliver innovative solutions to the community with a proof of concept project.
Learn more about the Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst Program
Sedrah Accelerator
Type: Accelerator Program
Industry: Environmental Sector
For Who: Startups in the environmental sector
Location: Global
The Sedrah Accelerator is a 12-week intensive program designed to enhance the entrepreneurship ecosystem within the environmental sector. The program supports startups in launching innovative products and provides access to a curated network of local and global industry experts, international markets, and leading venture capital firms. Propel your startup's growth and achieve global recognition through this unique opportunity.
Learn more about the Sedrah Accelerator
HEALTHX
Type: Accelerator Program
Industry: Healthcare
For Who: Startups in the healthcare sector
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
HEALTHX is an accelerator program dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare. In partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, this program offers unparalleled support and resources to innovative healthcare startups. Join HEALTHX to bring your groundbreaking healthcare solutions to life and transform the industry.
Sanabil 500 MENA Seed Accelerator Program
Type: Accelerator Program
Industry: General
For Who: Early-stage startups in the MENA region
Location: MENA Region
The Sanabil 500 MENA Seed Accelerator Program, a collaboration between Sanabil Investments and 500 Global, focuses on accelerating early-stage startups in the MENA region. This program provides funding, mentorship, and strategic support to help startups scale and succeed in competitive markets.
Learn more about the Sanabil 500 MENA Seed Accelerator Program
SANDBOX Startup Accelerator
Type: Accelerator Program
Industry: Technology
For Who: Pre-Seed to Seed-stage tech startups
Location: Dubai, UAE
SANDBOX, the flagship Startup Accelerator from Oraseya Capital, is calling ambitious founders to join its latest cohort. Starting in mid-August 2024, this 5-month program is designed for pre-Seed to Seed-stage tech startups. SANDBOX offers a $150,000 investment, over $1 million in in-kind credits, and personalized mentoring from industry experts. Participants will also gain exposure to VCs and investors across the MENA region.
Learn more about the SANDBOX Startup Accelerator
Women in Tech Accelerator Program
Type: Accelerator Program
Industry: Technology
For Who: Women entrepreneurs in the tech industry
Location: Global
Standard Chartered’s Women in Tech Accelerator Program offers women entrepreneurs a unique platform to unleash their potential, overcome barriers, and accelerate their business ventures. Part of a global Women in Tech initiative, the program operates successfully in multiple countries, creating a powerful global network of empowered women in tech. In collaboration with C3, the program provides unparalleled support, mentorship, and the chance to win up to USD 150,000 in equity-free prize money to propel the success of 10 women-led startups.
Learn more about the Women in Tech Accelerator Program
Web3 Accelerator Program
Type: Accelerator Program
Industry: Web3, Blockchain
For Who: Startups in the Web3 and blockchain sectors
Location: Global
The Startup Wise Guys Web3 Accelerator Program offers a tailored approach with guidance and support from world-class mentors and experts. This program helps startups navigate challenges, revolutionize their go-to-market strategy, and bring their best efforts to the table. Participants will gain valuable insights and resources to accelerate their growth in the Web3 and blockchain industry.
Learn more about the Web3 Accelerator Program
PropteX Program
Type: Accelerator Program
Industry: PropTech
For Who: Entrepreneurs in the PropTech industry
Location: Egypt
The PropteX Acceleration Program focuses on supporting startups in the PropTech industry, aiming to develop sustainable and smart cities, innovative workplaces, and communities. Powered by PARAGON and Startup Factory, this 9-week intensive program provides resources, mentorship, and business development support to visionary entrepreneurs. Participants will gain valuable insights and skills to accelerate their ventures in the dynamic PropTech landscape.
Learn more about the PropteX Program
Scale Up Initiative
Type: Accelerator Program
Industry: General
For Who: Entrepreneurs and startups
Location: Damascus and Aleppo, Syria
The Scale Up initiative in Damascus offers 40 days of intensive workshops, continuous expert guidance, and the chance to win up to 150 million Syrian pounds. Join to turn your ideas into successful projects and achieve sustainable growth.
Pre-Accelerator Programs
Climate Tech Bootcamp
Type: Pre-Accelerator Program
Industry: Climate Tech, New Energy
For Who: Climate tech and new energy entrepreneurs
Location: South Louisiana, USA
Apply to NETI's Climate Tech Bootcamp Cohort 2.0, a 10-week pre-accelerator program powered by the Climate Tech Bootcamp, OHUB, and Greater New Orleans Inc. This program is part of H2TheFuture, a Build Back Better Regional Challenge of The Economic Development Administration. It is designed for climate tech and new energy entrepreneurs worldwide who are interested in building or expanding in South Louisiana. Five founders from the program will have the opportunity to pitch for a $50,000 investment on the terms of their current round.
Learn more about the Climate Tech Bootcamp
Heya Raeda Program
Type: Empowerment Program
Industry: General, Technology
For Who: Women entrepreneurs leveraging technology
Location: Online
Heya Raeda Program is an annual six-day empowerment journey tailored for women entrepreneurs using technology in their businesses. The program includes 15 cycles of focused online sessions and personalized mentorship, covering key areas such as technology integration, finance fundamentals, and marketing. It aims to foster innovation and build strong business foundations for women-led startups.
Learn more about the Heya Raeda Program
The Digital Entrepreneurship Program (DEP)
Type: Online Course
Industry: General, Digital Entrepreneurship
For Who: Aspiring digital entrepreneurs
Location: Online
The Digital Entrepreneurship Program (DEP) is an 8-week online course featuring 60 hours of prerecorded video training, practical assignments, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. Participants will also benefit from weekly progress meetings with their peers and mentors from Forward·Inc, ensuring the content is tailored to their individual business ideas.
Learn more about The Digital Entrepreneurship Program (DEP)
Bidaya Bootcamp - مخيم بداية
Type: Bootcamp
Industry: General
For Who: Young adults interested in entrepreneurship
Location: Online
Bidaya Bootcamp is a three-day intensive program designed for young adults interested in entrepreneurship. Whether you are a beginner or have advanced knowledge, this bootcamp offers a dynamic learning environment to enhance your entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. Join us for an exciting journey of learning and growth.
Learn more about Bidaya Bootcamp
Competitions
TiE Women MENA Pitch Day
Type: Competition
Industry: General
For Who: Women entrepreneurs at all stages of their business journey
Location: MENA Region
TiE Women MENA Pitch Day is a prestigious competition designed for women entrepreneurs with a passion for innovation and a drive to make a difference. Whether you are in the early stages of launching your startup or have an established business looking to scale, this program offers a platform to gain visibility, network with industry leaders and investors, and access valuable mentorship.
Learn more about TiE Women MENA Pitch Day
Startupper of the Year Challenge Edition 4
Type: Competition
Industry: General
For Who: Young African entrepreneurs
Location: 32 African countries
The Startupper of the Year Challenge by TotalEnergies returns for its 4th edition, celebrating the company's 100th anniversary. This competition aims to support and encourage young African entrepreneurs to innovate and bring their projects to life in their respective countries. Join this special edition to showcase your ideas and gain the support needed to make them a reality.
Learn more about the Startupper of the Year Challenge by TotalEnergies
D-Prize Global Competition
Type: Competition
Industry: Social Impact
For Who: Entrepreneurs launching new organizations in low-or-middle-income countries
Location: Global
The D-Prize Global Competition awards startup grants of up to $20,000 to entrepreneurs launching new organizations. This competition seeks to support for-profit ventures, NGOs, and charities focused on creating social impact in low-or-middle-income countries where extreme poverty still exists. Join us in making a difference by bringing your innovative solutions to life.
Learn more about the D-Prize Global Competition
L'Oréal BigBang Startup Challenge
Type: Competition
Industry: Beauty, Innovation
For Who: Startups in the beauty and innovation sectors
Location: Global
The L'Oréal BigBang Startup Challenge invites startups to participate in an exciting competition aimed at fostering innovation in the beauty industry. From 2020 to 2023, the challenge received applications from over 1900 startups and selected 40 teams to participate in POC projects and join L'Oréal at CIIE. Recognized as the 'WISE 2021 Open Innovation Leading Enterprise,' L'Oréal continues its collaboration with Oriental Beauty Valley and Business France to invite startups to join this year's challenge.
Learn more about the L'Oréal BigBang Startup Challenge
UN Tourism Women in Tech Startup Competition
Type: Competition
Industry: Tourism, Technology
For Who: Women entrepreneurs in the tech and tourism sectors
Location: Global
The Women in Tech Startup Competition, themed "Investing in People, Planet, and Prosperity," aligns with the UN Tourism Investment Framework. This competition emphasizes education, green transformation, and innovation to develop a sustainable tourism sector. Anchored on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and part of Agenda 2030, this initiative aims to lead the tourism sector's sustainable transformation by creating high-quality jobs and supporting rural and underserved communities.
Learn more about the UN Tourism Women in Tech Startup Competition
And there you have it! 20 amazing programs to kickstart your startup journey in the MENA region. These opportunities are tailored to help you succeed, so take advantage and apply today.
Stay connected with us for more updates,
Until next time,
The Startup3lMashi ستارتب على الماشي Team
About us
Startup3lMashi ستارتب على الماشي is a dynamic newsletter and platform dedicated to empowering the MENA startup ecosystem. It offers founders, investors, and enthusiasts essential insights into the latest news, trends, and opportunities shaping the entrepreneurial landscape in the region
Don’t miss out! —> Subscribe here
Looking for more opportunities? —> Check here
Want to say hi or share a cool story? --> contact@startup3lmashi.com