Connect Waha Returns for Seventh Edition with Focus on Egyptian Industrial Innovation and Investment
Silicon Waha for Technological Zones has kicked off the seventh edition of Connect Waha at its Sadat City technology zone, with Delta Technological University hosting the event under the leadership of its President, Professor Wagih El-Askary.
The gathering brings together government representatives, business executives, investors, academics, entrepreneurs and students to explore ways of connecting technological innovation with Egypt's industrial and economic priorities.
The initiative is designed to create stronger links between companies and academic institutions, give young innovators greater access to industry expertise and investment opportunities, and encourage the development of technology-based solutions that respond to real market demands.
Platform Seeks to Turn Youth Innovation into Business Opportunities
Hashem Mounsi, CEO and Managing Director of Silicon Waha for Technological Zones, described Connect Waha as a platform for building practical connections between industrial needs, investment opportunities and emerging talent.
He said the seventh edition focuses on bringing companies closer to young innovators and helping them develop ideas into solutions that can be applied in real business environments.
The programme includes business-focused discussions, student project showcases and the Impact for Tech competition, providing opportunities for young participants to present their work to industry and investment representatives.
Egypt Post Investment Supports Young Technology Entrepreneurs
Egypt Post Investment is taking part as the strategic partner, reinforcing the event's focus on entrepreneurship and the development of promising technology projects.
Ahmed Ali Abdelrahman, CEO and Managing Director of the company, said supporting innovation and young talent is central to investing in Egypt's future.
The company is also backing the Impact for Tech competition with a total of EGP 40,000 in prizes. The winning teams will receive EGP 18,000 for first place, EGP 13,000 for second place and EGP 9,000 for third place.
The financial support is intended to help young innovators advance their projects and explore opportunities to turn their ideas into sustainable business ventures.
Investment and Workforce Development Take Centre Stage
One of the programme's key presentations, delivered by Amr Abou Alam, Chairman of LOTUS Management & Consulting and Board Member of Silicon Waha, examines the factors that make a project attractive to investors.
Under the title "From Opportunity to Investment: What Makes a Project Worth Supporting?", the presentation addresses scalability, growth prospects, market demand and funding readiness.
The event also features a session by Egypt Post Investment's CEO on the role of investment in entrepreneurship and innovation, alongside a contribution from Dr. Ayman El-Bayaa on industrial development and digital transformation.
Two panel discussions form part of the programme. The first, "The Growth Equation: Investment × Technology × Industry", explores how cooperation across these fields can support industrial development and sustainable business expansion.
The second, "The Missing Link: Talent – Connecting Business Needs with Qualified Skills", focuses on workforce readiness and the importance of aligning education and professional training with employers' requirements.
Student Projects and Technology Competition Showcase Emerging Talent
Two exhibitions are being held to present projects developed by university and school students.
Delta Technological University students are showcasing technical projects across industrial and technology-related fields, while a separate exhibition for school students is organised by the Talented Students and Smart Learning Department in Menoufia Governorate, with support from Scope for Training and Human Resources Development.
The Impact for Tech competition, organised in cooperation with ITIDA and the Egypt Makes Electronics initiative, gives young innovators an opportunity to present solutions addressing practical industrial challenges.
The judging panel includes representatives from Egypt Post Investment, Delta Technological University and ITIDA, combining business and academic expertise in evaluating the projects.
Industrial Modernisation Centre Connects Manufacturers with Innovators
The Industrial Modernisation Centre is supporting Connect Waha by encouraging manufacturers to attend the event, explore student projects and identify solutions that could help address operational challenges in industrial facilities.
The event is also supported by Aura Communication as content partner and Scope for Training and Human Resources Development as community partner, with Delta Technological University serving as host.
Through its seventh edition, Connect Waha continues to promote collaboration between education, industry, investment and technology, with the aim of developing young talent and creating practical pathways for innovation to contribute to Egypt's industrial growth.