Deadline: 26-Jun-23
enpact has launched the Development Incubation Program to identify students and recent graduates with innovative ideas that tackle challenges in four economically and socially crucial sectors and support them in building their impact-driven businesses.
An integrated support program for empowering future entrepreneurs to develop practical life skills and create social impact.
Each edition of the program will focus on one of the following sectors: Creative industries, agri-business, tourism, and healthcare. For each edition, 24 – 40 teams will be selected to pitch their ideas in an on-ground idea competition, through which 8 teams will be selected to join a three-month pre-incubator to validate their solutions and create the proof of concept (PoC). Up to four teams will then be selected through a pitch competition to advance to a six-month incubator, the final stage of the program.
Challenges
- They are looking for 24 innovative ideas across four challenges
- Challenge A: Furniture designing
- Problem statement:
- Explore innovative approaches to furniture manufacturing and design that recycle by products of furniture production and second-hand furniture.
- Suggested areas of innovation:
- Design and manufacture furniture products using waste generated from the furniture production process, such as utilizing scrap wood or sawdust to create new materials.
- Develop innovative processes for repurposing or refurnishing second-hand furniture to create unique and sustainable products.
- Explore the potential for utilizing other waste materials, such as plastics or textiles, to create new materials for furniture production.
- Use advanced technologies such as 3D printing or automation to streamline production processes and reduce waste.
- The ultimate goal is to reduce waste generated in the furniture production process while creating unique and sustainable products that can compete in the global market.
- Problem statement:
- Challenge B: Interior designing
- Problem statement:
- Develop innovative and sustainable raw materials locally that can meet the needs of the interior design sector in Egypt.
- Suggested areas of innovation:
- Develop locally manufactured raw materials that are sustainable, eco-friendly, and innovative, such as using recycled materials or natural fibers to create unique textures and patterns.
- Implement cost-effective solutions for sampling and prototyping, such as creating digital models and using 3D printing technology to reduce the need for physical samples.
- Develop sustainable supply chains and logistics to ensure that raw materials can be sourced and delivered efficiently and sustainably.
- Problem statement:
- Challenge C: Handicrafts
- Problem statement:
- Develop innovative solutions that address the limited market access, marketing activities, shortage of traders, and high cost of raw materials and machinery in the handicraft industry. These solutions aim to promote growth, sustainability, and competitiveness in the sector.
- Suggested areas of innovation:
- Establish a well-known and respected brand that produces high-quality handicrafts with a focus on innovation and design. The brand would also have strong marketing abilities to promote and sell the products to a wider audience.
- Develop a solution that connects traders and middlemen with artisans and with potential customers, with an emphasis on ensuring fair payment and supporting the growth of the handicraft sector.
- Invest in the local production of raw materials and machinery, promoting the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials where possible. This would reduce the cost and dependence on imports while supporting local businesses and the economy.
- Problem statement:
- Challenge D: Performing arts
- Problem statement:
- Create innovative solutions that encourage performing artists to use their art to spread awareness about social, economic, and environmental issues.
- Suggested areas of innovation:
- Develop new business models that enable performing artists to monetize their work and reach new audiences, such as subscription-based services, online marketplaces, or merchandise sales.
- Build partnerships with private sector companies, such as banks, tech firms, or tourism agencies, to create new revenue streams for artists and provide them with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
- Develop innovative marketing and distribution strategies to help artists reach new audiences and build their brands.
- Problem statement:
- Challenge A: Furniture designing
How does the program support you?
- Business & technical training
- Throughout the entire program, all teams receive training sessions on related business and technical topics, such as prototyping fundamentals, sustainable development, leadership, digital marketing, communications, etc.
- Financial support
- Each member of the team that advances to the incubation phase will receive direct financial support of 600 EUR/month for six months to support them in turning their ideas into viable solutions.
- Mentoring and coaching
- Experts from enpact’s and Drosos Foundation’s global networks will support the participating teams with dedicated coaching sessions and mentoring from the onset of the pre-incubation phase.
- Workspaces
- Teams will receive access to workstations and maker spaces throughout the program from the onset of the pre-incubation phase.
- Regional landing pad
- Teams will get the opportunity to connect with international experts and potential partners by exploring the European market through a landing pad program in Berlin after completing the incubation phase.
- Networking opportunities
- Teams will also get the opportunity to take part in key industry events and pitch their solutions to international ecosystem players and investors.
Eligibility Criteria
- The following criteria must be fulfilled for the application to be considered:
- Participant
- Participant is a senior student or a fresh graduate (2-3 years of work experience);
- Participant is over 18 years of age;
- Participant shows potential dedication for the upcoming 9 months;
- Participant is able to showcase his/her/their idea;
- Participant’s application is well-crafted, and all the required documents are submitted;
- Participant should be an Egyptian/has valid Egyptian residency.
- Participants from underserved groups such as women, people with disabilities, refugees, or people in remote (in reference to the capital city, Cairo) or rural locations in Egypt are encouraged to apply.
- Target Region
- The program is designed for young entrepreneurs from all over Egypt.
- Idea competitions will take place in a physical format and will be held in Cairo.
- The physical support services, such as workstations and makerspaces, will be availed in Cairo only.
- Training sessions and networking events happening throughout the program will take place online and in a hybrid format.
- Idea
- Idea meets the posted challenge directly or indirectly.
- Idea is innovative/ has an innovative approach that tackles tech, social, and/or ecological to create an impact.
- Idea has the potential for growing and scaling up (scalability).
- Idea should be premature for an early-stage startup (the solution should not be implemented by an already existing startup).
- Participant
For more information, visit enpact.