Plug and Play Launches Aswan Bootcamp Series for Upper Egypt Startups

Plug and Play, the world's leading global innovation and venture capital platform, announced the launch of its Aswan Bootcamp Series in partnership with USAID-EGA (Economic Governance Activity). Supported by ITIDA and the Creativa Innovation Hubs, this initiative is designed to empower 60 tech-enabled startups in Upper Egypt, driving regional innovation and fostering sustainable growth across Egypt. 

Plug and Play, ranked 2023’s Most Active Global VC (Pitchbook), has a proven track record of fostering successful ventures and driving innovation in over 43 countries worldwide. With a portfolio boasting 30+ unicorns, including PayPal, Guardant Health, N26, and Flutterwave, the Aswan Bootcamp Series builds on the success of our flagship program in Cairo, specifically designed to unlock Upper Egypt’s potential as a rising innovation hub. 

The program officially kicked off on November 19th at the Aswan Creativa Innovation Hub, with the attendance of H.E. Amr Talaat, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of ITIDA, and Ritu Tariyal, Deputy Mission Director of USAID in Egypt. Over the next six months, five cohorts of startups will participate in eight-day in-person workshops followed by two weeks of tailored mentorship. Startups will gain access to Plug and Play’s global network, benefiting from international exposure, investor connections, and comprehensive guidance on key strategies such as market development, financial management, scalability, and growth.

“Upper Egypt represents a scalable market and a wealth of talent. We are aware and confident about the opportunities it offers—not only as a VC but also as an enabler,” Karima El Hakim, Country Director for Egypt, Africa Ventures - Plug and Play, tells StartupScene. “Supporting the founders of this emerging ecosystem has always been a goal of ours, especially following our success with our Smart Cities Accelerator located in Cairo. Our ambition is to build stronger, longer bridges from Aswan to the rest of the world—without needing a pitstop in the capital.” 

Participants will benefit from continued mentorship and invaluable networking opportunities, connecting them to investors and experts along with exposure to Cairo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, paving the way for sustained growth and impactful governance. As part of the program, Plug and Play will host a flagship event to showcase Aswan’s economic potential as a gateway for global engagement. 

The program also includes youth-focused initiatives, such as a hackathon aimed at university students, recent graduates, and young adults aged 18 to 35. This effort fosters a collaborative environment for learning and innovation while ensuring sustainability through partnerships with local enablers. 

The first cohort features 12 startups from Aswan, Assiut, Fayoum, Minya, Sohag, and Qena. Startups in agri-tech, health-tech, e-commerce, tourism, and gov-tech are encouraged to apply for future cohorts.

Learn more and apply now at the Aswan Bootcamp Series Website.