The third edition of “Waha Connect: Shaping the ICT Horizon” kicked off today at the Borg El Arab Technology Park, gathering an elite lineup of ICT industry leaders, entrepreneurs, experts, and students. The event comes as part of Silicon Waha’s ongoing commitment to empowering young talents and strengthening Egypt’s governorates as emerging hubs for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
Inspiring Startup Stories and New Investment Opportunities
This year’s edition of Waha Connect showcases inspiring success stories from local startups and brings together distinguished speakers from both the public and private sectors. The event also features networking activities designed to foster collaboration, encourage partnerships, and unlock new investment opportunities.
Intelcia and ITIDA Join as Key Partners
This year, the event proudly welcomed Intelcia, the global leader in outsourcing services, as a strategic sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to creating direct employment opportunities for youth in Alexandria and beyond. Intelcia set up a dedicated booth to recruit talented participants seeking new career opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) joined as a community partner, integrating the closing ceremony of the “Future Mobility & Sustainable Transportation Hackathon”, which awarded total cash prizes of EGP 60,000 to three winning teams specializing in smart and sustainable transportation solutions.
Remarks by Silicon Waha’s CEO
During his opening remarks, Mr. Hashem Mansi, CEO of Silicon Waha, stated:
“The third edition of Waha Connect marks a new milestone in our efforts to promote a culture of digital innovation beyond the capital. Through this platform, we aim to connect creative ideas with real growth opportunities. We firmly believe that Borg El Arab Technology Park can serve as a launchpad for a thriving business community that supports Egypt’s digital economy and attracts fresh investment.”
Intelcia’s Perspective on Empowering Egyptian Youth
Mr. Ahmed Youssef, General Manager of Intelcia Egypt, added:
“Our participation as a strategic partner in Waha Connect reflects our deep belief in investing in Egyptian youth. We are not only supporting the event but also opening doors for employment and professional development for local talents in Alexandria while fostering a workplace culture centered on innovation and operational excellence.”
Distinguished Speakers and Topics
- Mr. Ahmed Youssef – General Manager of Intelcia Egypt, presented “Reimagining the Customer Experience: Intelcia’s Journey in Egypt’s Contact Center Industry.”
- Eng. Hossam Abdelkader – Head of the Central Department for Entrepreneurship at GAFI, discussed initiatives under “Fekretak Sherketak,” supporting over 150,000 entrepreneurs.
- Mr. Ahmed Abdallah – COO at Egypt Post for Investment and Board Member at Silicon Waha, presented “From Ideas to Impact: Entrepreneurs’ Journey Toward Thriving SMEs in Egypt.”
Innovative Startup Projects
- Mina Tharwat, Founder and CEO of InsuCare, developed a smart insulin pump simulating the pancreas’ natural function.
- Mohamed Nasser, Founder and CEO of Prengo, offers educational tools and curricula to teach children engineering and coding fundamentals.
- Reem Yasser, leader of the Smart Ambulance Project, developed software that transmits patient data and video updates to hospitals in real time. The project received EGP 600,000 in funding under the “GEN-Z” program.
Winning Team: Etigah and Smart Navigation Innovation
The winning team, Etigah, led by Eng. Osama Khaled, presented a groundbreaking smart navigation solution that helps users “find their way anywhere.” It combines advanced indoor and outdoor navigation systems with accessibility-focused mapping, making movement in public spaces smoother and more inclusive.
Over 250 Participants Shaping Egypt’s Digital Future
The event brought together over 250 participants, including 50 prominent ICT industry leaders and 200 university students, reinforcing Waha Connect’s role as a leading platform shaping Egypt’s digital transformation and innovation ecosystem.
